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.

And {G2532} whithersoever {G3699}{G302} he entered {G1531}, into {G1519} villages {G2968}, or {G2228} cities {G4172}, or {G2228} country {G68}, they laid {G5087} the sick {G770} in {G1722} the streets {G58}, and {G2532} besought {G3870} him {G846} that {G2443} they might touch {G680} if {G2579} it were but {G2579} the border {G2899} of his {G846} garment {G2440}: and {G2532} as many {G3745} as {G302} touched {G680} him {G846} were made whole {G4982}.

Wherever he went, in towns, cities or country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the tzitzit on his robe, and all who touched it were healed.

And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.

And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, 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.

Commentary

Mark 6:56 vividly portrays the widespread impact of Jesus' healing ministry throughout the region of Gennesaret, immediately following the feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water. This verse encapsulates the intense public demand for Jesus' miraculous power and His boundless compassion.

Historical and Cultural Context

After crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples landed in Gennesaret, a fertile plain known for its population centers. The news of His arrival and His extraordinary abilities spread rapidly. The practice of laying the sick in public places like streets was common in ancient times, allowing healers or prominent figures to address their needs. The specific request to touch the "border of his garment" (Greek: kraspedon) is significant. These were the tassels or fringes worn on the corners of outer garments by Jewish men, a practice rooted in Old Testament law (Numbers 15:38-40, Deuteronomy 22:12). People believed that even a mere touch of this sacred part of His clothing, representing His authority and holiness, could convey healing. This echoes the earlier account of the woman with an issue of blood, who was also healed by touching His garment, demonstrating a deep, if sometimes superstitious, faith in His divine power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Universal Reach: The phrase "whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country" underscores that Jesus' ministry was not confined to a single location but extended to all people, regardless of their dwelling place. His compassion knew no geographical bounds.
  • Faith and Expectation: The people's desperate act of laying the sick in the streets and their earnest plea to touch even the fringe of His garment highlights their profound belief in His ability to heal. Their expectation, even if somewhat misdirected in its focus on the garment itself, was met by Jesus' power.
  • Unconditional Healing: The concluding statement, "as many as touched him were made whole," emphasizes the immediate, complete, and universal nature of Jesus' healing power. There were no prerequisites beyond seeking Him out and making contact, however brief. This affirms His divine authority over sickness and disease.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "border" or "fringe" is kraspedon (κράσπεδον), referring to the ritual tassels worn by observant Jews. This detail connects Jesus to His Jewish heritage and the fulfillment of the Law, while also highlighting the people's understanding (or misunderstanding) of where His power resided. It wasn't the garment itself, but the divine power flowing through Christ that brought healing.

Practical Application

Mark 6:56 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' enduring compassion and His willingness to meet human needs, both physical and spiritual. It encourages us to approach Him with faith, no matter how small, believing in His ability to bring wholeness. Just as people sought Him in every village and city, we are called to seek Him in all circumstances, trusting that His power is still available to those who believe. This verse also teaches us that true healing comes from Christ Himself, not from external objects or rituals, but through a genuine connection with Him. It reminds us that Jesus is accessible and ready to respond to genuine faith, offering life abundantly and wholeness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:20

    And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment:

  • Luke 6:19

    And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

  • Numbers 15:38

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

  • Numbers 15:39

    And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

  • Mark 3:10

    For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

  • Mark 5:27

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

  • Mark 5:28

    For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
← Back