Mark 5:27

KJV

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

KJV (with Strong's)

When she had heard {G191} of {G4012} Jesus {G2424}, came {G2064} in {G1722} the press {G3793} behind {G3693}, and touched {G680} his {G846} garment {G2440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She had heard about Yeshua, so she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his robe;

Berean Standard Bible

When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.

American Standard Version

having heard the things concerning Jesus, came in the crowd behind, and touched his garment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 5:27 describes the pivotal, faith-driven action of a woman suffering from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years. Having heard of Jesus' miraculous power and compassion, she bravely navigated a dense crowd, approaching Him from behind with the singular belief that merely touching His garment would bring about her long-awaited healing, setting the stage for a profound encounter with the Son of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 5:27 is nestled within a larger narrative in Mark's Gospel, specifically the account of Jesus' journey to heal Jairus's daughter, as requested in [Mark 5:22-24](/mark/5-22-24 "Mark 5:22-24 - Jairus's Plea for His Daughter"). As Jesus proceeds, a large multitude surrounds and presses in on Him. The story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) is intentionally interwoven into this journey, serving as a "sandwich" or "intercalation" structure that is characteristic of Mark's writing. This literary device highlights Jesus' immediate responsiveness to individual faith even amidst pressing demands and emphasizes the contrast between the public display of faith (Jairus's plea) and a private, desperate act of faith (the woman's touch). The interruption underscores Jesus' sovereign control over time and circumstances and His profound sensitivity to human suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The woman's condition, a chronic hemorrhage, rendered her ceremonially unclean according to the [Mosaic Law outlined in Leviticus 15:25-27](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges"). This meant she was perpetually ritually impure, unable to participate in temple worship or even touch others without defiling them. Her condition would have led to severe social ostracization, isolating her from family, friends, and community life. Furthermore, the text indicates she had "suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse" ([Mark 5:26](/mark/5-26 "Mark 5:26 - The Woman's Suffering and Desperation")). This detail paints a grim picture of her medical hopelessness and financial ruin, emphasizing the desperation that drove her to Jesus as her last resort. The public nature of the crowd would have made her act even more courageous, as her presence in such a throng was itself a violation of social and religious norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Desperate Faith**. The woman's action is not a casual attempt but a culmination of her hearing about Jesus' power, leading to a deep conviction that even a clandestine touch would suffice. Her belief, further articulated in [Mark 5:28](/mark/5-28 "Mark 5:28 - The Woman's Belief"), signifies a profound trust in Jesus' inherent ability to heal. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Accessibility and Compassion**. Despite being surrounded by a "press" and on an urgent mission to Jairus's house, Jesus is not oblivious to the quiet act of faith. His immediate awareness of power leaving Him ([Mark 5:30](/mark/5-30 "Mark 5:30 - Jesus' Awareness of Power")) demonstrates His divine sensitivity and willingness to engage with individuals, regardless of their social standing or perceived unworthiness. Finally, the narrative underscores the **Power of Jesus' Divine Presence**. The healing occurs not through a spoken word or a direct command, but through a physical touch of His garment, signifying that divine power emanates from Jesus Himself, capable of overcoming all human limitations and ceremonial barriers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb (G191) means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, come to the ears, or understand. In this context, it signifies not merely passive reception of sound, but an active, attentive listening that led to comprehension and belief. Her action was a direct result of having heard reports about Jesus' miraculous works and teachings, cultivating a deep-seated hope and conviction that He was her only solution.
* **press (Greek, _óchlos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a vehicle," this term (G3793) refers to a throng, multitude, or rabble. It emphasizes the dense, unruly crowd surrounding Jesus, making it incredibly difficult for anyone, especially a weak and ceremonially unclean woman, to approach Him. The word highlights the physical obstacle and social challenge she overcame through sheer determination.
* **touched (Greek, _háptomai'_):** This reflexive verb (G680) means "to attach oneself to" or "to touch" in many implied relations. It suggests a deliberate, intentional, and perhaps even clinging touch, rather than an accidental brush. For the woman, this touch was an act of profound faith, believing that a direct connection, however slight, to Jesus' person or possessions would transfer His healing power to her.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When she had heard of Jesus":** This opening phrase establishes the foundation of the woman's action: her faith was not spontaneous but informed. She had received reports or testimonies about Jesus' miraculous healings and teachings, which ignited hope within her. This "hearing" implies a level of understanding and conviction that Jesus possessed the power to heal her, even after twelve years of suffering and failed medical treatments.
* **"came in the press behind":** This describes the immense physical and social challenge the woman faced. The "press" (Greek: _óchlos_) refers to the dense, pushing crowd, making movement difficult. Her coming "behind" suggests a desire for discretion, perhaps due to her ritual uncleanness which would have made public interaction forbidden and dangerous, or simply an attempt to avoid drawing attention to herself in her desperate state. It highlights her humility and determination to reach Jesus despite formidable obstacles.
* **"and touched his garment":** This is the climactic act of faith. Instead of seeking a direct audience or a spoken word, she believed that even contact with Jesus' clothing (specifically, as parallel accounts suggest, the hem or fringe of His outer garment) would be sufficient. This action demonstrates a profound belief in the inherent, radiating power of Jesus, a power that transcended conventional means of healing and could be accessed even indirectly through His clothing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Synecdoche** is present in "touched his garment," where a part (the garment) represents the whole (Jesus' person and power). This highlights the woman's belief that even the periphery of Jesus' presence carried divine efficacy. **Irony** is also evident: a woman considered ritually unclean by society, whose touch would defile others, is the one who, by touching Jesus, receives cleansing and healing. This subtly critiques the rigid interpretations of purity laws that often overlooked human suffering. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing** by hinting at the immense power that emanates from Jesus, a power that is not limited by physical barriers or social conventions, setting the stage for the revelation of her healing and Jesus' subsequent affirmation of her faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 5:27 serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless compassion of Jesus. Theologically, it underscores that God's healing power is not confined to specific rituals or direct requests but can be accessed through a sincere, even desperate, act of belief. The woman's story challenges conventional notions of purity and social exclusion, demonstrating that Jesus' redemptive work extends to those marginalized by society and religious law. Her healing, initiated by a touch of faith, illustrates that Jesus is the ultimate source of life and wholeness, capable of restoring what twelve years of suffering and human effort could not. This encounter highlights Jesus' divine nature, as power emanates from Him, confirming His unique status as the Son of God who brings liberation from all forms of bondage—physical, social, and spiritual.

