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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 33
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πόλεις
cities
G4172
πόλεις
cities
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
8 of 33
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
ἀγροὺς
country
G68
ἀγροὺς
country
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
10 of 33
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγοραῖς
the streets
G58
ἀγοραῖς
the streets
Strong's:
G58
Word #:
13 of 33
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare
ἐτίθουν
they laid
G5087
ἐτίθουν
they laid
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
14 of 33
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεκάλουν
besought
G3870
παρεκάλουν
besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
18 of 33
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 33
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρασπέδου
the border
G2899
κρασπέδου
the border
Strong's:
G2899
Word #:
23 of 33
a margin, i.e., (specially), a fringe or tassel
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 33
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἤπτοντο
they might touch
G680
ἤπτοντο
they might touch
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
27 of 33
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤπτοντο
they might touch
G680
ἤπτοντο
they might touch
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
31 of 33
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
Cross References
Matthew 9:20And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:Luke 6:19And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.Mark 3:10For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.Acts 5:15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Historical Context
The 'border of his garment' (κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, kraspedou tou himatiou autou) referred to tassels (tzitzit) Jewish men wore per Numbers 15:38-39. These had become focus of faith, though Jesus' person was the source. Ancient marketplaces (agoras) were public spaces where sick could be placed for visibility. The mass healings' public nature created numerous witnesses, making later denial difficult. Early church saw this as fulfillment of Isaiah 53:5: 'by his stripes we are healed.'
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
- How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Wherever Jesus went—'villages, cities, or country'—people 'laid the sick in the streets' (marketplaces, ἀγορὰς, agoras). They 'besought him that they might touch... the border of his garment.' This echoed the hemorrhaging woman's faith (Mark 5:27-28). 'As many as touched him were made whole' (ὅσοι ἂν ἥψαντο αὐτοῦ ἐσῴζοντο, hosoi an hēpsanto autou esōzonto)—universal healing, none disappointed. This demonstrates Christ's unlimited healing power and compassionate availability.