Mark 5:33

Commentary on Mark 5:33

Mark 5:33 is a pivotal moment in the well-known account of Jesus healing the woman with an issue of blood. After secretly touching Jesus' garment and being instantly healed, the woman is confronted by Jesus' question, "Who touched my clothes?" (see Mark 5:30). This verse describes her profound reaction to being identified and the subsequent revelation of her story.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' inquiry about who touched Him, despite His disciples' confusion. The woman, who had suffered for twelve years with a debilitating hemorrhage (Mark 5:25), had been made ritually unclean by her condition according to Levitical law. Her touching of Jesus would have, by societal standards, made Him unclean. However, Jesus' power superseded these regulations, and He knew precisely "what was done in her"—that power had gone out from Him and she had been healed.

Key Themes

• Fear and Trembling: The woman's reaction of "fearing and trembling" highlights her deep apprehension. This wasn't merely fear of punishment, but likely a mix of awe at the divine power she had experienced, anxiety over being discovered, and perhaps a sense of unworthiness in Jesus' presence. It underscores the profound impact of her encounter with the Holy.
• Divine Knowledge and Omniscience: Jesus' prior knowledge of her healing (Mark 5:30) and her condition before she confessed demonstrates His supernatural insight. He already knew "what was done in her," emphasizing His divine nature and the omniscience of God.
• Honesty and Confession: Despite her fear, she "told him all the truth." This act of transparency is crucial. It signifies her willingness to step out of the shadows, acknowledge the miracle, and testify to Jesus' power. Her confession sets the stage for Jesus' powerful affirmation of her faith in Mark 5:34.
• Faith and Wholeness: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, her action of coming forward is an extension of the faith that prompted her to touch Jesus in the first place. Her public confession contributes to her complete healing—not just physically, but also spiritually and socially.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fearing and trembling" translates the Greek words phoboumenē (fearing) and tremousa (trembling), which together describe a profound emotional state, often associated with encountering the divine or facing a powerful authority. It’s a fear born of awe and apprehension, not just simple fright. The phrase "told him all the truth" uses the Greek word alētheian (truth), signifying a complete and unreserved disclosure of her situation, her suffering, and the miracle that had occurred.

Practical Application

Mark 5:33 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Transparency Before God: Like the woman, we are called to be honest and transparent with God, even when it's difficult or brings fear. He already knows our hearts and our circumstances (Psalm 139:4), and confession opens the door for deeper healing and affirmation.
• Overcoming Fear with Faith: The woman's fear was real, but her willingness to come forward and speak the truth demonstrated a faith that transcended her apprehension. This encourages us to trust in God's grace even when we feel vulnerable or unworthy.
• The Power of Testimony: Her confession served as a powerful testimony to Jesus' healing power. Our own stories of God's work in our lives, shared authentically, can bring glory to Him and encourage others.
• Jesus' Compassion: Jesus did not condemn her fear but rather drew her out to bring her full healing and a public affirmation of her faith, demonstrating His profound compassion and desire for complete restoration.