Matthew 14:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:36 powerfully illustrates the profound faith of the people in Gennesaret and the boundless compassion and healing power of Jesus Christ. As news of His presence spread, individuals suffering from various ailments were brought to Him, seeking merely to touch the fringe of His garment. In response to their humble yet unwavering belief, all who touched were immediately and completely restored to health, showcasing Jesus' divine authority over sickness and His readiness to respond to genuine faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two significant miraculous events: Jesus walking on water and stilling the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and Peter's brief attempt to walk on water (see [Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water")). The disciples have just witnessed Jesus' absolute authority over creation. Upon landing in Gennesaret, the narrative shifts from Jesus' power over nature to His power over disease, demonstrating a consistent theme of His divine authority and compassionate ministry. This passage also echoes earlier accounts of Jesus' widespread healing, such as in [Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee") and [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus Teaches and Heals"). The rapid spread of His fame and the people's eager response highlight the growing recognition of His unique identity and power, even if not yet fully understood.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gennesaret was a fertile plain on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, known for its rich agricultural land and dense population. It was a strategic location for Jesus' ministry, allowing Him to reach many people. The practice of touching the "hem" or fringe of a garment (Greek: _kraspedon_) was significant in Jewish culture. These fringes were commanded in the Mosaic Law ([Numbers 15:38-39](/numbers/15-38-39 "Numbers 15:38-39 - The Command for Tassels") and [Deuteronomy 22:12](/deuteronomy/22-12 "Deuteronomy 22:12 - Fringes on Garments")) as a visual reminder of God's commandments and the wearer's covenant relationship with Him. For a sick person to seek healing by touching this part of Jesus' garment indicated not only a belief in His power but possibly an understanding of Him as a righteous, holy man, perhaps even a prophet, through whom God's power could flow. This humble approach also reflects the societal norms where direct, bold demands from the sick might have been less common, making a subtle touch a more culturally appropriate expression of desperate faith.

* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **unlimited scope of Jesus' healing ministry**, demonstrating that His power is not confined to specific ailments or individuals but extends to "as many as touched." This reinforces the theme of Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills prophetic expectations of a healer ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Sicknesses")). Secondly, it highlights the **power of faith**, even in its simplest expression. The people's belief that a mere touch was sufficient speaks volumes about their conviction in Jesus' divine authority, mirroring the faith of the woman with the issue of blood in [Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood"). Thirdly, it showcases Jesus' **profound compassion and accessibility**. He does not turn away anyone who comes to Him in need, embodying the merciful heart of God and His desire to alleviate human suffering. This aligns with the broader theme of Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and suffering throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From the Greek _parakaléō_ (G3870), meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." Here, it conveys an earnest plea or entreaty. The people were not just asking casually but were earnestly imploring Jesus, indicating their desperate need and deep respect for His power.
* **hem (Greek, _kráspedon'_):** From the Greek _kráspedon_ (G2899), meaning "a margin, i.e. (specially), a fringe or tassel." This refers to the ritual tassels worn on the corners of Jewish outer garments, as commanded in the Law. The significance of touching this part of Jesus' garment suggests a belief in His holiness and a desire to connect with His divine power, perhaps seeing Him as embodying the very Law and presence of God.
* **perfectly whole (Greek, _diasṓzō'_):** From the Greek _diasṓzō_ (G1295), meaning "to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc." This word emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the healing. It was not a partial or temporary recovery but a full and lasting restoration to health, highlighting the absolute efficacy of Jesus' power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment:"** This clause reveals the people's humble yet profound faith. They did not demand a direct laying on of hands or a personal word from Jesus, but believed that even indirect, minimal physical contact with His garment—specifically the _kraspedon_ or fringe—would be sufficient for healing. This suggests a deep reverence for Jesus and an extraordinary conviction in His power, recognizing that His divine authority permeated even His clothing. Their request for "only" a touch underscores their humility and the simplicity of their faith.
* **"and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."** This clause highlights the immediate and universal efficacy of Jesus' power. The phrase "as many as touched" emphasizes that no one was excluded; Jesus' healing was available to all who approached Him with this simple faith. The result, "were made perfectly whole," signifies a complete, thorough, and lasting restoration, demonstrating Jesus' absolute authority over all forms of sickness and disease. It affirms that His healing is not superficial but brings about a comprehensive transformation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the people's request, as their belief that *only* touching the hem would heal suggests an almost exaggerated faith in Jesus' pervasive power. The immediate and complete healing of "as many as touched" functions as a form of **affirmation**, validating the people's faith and unequivocally demonstrating Jesus' divine authority. The contrast between the humble, seemingly insignificant act of touching a "hem" and the profound, comprehensive result of being "made perfectly whole" creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, emphasizing that Jesus' power transcends conventional expectations and is activated by even the smallest expression of genuine faith. This narrative also functions as an **exemplum**, providing a concrete example of faith in action and its miraculous outcome for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:36 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of Jesus' power and accessibility. It underscores the truth that God's healing power is not limited by human conventions or expectations, but flows freely to those who approach Him with simple, unwavering faith. The emphasis on "perfectly whole" points to God's desire for holistic restoration—physical, spiritual, and emotional—a theme consistent throughout the biblical narrative. This passage also highlights the compassionate character of Jesus, who readily responds to human suffering and does not withhold His grace from those who seek Him, even in the most humble ways. It reinforces the New Testament teaching that faith, no matter how small, can access the infinite power of God.

