New Testament
Mark 6:56
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everywhere he went — villages, cities, or countryside — people laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him to let them touch even the edge of his clothing. And everyone who touched him was healed.
Compare translations
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
What Mark 6:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the widespread impact of Jesus' healing power. As he traveled through various places, people brought their sick to him, hoping for healing. They believed that even a simple touch of his clothing could bring them health. This reflects their deep faith in his ability to heal. The act of laying the sick in the marketplaces indicates a desperate hope for healing, as they sought any opportunity to connect with Jesus. The mention of everyone who touched him being healed emphasizes the miraculous nature of his power and the importance of faith in receiving healing. This scene illustrates not only the physical healing that Jesus provided but also the spiritual hope he offered to those in need. It shows how Jesus was accessible to all, regardless of their location, and how his compassion reached out to the suffering.
How to apply Mark 6:56 to your life
This verse encourages us to have faith in Jesus' power to heal and restore. We can bring our struggles and the struggles of others to him, trusting that he cares and can make a difference. It reminds us to reach out to those in need.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother

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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 6:56
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 6:56
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 6:56 teach about faith in Jesus?
Mark 6:56 illustrates the profound faith that people had in Jesus' healing power. They believed that even a mere touch of his clothing could bring healing, highlighting the importance of faith in experiencing miracles. This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' ability to heal and restore, reminding us that faith can lead to transformative experiences in our lives.
Why did people want to touch Jesus' clothing?
People sought to touch the edge of Jesus' clothing because they believed in his miraculous healing power. This act symbolized their desperation and faith, as they thought that even a small connection with him could result in healing. Their actions reflect a deep yearning for hope and restoration, showcasing the lengths to which they would go to seek help from Jesus.
How does Mark 6:56 show Jesus' compassion?
In Mark 6:56, Jesus' willingness to heal those who touched him demonstrates his compassion for the suffering. He did not turn anyone away, regardless of their background or location. This accessibility highlights his love and care for all people, encouraging us to approach him with our own struggles and to extend compassion to others in need.
What can we learn about community from this verse?
Mark 6:56 emphasizes the communal aspect of seeking healing. People brought their sick to Jesus together, showing the importance of community support in times of need. This verse teaches us that we are called to help one another, bringing our struggles to Jesus collectively, and fostering a spirit of hope and healing within our communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.