The act of touching the hem (or fringe) of Jesus’s garment, as recorded in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48, holds deep historical and spiritual significance.
In Jewish tradition, the hem or tzitzit (fringes) of a garment symbolized a person’s connection to God’s law (Numbers 15:38-40). By touching it, the woman with the issue of blood demonstrated faith that Jesus carried divine authority.
The woman had been ceremonially unclean for 12 years due to her bleeding (Leviticus 15:25-27). This meant she was an outcast—unable to worship in the temple or have physical contact with others. Yet, she risked everything to touch Jesus, believing He had the power to heal her.
Jesus’s response—“Your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34)—showed that healing wasn’t just in touching His garment but in trusting Him. It was a powerful moment proving:
• Jesus’s authority over disease
• The inclusiveness of His ministry (He didn’t reject the outcast)
• The power of personal faith in Christ
Malachi 4:2 says, “The Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings.” The Hebrew word for “wings” (kanaph) also refers to the edges of a garment. Many scholars see this as a prophecy fulfilled in this moment—Jesus literally had healing in His garment’s hem.
This event wasn’t just about physical healing. It symbolized restoration—of health, dignity, and spiritual belonging. The woman’s faith bypassed religious restrictions and accessed the power of Jesus directly, demonstrating that salvation is through faith in Him alone.
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