New Testament
Luke 8:46
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But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I felt power go out from me."
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And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
What Luke 8:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges that someone has touched him in a significant way. He senses that power has left him, indicating that the touch was not just a physical contact but a moment of faith. This event occurs in the context of a crowd pressing around him, yet he is aware of a specific interaction that has drawn on his divine power. The woman who touched him was seeking healing, demonstrating her faith in his ability to restore her health. Jesus' response highlights the importance of faith and the personal connection individuals can have with him. It shows that he is not just a distant figure but someone who is responsive to the needs and faith of those around him. This moment illustrates the transformative power of faith and the intimate relationship believers can have with Christ.
How to apply Luke 8:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach Jesus with faith, believing that he can meet our needs. It reminds us that our personal touch of faith can draw on his power. We should be aware of our spiritual needs and seek a deeper connection with Christ in our lives.
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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Jesus
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 8:46
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Related topics
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 Jesus mean by feeling power go out from him?
In Luke 8:46, when Jesus says he felt power go out from him, he is acknowledging a significant spiritual interaction. This moment occurs when a woman, suffering from a long-term illness, touches the hem of his garment in faith. Jesus perceives that her touch was not just physical but was infused with her belief in his ability to heal. This illustrates that faith can activate divine power, highlighting the intimate connection between Jesus and those who seek him.
Why did Jesus ask who touched him in a crowd?
Jesus' question about who touched him, despite the crowd pressing around him, serves multiple purposes. It emphasizes the personal nature of faith and healing. By asking, he invites the woman who touched him to come forward, allowing her to publicly acknowledge her faith and receive not just physical healing but also emotional and spiritual restoration. This interaction underscores that Jesus values individual connections and the faith of each person, even in a bustling crowd.
What can we learn about faith from this verse?
Luke 8:46 teaches us that faith is powerful and can lead to transformative experiences. The woman who touched Jesus believed in his ability to heal her, and her faith activated his divine power. This encourages us to approach Jesus with our needs, trusting that he is responsive to our faith. It reminds us that even in our struggles, a personal connection with Christ can bring about healing and change in our lives.
How does this verse relate to healing in the Bible?
This verse is a key example of how faith and healing are intertwined in the Bible. The woman's touch represents a deep belief in Jesus' power to heal, which is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels. Jesus often responds to faith with healing, showing that spiritual belief can lead to physical restoration. This incident reinforces the idea that healing is not just about physical ailments but also involves faith and personal connection with God.
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