* [Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - The Woman with the Hemorrhage")
* [Luke 8:43-48](/luke/8-43-48 "Luke 8:43-48 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:27 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. Her desperate act of faith reminds us that true faith often arises from a place of deep need and a conviction that Jesus is the only one who can truly help. In our own lives, we may face "issues of blood"—chronic problems, emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that have drained our resources and left us feeling isolated and hopeless. This verse challenges us to move beyond our limitations, societal stigmas, or past failures and to actively seek Jesus. Like the woman who pressed through the crowd, we are called to persevere in our pursuit of Him, believing that even a "touch" of faith—a sincere prayer, an act of obedience, or a humble turning to Him—can unleash His transformative power. Her story assures us that Jesus is never too busy, too distant, or too concerned with other matters to notice and respond to the quiet, desperate cries of a believing heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "issues of blood" (chronic problems, deep needs) in your life are you bringing to Jesus with desperate faith?**
* **What "press" or obstacles (fear, doubt, social stigma, past failures) are preventing you from reaching out to Jesus fully?**
* **How has hearing about Jesus' power and compassion fueled your own faith and motivated you to seek Him?**
* **In what practical ways can you "touch His garment" today, demonstrating your belief in His power and presence?**

### FAQ

**Why did the woman only touch Jesus' garment instead of speaking to Him directly?**

Answer: The woman's decision to touch Jesus' garment, rather than speak to Him directly, likely stemmed from a combination of factors rooted in her desperate situation and cultural context. Firstly, her condition—a chronic hemorrhage—rendered her ceremonially unclean under the [Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:25-27)](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges"). This meant she was forbidden from public interaction and would defile anyone she touched. Approaching Jesus directly and speaking would have publicly exposed her uncleanness, potentially leading to rebuke or further ostracization. Secondly, she had already suffered for twelve years, spending all her money on doctors with no improvement ([Mark 5:26](/mark/5-26 "Mark 5:26 - The Woman's Suffering and Desperation")). This long history of failure likely fostered a sense of humility and desperation, leading her to believe that even a clandestine, indirect touch would be enough. Her faith was so profound that she believed Jesus' power was so potent it could be accessed even through His clothing, as stated in [Mark 5:28](/mark/5-28 "Mark 5:28 - The Woman's Belief"): "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:27, though a physical miracle, powerfully foreshadows and embodies the spiritual healing offered through Jesus Christ. Her twelve years of suffering and ritual uncleanness represent humanity's chronic spiritual sickness and separation from God due to sin, a condition that no human effort or law could remedy. Just as her touch of Jesus' garment brought immediate physical wholeness, so too does faith in Christ bring spiritual cleansing and reconciliation. Jesus, the Great Physician, not only heals physical ailments but addresses the deepest human need: sin. His power, which flowed from Him to heal her, is the same divine power that was fully unleashed on the cross, where He bore our infirmities and by His stripes, we are healed ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). The woman's desperate act of reaching out for life from the "press" of her suffering mirrors humanity's need to reach out to the one who offers abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Her story is a vivid illustration that through faith, we can "touch" the very person of Christ, receiving not just physical restoration but eternal life and freedom from the defilement of sin, becoming clean and whole in His sight ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:12

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Matthew 14:36

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Mark 6:56

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

2 Kings 13:21

And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.