Mark 6:56

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:56 vividly portrays the extensive reach and profound impact of Jesus' healing ministry across the region of Gennesaret. Following His miraculous feeding of the five thousand and walking on water, Jesus' presence drew immense crowds, who, driven by desperate need and burgeoning faith, brought their sick to Him in every town and countryside. The verse highlights the people's earnest desire to touch even the fringe of His garment, believing this contact would bring healing, a belief Jesus honored with immediate and universal restoration for all who touched Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in Mark's Gospel (Mark 6:45-56) that immediately follows two monumental miracles: the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) and Jesus walking on water (Mark 6:45-52). The disciples, having just witnessed these displays of divine power, are still struggling to fully grasp Jesus' identity, as noted in [Mark 6:52](/mark/6-52 "Mark 6:52 - Disciples' Hardened Hearts"). Mark 6:56 serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' ongoing compassion and authority, demonstrating that His power was not limited to specific, dramatic events but was consistently available to those who sought Him. It sets the stage for further teachings and confrontations with religious leaders, emphasizing the stark contrast between Jesus' compassionate ministry and the growing opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples landed in Gennesaret, a fertile plain on the northwest shore, known for its dense population and agricultural prosperity. News of Jesus' arrival and His extraordinary abilities spread like wildfire. In ancient Jewish society, it was common practice to bring the sick to public places, such as streets or market squares, hoping for a miraculous intervention from a renowned healer. The specific request to touch the "border of his garment" (Greek: *kraspedon*) is deeply significant. These were the ritual tassels or fringes worn on the four corners of Jewish men's outer garments, a practice commanded by God in [Numbers 15:38-40](/numbers/15-38-40 "Numbers 15:38-40 - The Command for Tassels") and [Deuteronomy 22:12](/deuteronomy/22-12 "Deuteronomy 22:12 - Fringes on Garments"). These fringes served as a visual reminder of God's commandments. The people's belief that touching this sacred part of Jesus' clothing could convey healing echoes the earlier account of the [woman with a hemorrhage](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - The Woman with a Hemorrhage"), highlighting a blend of genuine faith and a cultural understanding of ritual purity and transferred power.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:56 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Authority and Compassion**, demonstrating His supreme power over sickness and His boundless willingness to heal all who come to Him. The widespread healing reinforces the theme of the **Kingdom of God breaking into the present reality** through Jesus' ministry, bringing restoration and wholeness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Faith and Accessibility**, showing that even a seemingly small act of faith—the desire to touch His garment—was sufficient for healing. This accessibility contrasts with the exclusivity often found in religious systems of the day. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes **Jesus' Identity as the Messiah**, as these widespread healings were a hallmark of the Messianic age prophesied in the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Healing in the Messianic Age").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _eisporeúomai'_):** This verb, G1531, means "to enter (literally or figuratively)." In Mark 6:56, it emphasizes Jesus' active movement into various locales—villages, cities, and the countryside. It conveys the deliberate and pervasive nature of His ministry, indicating that He was not confined to one spot but intentionally went to where the people were, bringing His healing presence to every corner of the region.
* **border (Greek, _kráspedon'_):** G2899 refers to a "margin, i.e. (specially), a fringe or tassel." This word specifically denotes the *tzitzit*, the ritual fringes worn by observant Jews on the corners of their outer garments, as commanded in the Mosaic Law. The people's focus on touching this specific part of Jesus' garment reveals their understanding of its symbolic significance as a point of contact with holiness and divine authority, stemming from their cultural and religious background.
* **were made whole (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** G4982 means "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole." In this context, it signifies complete physical restoration from illness. The use of *sṓzō* here is significant because it carries the broader theological meaning of salvation, hinting that Jesus' physical healings were not merely acts of compassion but manifestations of His power to bring holistic salvation—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country":** This clause emphasizes the expansive and unrestrained nature of Jesus' ministry. He was not limited to specific, pre-arranged locations but moved freely and widely, extending His compassion and power to all types of settlements—from small hamlets to larger urban centers, and even the surrounding rural areas. This highlights His universal accessibility and the widespread recognition of His presence.
* **"they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment":** This section vividly portrays the desperate anticipation and profound faith (or perhaps a blend of faith and superstition) of the people. They actively brought their infirm to public thoroughfares, making them accessible to Jesus. Their earnest plea to touch even the smallest part of His clothing—the ritual fringe—underscores their belief that His power was so potent it could be transmitted through even indirect physical contact, reflecting a deep conviction in His divine authority.
* **"and as many as touched him were made whole":** This concluding statement serves as a powerful affirmation of Jesus' boundless healing power and compassion. It emphasizes the immediate, complete, and universal efficacy of His touch (or the touch of His garment). There were no failures, no partial healings, and no prerequisites beyond the act of touching. This demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over all forms of sickness and disease, confirming His divine nature and the authenticity of His Messianic claims.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:56 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country," which emphasizes the comprehensive and widespread nature of Jesus' healing ministry, suggesting that no place was untouched by His presence. This communicates the overwhelming demand for His healing power. **Symbolism** is central to the people's desire to touch "the border of his garment." The *kraspedon* (fringe) was a literal and symbolic reminder of God's commandments and holiness. By seeking to touch it, the people were symbolically reaching out to Jesus' divine authority and purity, believing His power resided within or emanated from His very person, even through His clothing. This act becomes a symbol of faith reaching out to divine power. Furthermore, the phrase "as many as touched him were made whole" demonstrates **Repetition** of a successful outcome, reinforcing the consistent and unfailing nature of Jesus' healing power, creating a sense of awe and wonder at His capabilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:56 profoundly illustrates God's compassionate nature and His desire to bring wholeness to humanity. Jesus' willingness to heal "as many as touched him" underscores that God's grace is not exclusive but extends to all who seek Him, regardless of their social standing or the nature of their affliction. The people's desperate act of reaching out, even if their understanding of the mechanism of healing was imperfect, was met with divine power. This passage teaches that true healing, whether physical or spiritual, flows from a genuine connection with Christ, not from external rituals or objects themselves. It highlights the accessibility of God's power through Jesus, demonstrating that faith, even a small act of it, can unlock extraordinary divine intervention.

