Mark 5:30

Analysis & Commentary

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? This verse reveals Jesus' divine awareness and initiates public interaction. 'Immediately knowing in himself' (εὐθὺς ἐπιγνοὺς ἐν ἑαυτῷ, euthys epignous en heautō) indicates Jesus' internal, intuitive awareness—not guessing but knowing with certainty. 'Virtue had gone out of him' (τὴν ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν ἐξελθοῦσαν, tēn ex autou dynamin exelthousan) describes divine power flowing from Him. The word δύναμις (dynamis) means power, might, or miraculous ability—this wasn't energy depletion but conscious awareness of healing power operating.

Jesus 'turned about in the press' (ἐπιστραφεὶς ἐν τῷ ὄχλῳ, epistrapheis en tō ochlō) shows deliberate action to identify the toucher. His question 'Who touched my clothes?' (Τίς μου ἥψατο τῶν ἱματίων, Tis mou hēpsato tōn himatiōn) wasn't seeking information He lacked but creating opportunity for public testimony. Many people physically bumped Jesus in the crowd, but only one touched with faith. This distinction illustrates that proximity to Christ doesn't save—multitudes heard Jesus teach, saw miracles, even physically contacted Him, yet remained unsaved. Only faith-filled contact brings transformation. Jesus wanted this woman's faith publicly acknowledged, her healing confirmed, and her testimony shared to strengthen others' faith.

Historical Context

The concept of healing power flowing from a person was somewhat familiar in ancient world—pagan wonder-workers and Jewish holy men were believed to possess special power. However, Jesus' power was qualitatively different: not learned technique or spiritual manipulation but divine authority. The question 'Who touched me?' in a dense crowd seemed strange to disciples (v. 31), yet Jesus distinguished between casual physical contact and faith-filled intentional touch. Rabbinic literature contains debates about ritual purity transfer through clothing—whether touching garments conveyed uncleanness the same as touching the person. Jesus' healing through garment contact superseded these concerns—His holiness cleansed rather than being defiled. The public nature of this exchange was important culturally: the woman needed community acknowledgment of her healing to be fully restored socially and religiously. Private healing wouldn't suffice; public recognition was necessary for reintegration into normal life.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the distinction between casual crowd contact with Jesus and faith-filled touch challenge superficial religious participation versus genuine faith engagement?
• Why did Jesus publicly identify the woman rather than allowing her anonymous healing, and what does this teach about the importance of public testimony?