Matthew 9:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, a woman {G1135}, which was diseased with an issue of blood {G131} twelve {G1427} years {G2094}, came {G4334} behind {G3693} him, and touched {G680} the hem {G2899} of his {G846} garment {G2440}:

Complete Jewish Bible

A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years approached him from behind and touched the tzitzit on his robe.

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.

American Standard Version

And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:20 introduces a profoundly moving encounter between Jesus and a woman suffering from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years. This verse vividly portrays her desperate, yet resolute, faith as she surreptitiously approaches Jesus from behind, believing that merely touching the fringe of His garment would bring about her long-awaited healing. It sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of Jesus' compassionate power, highlighting His accessibility to the marginalized and His authority over debilitating illness, even before He is fully aware of her touch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This poignant episode is strategically placed within a series of Jesus' miracles in Matthew's Gospel, particularly in chapter 9. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has just called Matthew to be a disciple, dined with tax collectors and sinners, and engaged in discussions about fasting and new wine. Critically, the woman's healing occurs while Jesus is on His way to respond to the urgent plea of [Jairus, a synagogue leader, whose daughter is dying](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea"). The interruption by the woman with the issue of blood serves to highlight Jesus' boundless compassion and divine availability, demonstrating that His healing power is not limited by His immediate destination or schedule, nor by social conventions. It also creates a powerful juxtaposition of a public, requested miracle with a private, faith-driven one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The woman's condition, an "issue of blood" (chronic hemorrhage), rendered her ritually unclean according to [Levitical law](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Discharges"). This meant she was perpetually defiled, making anyone or anything she touched unclean. Consequently, she was an outcast, excluded from public worship, social gatherings, and even physical contact with family and friends. Her twelve years of suffering imply not only physical debilitation but also profound social isolation, economic hardship (having spent all her money on doctors, as noted in parallel accounts), and spiritual distress. Her act of coming "behind him" and touching the "hem of his garment" (Greek: _kraspedon_) was a desperate, yet culturally significant, act. The _kraspedon_ referred to the tassels or fringes worn on the corners of Jewish men's outer garments, commanded by God in [Numbers 15:38-39](/numbers/15-38-39 "Numbers 15:38-39 - Command for Fringes") and [Deuteronomy 22:12](/deuteronomy/22-12 "Deuteronomy 22:12 - Instruction for Tassels"). These fringes served as a visual reminder of God's commandments and the wearer's covenant relationship with Him. By touching this specific part of Jesus' garment, the woman was not merely touching a piece of cloth but symbolically reaching out to His divine authority, covenant faithfulness, and the power of God manifested through Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Desperate Faith**. The woman's long-term suffering and social ostracization culminated in a singular, audacious act of faith. She believed that even a surreptitious touch of Jesus' garment would be enough to cure her, demonstrating an extraordinary conviction in His divine power. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Healing Power and Authority**. This verse foreshadows the immediate and complete healing that follows, underscoring Jesus' absolute authority over sickness and disease, a central aspect of His messianic identity and ministry, as seen in numerous accounts throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Jesus Heals Many"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Inclusivity and Compassion**. Despite her ritual uncleanness, Jesus does not recoil from her touch. This act subtly challenges the rigid social and religious norms of the day, emphasizing Jesus' profound compassion and willingness to reach out to the marginalized and those considered "unclean," a hallmark of His ministry to the outcasts, as demonstrated in [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This interjection, often translated as "lo!" or "see!", serves to draw the reader's immediate attention to a sudden, significant, or surprising event. It heightens the dramatic impact of the narrative, signaling that something remarkable is about to unfold. In this context, it emphasizes the unexpected appearance and action of the woman.
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** While a general term for a female, the use of "a woman" here, rather than a named individual, emphasizes her marginalized status and perhaps her anonymity due to her condition. It highlights her vulnerability and the general nature of human suffering that Jesus encounters and addresses.
