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.

And {G2532} besought {G3870} him {G846} that {G2443} they might {G680} only {G3440} touch {G680} the hem {G2899} of his {G846} garment {G2440}: and {G2532} as many as {G3745} touched {G680} were made perfectly whole {G1295}.

They begged him that the sick people might only touch the tzitzit on his robe, and all who touched it were completely healed.

and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.

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

Commentary

Context

This verse finds Jesus and His disciples in the region of Gennesaret, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, immediately after He walked on water and stilled the storm (see Matthew 14:22-33). Upon their arrival, the news of Jesus' presence spread rapidly throughout the surrounding country. People began bringing all their sick to Him, demonstrating the widespread recognition of His miraculous healing power and His compassionate ministry.

Key Themes

  • Profound Faith: The request of the people to touch "only the hem of his garment" reveals an extraordinary level of faith. They believed that even a slight, indirect physical contact with Jesus was sufficient for healing, underscoring their conviction in His divine power. This powerful display of faith echoes the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:20-22, who also found healing through touching His garment.
  • Jesus' Unbounded Healing Power: The immediate and complete restoration of "as many as touched were made perfectly whole" highlights Jesus' limitless authority over all forms of sickness and disease. His healing is not partial but absolute and comprehensive.
  • Divine Compassion: Jesus' willingness to grant their humble request and heal everyone who came to Him showcases His deep empathy and boundless compassion for suffering humanity. He does not turn away anyone who seeks Him in faith.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hem" in this verse translates the Greek word kraspedon (κράσπεδον). This refers to the tassels or fringes worn on the corners of Jewish garments, in accordance with the Mosaic Law (as commanded in Numbers 15:38-39 and Deuteronomy 22:12). These fringes served as a visual reminder of God's commandments and their covenant relationship with Him. For the people, touching Jesus' kraspedon may have symbolized connecting with His holiness and authority, perhaps even seeing Him as the embodiment of God's presence and law.

The phrase "perfectly whole" comes from the Greek diesōthēsan (διεσώθησαν), which means "to be completely saved," "preserved through," or "made sound." It emphasizes that the healing was not temporary or partial, but a thorough and lasting restoration to full health.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:36 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' enduring power and compassion. It encourages believers to approach Him with simple, unwavering faith, no matter the depth of their need. Just as those in Gennesaret sought even the smallest connection with Jesus, we are called to seek Him in every aspect of our lives, trusting that His presence alone can bring transformation and wholeness. This verse reassures us that Jesus is still capable of bringing complete healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—to those who come to Him in faith, reinforcing the truth that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

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

  • Luke 6:19

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

  • Mark 3:10

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

  • 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:

  • Matthew 9:21

    For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

  • Exodus 28:33

    And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

  • Exodus 28:43

    And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy [place]; that they bear not iniquity, and die: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

  • Acts 3:16

    And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
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