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:
Matthew 9:20 · King James Version
Meaning
In this powerful verse from the book of Matthew in the Bible, we are introduced to a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding issue for twelve long years. This woman's story is one of faith and determination in the face of adversity. Despite her physical ailment, she believed that by simply touching the hem of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. This act demonstrates the woman's unwavering faith in Jesus and his ability to perform miracles. It also highlights the idea that even the smallest gesture of faith can lead to incredible outcomes. By reaching out and touching Jesus' garment, the woman was able to experience a miraculous healing that changed her life forever. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the transformative nature of belief in Jesus Christ.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Matthew is the idea of faith and healing. The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for twelve years, and she had faith that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. This shows the power of faith in Jesus' ability to heal and perform miracles. In addition, the act of touching the hem of Jesus' garment is significant. In Jewish tradition, the hem of a garment represented the authority of the person wearing it. By touching Jesus' hem, the woman was acknowledging his authority and power to heal her. This demonstrates the importance of recognizing Jesus as the source of healing and restoration. Word studies on this verse could focus on the significance of the woman's "issue of blood" and the symbolism of touching the "hem" of Jesus' garment, deepening our understanding of the cultural context and power dynamics at play in this miraculous encounter.
Matthew 9:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:
World English Bible
Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Douay-Rheims
And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(And beholde, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelue yeres, came behinde him, and touched the hemme of his garment.