* [Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")
* [Luke 6:19](/luke/6-19 "Luke 6:19 - Power Went Out from Him")
* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles and Aprons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:36 offers a timeless encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our access to Jesus' transformative power is not dependent on elaborate rituals or perfect understanding, but on the sincerity and simplicity of our faith. Just as the people in Gennesaret sought merely to touch the hem of His garment, we are invited to approach Jesus with our needs, trusting that even the smallest act of faith can unlock His boundless grace and healing. This passage challenges us to examine the nature of our own faith: do we truly believe that Jesus is capable of making us "perfectly whole" in every area of our lives—spiritually, emotionally, and physically? It calls us to lay aside any pride or self-sufficiency and humbly reach out to Him, confident in His compassion and His power to restore. In a world full of brokenness, this verse stands as a beacon of hope, assuring us that Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, ready to meet us at our point of need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the people's desire to "only touch the hem of his garment" reveal about their understanding of Jesus' power, and how does this challenge or affirm your own faith?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need Jesus to make you "perfectly whole," and how can you approach Him with the same simple, unwavering faith demonstrated by the people in Gennesaret?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate and complete healing of "as many as touched" encourage you to bring your own needs, or the needs of others, to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did the people want to touch only the "hem" of Jesus' garment, and what was its significance?**

Answer: The "hem" (Greek: _kraspedon_) refers to the tassels or fringes worn on the corners of Jewish outer garments, commanded by God in [Numbers 15:38-39](/numbers/15-38-39 "Numbers 15:38-39 - The Command for Tassels") and [Deuteronomy 22:12](/deuteronomy/22-12 "Deuteronomy 22:12 - Fringes on Garments"). These fringes served as a constant visual reminder of God's commandments and the wearer's covenant relationship with Him. For the people, touching Jesus' _kraspedon_ was a profound act of faith. It symbolized connecting with His holiness, His righteousness, and perhaps even seeing Him as the embodiment of God's presence and law. They believed that even this indirect, humble contact with someone so holy and powerful would be sufficient for healing, demonstrating a deep reverence and conviction in His divine authority. This is similar to the woman with the issue of blood who also sought healing by touching Jesus' garment in [Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:36, while a powerful display of Jesus' earthly ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader redemptive work of the Messiah. The physical healing of "as many as touched" foreshadows the spiritual wholeness and salvation offered to all who, by faith, "touch" Jesus through belief in His atoning work. Just as the people in Gennesaret sought a physical connection to receive healing, humanity, in its spiritual brokenness, must connect with Christ, the Great Physician, for ultimate restoration. His willingness to heal everyone who came to Him points to His universal invitation for salvation, as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") declares that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The "perfect wholeness" they experienced physically prefigures the complete spiritual regeneration and reconciliation with God that is available through Christ's sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, Jesus' healing power demonstrated in Matthew 14:36 is a tangible sign of His divine identity and His mission to bring holistic redemption, culminating in the promise of a future where all sickness and sorrow will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

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

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.