* [Matthew 14:35-36](/matthew/14-35-36 "Matthew 14:35-36 - Healings in Gennesaret")
* [Luke 6:19](/luke/6-19 "Luke 6:19 - Power Coming from Jesus")
* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles and Garments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:56 serves as a timeless testament to Jesus' enduring compassion and His unwavering willingness to meet human needs. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own faith and the extent of our reliance on Christ. Just as the people in Gennesaret desperately sought Jesus, bringing their sick to Him in every public space, we are called to bring our needs—our illnesses, our anxieties, our brokenness, and our spiritual emptiness—directly to Him. This passage encourages us to approach Him with a tenacious, expectant faith, believing that His power is just as available today as it was then. It reminds us that true healing and wholeness come from Him alone, not from external remedies or human efforts. Our connection with Christ, however humble or seemingly insignificant, is the conduit for His transformative power, inviting us to trust in His boundless ability to make us whole in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the widespread nature of Jesus' healing ministry in Mark 6:56 encourage you about His accessibility today?**
* **What does the people's desire to touch "the border of his garment" reveal about their faith, and how might this inform your own approach to Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need Jesus to "make you whole," and what specific steps can you take to bring those needs to Him with expectant faith?**

### FAQ

**Did people believe Jesus' garment itself had magical power?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state "magic," the people's desire to touch the "border of his garment" (Greek: *kraspedon*) suggests a belief in a transferable power or holiness. This was rooted in Jewish cultural understanding of the *tzitzit* (fringes) as sacred and a point of contact with God's commandments. It's likely a blend of genuine faith in Jesus' divine power and a cultural understanding that physical proximity or contact with a holy person or object could convey blessing or healing. Jesus, in His compassion, honored this faith, regardless of its precise theological nuance, demonstrating that His power was accessible even through such an indirect means.

**Why did Jesus allow people to touch His garment for healing instead of just speaking a word?**

Answer: Jesus often healed through a word, but He also frequently used touch (e.g., [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper"), [Mark 7:33](/mark/7-33 "Mark 7:33 - Jesus Heals a Deaf Man")). Allowing people to touch His garment served several purposes. Firstly, it accommodated the people's existing cultural and spiritual framework, meeting them where their faith was. For many, physical contact was a tangible expression of faith and a way to believe in the transfer of power. Secondly, it visually and physically demonstrated His accessibility and compassion, showing He was not aloof but intimately involved in their suffering. Thirdly, it underscored that His power was inherent and pervasive, not limited to specific actions or words, but emanating from His very being. Ultimately, Jesus' method of healing was always tailored to the individual or the context, aiming to build faith and reveal God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:56, with its vivid portrayal of widespread physical healing, points profoundly to the ultimate spiritual wholeness offered in Jesus Christ. The people's desperate desire to touch the "border of his garment" foreshadows humanity's desperate need to be reconciled to God, a need fulfilled not by a mere physical touch, but by a spiritual connection to the Person of Christ. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not just to heal physical ailments but to take away the sin of the world, offering a far deeper and more enduring "wholeness" than any physical cure. His pervasive ministry in Gennesaret, reaching "villages, or cities, or country," prefigures the global reach of the Gospel, where His saving power extends to all nations (cf. [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The physical healings were tangible signs of His divine authority and a glimpse into the restorative power of His Kingdom, which culminates in the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more sickness or pain (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Pain")). Thus, Mark 6:56 is a powerful testament to Jesus as the comprehensive healer, whose ultimate mission was to bring holistic salvation—making us truly "whole" in body, soul, and spirit through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection power (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")).

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

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.