Mark 5:31

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Thou seest {G991} the multitude {G3793} thronging {G4918} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} sayest thou {G3004}, Who {G5101} touched {G680} me {G3450}?

His talmidim responded, "You see the people pressing in on you; and still you ask, `Who touched me?'"

His disciples answered, “You can see the crowd pressing in on You, and yet You ask, ‘Who touched Me?’”

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Context

Mark 5:31 is set amidst a bustling scene where Jesus is surrounded by a vast multitude. Just prior to this verse, Jesus had felt power go out of Him after a woman, suffering from a debilitating issue of blood for twelve years, touched the hem of His garment (as described in Mark 5:25-27). Jesus then asks, "Who touched my clothes?" The disciples' bewildered response in this verse highlights the sheer physical reality of the situation: how could Jesus ask such a question when He was literally being pressed and jostled by countless people? Their perspective was entirely human, focused on the overwhelming external circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Divine Perception vs. Human Perception: This verse starkly contrasts the disciples' limited, physical understanding with Jesus' profound spiritual awareness. While they saw only a chaotic crowd, Jesus discerned a specific, faith-filled touch that drew out His healing power. This illustrates that God perceives beyond superficial interactions.
  • The Nature of Faith: The disciples' question underscores that not all physical contact is equal in spiritual significance. Many were "thronging" Jesus, but only one touch was infused with the kind of faith that connected with His divine power, leading to a miraculous healing. This emphasizes the importance of genuine faith.
  • Jesus' Unique Awareness: Despite the overwhelming crowd, Jesus knew precisely that a unique spiritual transaction had occurred. This demonstrates His supernatural insight and awareness, far beyond mere human senses or the disciples' comprehension.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV word "thronging" (sometimes rendered as "pressing" or "crowding" in other translations) comes from the Greek word synthlibo (συνθλίβω). This term vividly describes being "pressed together," "crowded," or even "crushed." It powerfully conveys the intense physical pressure and close proximity of the multitude surrounding Jesus, making the disciples' observation about the crowd's density entirely accurate from a physical standpoint.

Practical Application

Mark 5:31 offers a timeless lesson for our lives today. We can often feel "thronged" by the demands, distractions, and noise of the modern world, making it difficult to discern spiritual realities. This verse reminds us that even amidst the chaos, God is not merely aware of the "crowd" but is intimately aware of each individual. It challenges us to move beyond superficial or casual engagement with our faith to cultivate a deeper, intentional "touch" of faith that draws out His transformative power. It encourages us to seek genuine connection with Christ, trusting that He perceives our needs and responds to our faith, no matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 8:45

    And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press [thee], and sayest thou, Who touched me?

  • Luke 9:12

    And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

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