Matthew 9:20
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱμοῤῥοοῦσα
which was diseased with an issue of blood
G131
αἱμοῤῥοοῦσα
which was diseased with an issue of blood
Strong's:
G131
Word #:
4 of 14
to flow blood, i.e., have a haemorrhage
προσελθοῦσα
came
G4334
προσελθοῦσα
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
7 of 14
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
ὄπισθεν
behind
G3693
ὄπισθεν
behind
Strong's:
G3693
Word #:
8 of 14
from g3700) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e., at the back (adverb and preposition of place or time)
ἥψατο
him and touched
G680
ἥψατο
him and touched
Strong's:
G680
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 14:36And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.Mark 6:56And 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.Deuteronomy 22:12Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.Mark 8:22And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,Acts 19:12So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.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
Twelve years of chronic bleeding meant constant ritual impurity—unable to worship at the temple, participate in community, or marry. She had spent all her money on physicians unsuccessfully (Mark 5:26). Touching Jesus or His garment was her last desperate hope.
Questions for Reflection
- What desperation or shame keeps you from reaching out to Jesus?
- How does this woman's persistent faith despite obstacles encourage you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman 'which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years' suffered both physical pain and ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:25-27), making her a social and religious outcast. Her approach from behind reflects shame and faith—'If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole' (v. 21). Touching Jesus should have defiled Him, but instead, her touch in faith brought healing. Her action demonstrates bold faith overcoming shame.