Mark 5:27
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Numbers 15:37-41 commanded Israelite men to wear tassels (tzitzit) on garment corners as reminders of God's commandments. These tassels, including a blue cord, were visible markers of Jewish identity and covenant faithfulness. The woman likely touched one of these tassels, hence 'the hem of his garment' (Matthew 9:20). The crowd's density in narrow Palestinian streets made physical contact nearly inevitable, yet her touch was deliberate and faith-filled, distinguishing it from accidental jostling. Her action violated purity laws—her uncleanness should have contaminated Jesus. In typical purity system logic, contact with clean objects defiles them. Christ reversed this—His holiness cleansed rather than being defiled. Early church fathers saw symbolic significance: touching Christ's humanity (the garment) provided access to His divinity (the healing power). This foreshadowed sacramental theology—outward means (baptism, communion) conveying inward grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this woman's bold approach despite ritual prohibition challenge fears or shame that prevent you from coming to Christ for healing?
- What does her willingness to risk public exposure reveal about the relationship between desperate need and authentic faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. This verse describes the woman's faith-filled approach to Jesus. 'When she had heard of Jesus' (ἀκούσασα περὶ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, akousasa peri tou Iēsou) indicates that reports of Jesus' healing power reached her despite her isolation. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)—the gospel reports about Jesus ignited hope in her desperate heart. 'Came in the press behind' (ἐλθοῦσα ἐν τῷ ὄχλῳ ὄπισθεν, elthousa en tō ochlō opisthen) shows her navigating through the crowd despite her ritual uncleanness making such contact forbidden.
Her approach 'behind' Jesus demonstrates both faith and fear—faith to approach at all, fear of public exposure given her condition. 'Touched his garment' (ἥψατο τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, hēpsato tou himatiou autou) was an act of tremendous faith and social courage. According to Levitical law, her touch contaminated anyone/anything contacted. She risked public rebuke, yet her faith overcame fear. This stealthy approach contrasts with Jairus's public petition (v. 22-23), showing Christ welcomes both bold and timid faith. Reformed theology emphasizes that even weak faith in the right object (Christ) brings salvation, while strong faith in wrong objects brings nothing. Her touch demonstrated active faith—not passive hope but determined action based on confidence in Jesus' power.