* **diseased with an issue of blood (Greek, _haimorrhéō'_):** This compound word literally means "to flow blood" and specifically describes a chronic hemorrhage. Its inclusion immediately conveys the severity and duration of her suffering, which had rendered her ritually unclean and socially isolated for a prolonged period, as detailed in the historical context.
* **touched (Greek, _háptomai'_):** This verb signifies "to attach oneself to" or "to touch" in a variety of relations. Here, it implies a deliberate, albeit fleeting and perhaps desperate, physical contact. It's not a casual brush but an intentional act of reaching out, driven by faith and the belief that power resided in Jesus' very person and even His garments.
* **hem (Greek, _kráspedon'_):** This refers specifically to the border, fringe, or tassel of a garment. As noted in the cultural context, these were the _tzitzit_ worn by devout Jews, serving as a reminder of God's commandments. The woman's specific targeting of this part of Jesus' clothing suggests a deep understanding of its symbolic significance, connecting Jesus to the covenant and the Law, and perhaps a belief that divine power would emanate from this sacred part of His attire.
* **came (Greek, _prosérchomai'_):** This verb means "to approach" or "come near." It indicates a deliberate movement towards Jesus, despite the social and ritual barriers. Her act of "coming behind him" suggests a desire for discretion, perhaps due to her unclean status, or a humble recognition of Jesus' stature, yet it is an active and determined approach born of profound need and faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, a woman":** The opening conjunction "And" connects this event to the ongoing narrative of Jesus' ministry, while "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) immediately draws attention to the sudden and significant appearance of this individual. The introduction of "a woman" (G1135, _gynḗ_) is simple yet profound, setting the stage for a deeply personal encounter that will reveal Jesus' character.
* **"which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years":** This clause provides crucial background, detailing the woman's long-term suffering. "Diseased with an issue of blood" (G131, _haimorrhéō_) describes her chronic hemorrhage, a condition that not only caused physical debilitation but, more significantly in that cultural context, rendered her ritually unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27). The duration, "twelve years" (G1427, _dṓdeka_ G2094, _étos_), emphasizes the prolonged nature of her suffering, highlighting her desperation and the depth of her plight, which likely included social ostracization and financial ruin.
* **"came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment":** This describes her decisive action. "Came behind him" (G4334, _prosérchomai_ G3693, _ópisthen_) suggests a discreet, perhaps humble or even fearful, approach, avoiding direct confrontation due to her unclean status. Yet, her action of "touched" (G680, _háptomai_) is deliberate and active, indicating a profound belief. The object of her touch, "the hem of his garment" (G2899, _kráspedon_ G2440, _himátion_), specifically refers to the tassels or fringes (tzitzit) on Jesus' outer robe, which carried significant symbolic meaning as a reminder of God's commandments and covenant. Her faith was so great that she believed even this indirect, symbolic contact would be sufficient for healing.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices to enhance the narrative's impact. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident as the woman's desperate act of faith and the subsequent healing anticipate Jesus' continued demonstrations of power over sickness and death, particularly in the immediate context of Jairus's daughter. There is subtle **Irony** in the woman's attempt to remain anonymous due to her ritual uncleanness, only for Jesus to publicly affirm her faith and healing, thereby cleansing her not just physically but socially. **Symbolism** is rich in her touching the "hem of his garment" (_kraspedon_), which, as the _tzitzit_, represented God's law and covenant. By touching it, she was not merely touching cloth but symbolically reaching for the divine power and authority embodied in Jesus, the living fulfillment of the Law. The narrative also uses **Juxtaposition**, placing this private, faith-driven healing immediately before the public healing of Jairus's daughter, demonstrating the breadth of Jesus' compassion and power across different social strata and circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This episode profoundly illustrates the power of faith, even when expressed in desperation and humility, to connect with the divine. The woman's long-term suffering and social isolation underscore the pervasive nature of human brokenness, which Jesus came to heal and restore. Her act of touching the hem of Jesus' garment, a seemingly insignificant gesture, becomes a conduit for divine power, demonstrating that God's grace is accessible to all, regardless of their social standing, ritual status, or the severity of their affliction. It challenges the rigid boundaries of ritual purity, showing that Jesus' holiness is not defiled by uncleanness but rather transforms it, bringing cleansing and wholeness. This encounter serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' boundless compassion and His mission to seek out and save the lost, the marginalized, and the suffering.

