New Testament

Mark 5:31

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the disciples are surprised by Jesus' question about who touched him, given the large crowd surrounding them.

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

His disciples said, "You see this crowd crushing against you from every direction, and you're asking, 'Who touched me?'"

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the disciples are surprised by Jesus' question about who touched him, given the large crowd surrounding them. They point out that many people are pressing against him, making it seem impossible to identify a single person. This moment highlights the contrast between the physical crowd and the spiritual significance of the touch that Jesus felt. It emphasizes that while many were close to Jesus, only one person had a genuine encounter with him that resulted in healing. The disciples' response reflects their misunderstanding of Jesus' awareness and the nature of his ministry, which goes beyond mere physical interactions. This scene sets the stage for a deeper understanding of faith and the personal connection one can have with Jesus, illustrating that true faith can be recognized even in a bustling crowd.

Key themes

Related topics

healing, awareness, community

How to apply Mark 5:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize that Jesus is aware of our individual needs, even in the midst of chaos. It reminds us to seek a personal connection with Him, understanding that our faith can lead to transformative experiences, regardless of our surroundings.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 5:31 mean?

Mark 5:31 shows the disciples' surprise at Jesus' question about who touched him, despite the large crowd around them. This highlights the difference between physical proximity to Jesus and the spiritual significance of a genuine encounter with him.

What is the significance of the crowd in Mark 5:31?

The crowd in Mark 5:31 represents the many people who were physically close to Jesus, yet only one person had a meaningful interaction that led to healing. This illustrates that being near Jesus is not the same as having true faith.

What does 'Who touched me?' mean in Mark 5:31?

In Mark 5:31, Jesus' question 'Who touched me?' emphasizes his awareness of individual faith and need, even in a throng of people. It signifies that he recognizes personal connections and the transformative power of faith.

Why did the disciples respond the way they did in Mark 5:31?

The disciples responded with confusion in Mark 5:31 because they could not understand how Jesus could identify a single person in such a large crowd. Their reaction reflects their limited understanding of Jesus' spiritual insight and mission.

The Book of Mark
Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

Premium

Unlock the full Mark summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.