New Testament
Luke 8:43
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In the crowd was a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years. She had spent everything she had on doctors, but no one could heal her.
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And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
What Luke 8:43 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a woman who has been suffering from a medical condition involving continuous bleeding for twelve long years. This condition not only caused her physical pain but also made her socially isolated, as such issues were often seen as unclean in her culture. Despite her desperate attempts to find relief, she had spent all her money on various doctors, yet none were able to help her. This highlights her desperation and the extent of her suffering. The verse sets the stage for a significant encounter with Jesus, who is known for his healing powers. It emphasizes themes of faith, desperation, and the limitations of human ability in the face of chronic illness. The woman's story resonates with many who have faced long-term struggles, illustrating the hope that can be found in seeking help beyond conventional means.
How to apply Luke 8:43 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek help when we are in need, whether through medical professionals or spiritual means. It reminds us that even in our darkest times, hope and healing can come from unexpected places. We should not lose faith in the face of prolonged struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Luke 8:40–56)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 8:43
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:43 mean?
Luke 8:43 describes a woman who suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years and had exhausted all her resources seeking medical help without success. This verse illustrates her desperation and sets the stage for her encounter with Jesus, highlighting themes of faith and the limitations of human ability.
What is the significance of the woman's suffering in Luke 8:43?
The woman's suffering in Luke 8:43 emphasizes her physical pain and social isolation due to her condition, which was considered unclean in her culture. Her plight reflects the struggles many face with chronic illness and the hope that can arise from seeking help.
What does the phrase 'spent everything she had' in Luke 8:43 mean?
The phrase 'spent everything she had' in Luke 8:43 indicates that the woman invested all her financial resources in trying to find a cure for her condition, highlighting her desperation and the extent of her suffering.
How does Luke 8:43 relate to themes of faith and healing?
Luke 8:43 relates to themes of faith and healing by showcasing the woman's desperate situation and her hope for healing through Jesus. Her story illustrates the belief that faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, even when all other options have failed.
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