* [Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")
* [Luke 8:43-48](/luke/8-43-48 "Luke 8:43-48 - Jesus Heals a Woman with a Hemorrhage")
* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - God Works Unusual Miracles Through Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the woman with the issue of blood is a timeless beacon of hope for all who suffer, feel marginalized, or are wrestling with long-standing burdens. Her quiet, determined act of faith teaches us that even a touch, born of deep conviction, can unleash the transformative power of Christ. We are reminded that Jesus is not distant or unapproachable, but intimately present and profoundly compassionate, willing to meet us in our most desperate moments. Her courage to break through social and religious barriers to reach Jesus encourages us to persist in our pursuit of Him, regardless of our perceived unworthiness or the duration of our struggles. This narrative calls us to examine the nature of our own faith: Is it a bold, active faith that reaches out to Jesus, even when circumstances seem insurmountable? Do we believe that His power is sufficient for our deepest needs, even those we might keep hidden? Her story invites us to step out in faith, trusting that Jesus sees us, knows our suffering, and is ready to respond with healing and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "issue of blood" – a chronic struggle, a hidden pain, or a long-standing burden – might you be carrying that you need to bring to Jesus?**
* **In what ways does this woman's desperate yet humble approach challenge your own understanding of how to come to Jesus?**
* **How does Jesus' response to this woman, who was considered ritually unclean, inform your view of His compassion and inclusivity?**
* **What "hem of His garment" are you reaching for in your life today, believing that even a touch will bring healing or breakthrough?**

### FAQ
**Why did the woman only touch Jesus' garment instead of asking Him directly for healing?**

Answer: The woman likely touched Jesus' garment for several reasons, reflecting both her desperate faith and the cultural context. As someone with a chronic "issue of blood," she was ritually unclean according to [Levitical law](/leviticus/15-25-27 "Leviticus 15:25-27 - Laws Concerning Discharges"). This meant she was an outcast, and anyone she touched would also become unclean. Approaching Jesus directly and speaking to Him publicly would have risked defiling Him and drawing condemnation from the crowd. Her act of coming "behind him" and touching only the "hem of his garment" (the _tzitzit_ or fringes, a symbol of divine authority and covenant) was an act of profound humility, discretion, and desperate faith. She believed that Jesus' power was so immense that even an indirect, surreptitious touch would be sufficient to heal her without needing a direct request or public acknowledgment. This demonstrated her deep conviction in His unique divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the woman with the issue of blood serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate source of cleansing, restoration, and life. Her chronic hemorrhage, rendering her perpetually unclean and isolated under the Old Covenant law, vividly prefigures humanity's spiritual condition: defiled by sin and separated from a holy God. Just as her physical touch of Jesus' garment brought immediate and complete physical cleansing, so too does spiritual faith in Christ bring about a radical spiritual cleansing and restoration. He is not merely a healer of physical ailments, but the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose own blood, shed on the cross, provides the definitive and eternal purification for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrew/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")). Furthermore, Jesus' willingness to allow an "unclean" woman to touch Him, and His subsequent affirmation of her faith, demonstrates His radical inclusivity, breaking down the barriers of ritual law and social stigma. He fulfills the prophetic promise of a Messiah who would not only heal the sick but also welcome the outcast and bring them into a new covenant relationship with God, where access is granted not by ritual purity but by faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Her story is a powerful microcosm of the gospel: a desperate soul, cut off by her condition, finds complete wholeness and acceptance through a humble act of faith in Jesus, the one who embodies all divine power and compassion.

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 8:43

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luke 8:56

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

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.

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.

Mark 5:25

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

Mark 5:43

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Deuteronomy 22:12

Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest [thyself].