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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
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 #:
2 of 15
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτοῦ·
him
G846
αὐτοῦ·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
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
ἥψαντο
they might
G680
ἥψαντο
they might
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ·
him
G846
αὐτοῦ·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 15
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
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 3:16And 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.
Historical Context
The wearing of tassels (tzitzit) on garment corners was a visible mark of Jewish covenant faithfulness. The blue cord in the tassel reminded wearers of heaven and God's commandments (Numbers 15:39). Jesus wore these as an observant Jew, but what for others was merely ritual became for Him a point of contact through which divine power flowed. The mass healings demonstrated messianic credentials—Isaiah 53:4-5 promised the Messiah would bear our sicknesses.
Questions for Reflection
- What does seeking to touch even Jesus's garment reveal about humble faith versus presumptuous demands?
- How does Christ's inexhaustible power encourage you when you feel there's not enough grace for your overwhelming needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment (καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα μόνον ἅψωνται τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ)—The verb παρακαλέω (parakaleō, 'to beseech, to beg') shows humble petition. The request to touch μόνον ('only') the κράσπεδον (kraspedon, 'fringe, tassel') recalls the woman with the hemorrhage (9:20-22) who was healed by touching Jesus's garment. The κράσπεδον refers to the τσιτσית (tzitzit), the tassels commanded in Numbers 15:38-39 and Deuteronomy 22:12, worn by pious Jews as reminders of God's commandments.
And as many as touched were made perfectly whole (καὶ ὅσοι ἥψαντο διεσώθησαν)—The verb διασώζω (diasōzō, 'to save thoroughly, to bring safely through, to cure') in aorist passive indicates complete healing. The phrase ὅσοι ἥψαντο ('as many as touched') emphasizes the universality—everyone who touched in faith was healed. No power was lost from Jesus despite multiple recipients. His healing wasn't like a finite battery draining but like an inexhaustible fountain—the more who drew from Him, the more remained available. This validates both Christ's deity and the efficacy of faith-filled contact with Him.