New Testament
Mark 5:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His disciples said, "You see this crowd crushing against you from every direction, and you're asking, 'Who touched me?'"
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And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
What Mark 5:31 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Mark 5:21–43)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
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.
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