New Testament
Matthew 9:20
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Just then, a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his garment.
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And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
What Matthew 9:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a woman who had been suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years. Her illness made her socially isolated and considered unclean according to Jewish law. Despite her struggles, she had faith that if she could just touch the edge of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. This act of touching His garment signifies her desperation and belief in His power to heal. The moment she touches Him, she experiences immediate healing, demonstrating the profound impact of faith and the compassion of Jesus. This encounter highlights the importance of reaching out for help and the transformative power of faith in Jesus, who is willing to heal and restore those who seek Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
How to apply Matthew 9:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to have faith in difficult times. Just as the woman reached out to Jesus for healing, we too can seek help and healing in our lives. It reminds us that no matter how long we have struggled, faith can lead to transformation and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Matthew 9:18–26)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:20 mean?
Matthew 9:20 describes a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years. She believed that if she could just touch the edge of Jesus' garment, she would be healed, highlighting her faith and desperation.
What is the significance of the woman's faith in Matthew 9:20?
The woman's faith in Matthew 9:20 is significant because it demonstrates her belief in Jesus' healing power. Her act of reaching out to touch His garment shows her determination and hope for restoration despite years of suffering.
What does touching the hem of Jesus' garment symbolize in Matthew 9:20?
Touching the hem of Jesus' garment in Matthew 9:20 symbolizes the woman's faith and her desperate need for healing. It reflects her belief that even a small act of faith could lead to significant healing.
How does Matthew 9:20 relate to themes of healing and compassion?
Matthew 9:20 relates to themes of healing and compassion by illustrating Jesus' willingness to heal those who are suffering. The woman's encounter with Jesus shows that faith can lead to miraculous restoration, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized.
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