Mark 5

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

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?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

What does Mark 5:34 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 5:34 is a part of the story in which Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years.

This woman believed that if she could only touch Jesus' clothes, she would be healed.

Upon doing so, she feels that her condition has immediately improved.

Jesus, sensing that power has gone out from him, turns to the crowd and asks who touched him.

The woman comes forward, and Jesus addresses her as "Daughter," acknowledging her as a member of the faith community, and then makes a profound statement about the source of her healing: "thy faith hath made thee whole." This means that her healing was not just a physical one, but a holistic restoration that included physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness.

The phrase "go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" suggests that she is to continue her life without the affliction that has plagued her, with peace being indicative of wholeness and serenity in her newfound state of well-being.

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Historical Context

This event takes place in the context of Jesus' ministry in the Galilean region, during a time when he was surrounded by large crowds seeking healing and miracles.

The societal norms of the time would have marginalized this woman due to her condition, making her unclean according to Jewish Law and causing her to live in isolation.

The act of reaching out to touch Jesus' garment was itself an act of courage and faith, as her condition would have traditionally prevented her from even approaching a rabbi, much less touching him.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may emphasize various aspects of this verse:

Traditional Christian theology might focus on the centrality of faith in the healing process and the compassionate, inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry.
Liberation theology could see this story as an example of Jesus' attention to the marginalized and oppressed, with the healing acting as an embodiment of social and spiritual liberation.
Feminist theology might highlight the empowerment of a woman within a patriarchal society and her active role in seeking healing.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to exercise faith in their lives, suggesting that faith can lead to transformation and healing in a comprehensive sense. It also serves as an encouragement to seek inner peace and to trust in a higher power for restoration.

Additionally, the verse can motivate believers to approach others with compassion and to be agents of peace and healing in their own communities.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:22 - "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And the woman was made whole from that hour."

Luke 8:48 - "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."
James 5:15 - "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text and their meanings include:

"Faith" (πίστις, pistis): Trust, belief, or confidence in someone or something, particularly in God and Jesus' power to heal and save.
"Made thee whole" (σέσωκέν, sesōken): The root word (σῴζω, sōzō) used here means to save, keep safe, preserve or heal.

It implies a full restoration beyond just recovery from disease.

"Go in peace" (εἰρήνῃ, eirēnē): A state of tranquility or quietness, but also implying wholeness, completeness, and well-being.
"Plague" (μάστιξ, mastix): Often translated as "scourge," "whip," or "affliction," and in this context refers to the woman's illness that tormented her.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons might be drawn with other ancient myths and religious stories that feature miraculous healings or figures that possess healing powers.

For instance, the healing stories of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, who, like Jesus, was reputed to heal the sick and is often approached by those in desperate situations.

Furthermore, in various religious traditions, the power of personal faith or belief plays a crucial role in one's journey toward healing and wholeness , ideas that resonate with the theme in Mark 5:34.

Scientific Perspectives

While faith and belief are not typically within the purview of scientific study, there is a field of research that examines the effects of faith, belief, and the placebo effect on health outcomes.

Some studies suggest that the mental and emotional states of individuals can influence their physical health and recovery processes, which could be considered when discussing the interplay of faith and healing from a modern scientific perspective.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators offer different insights:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the virtue of the woman's faith and Jesus' readiness to acknowledge it, as well as the completeness of the healing that Jesus offers.
The Warren Wiersbe BE Bible Study Series discusses the encounter as a transformative moment of faith that not only results in physical healing but also in spiritual restoration and peace.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary might focus on the sovereignty of Jesus, demonstrating His power to heal and his knowledge of all events, including the woman's touch amidst the crowd.

Each of these commentaries, while different in their specifics, generally affirm the centrality of faith and Christ's power to change lives as key elements in interpreting Mark 5:34.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 5:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?