Mark 5:31 Study Bible: And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing against you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

◄ Mark 5:31 ►

His disciples answered, "You can see the crowd pressing in on You, and yet You ask, 'Who touched Me?'"

His disciples answered
The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus, specifically the twelve apostles in this context. The Greek word for "disciples" is "μαθηταί" (mathētai), which means learners or students. This highlights their role as those who are being taught by Jesus, absorbing His teachings and witnessing His miracles. The disciples often serve as a bridge between Jesus and the crowd, reflecting the human perspective and sometimes misunderstanding His divine insight.

You can see
This phrase indicates the disciples' perception of the situation. The Greek word "βλέπεις" (blepeis) is used here, which means to see or perceive. It suggests a physical observation, emphasizing the obviousness of the crowd's presence. The disciples are pointing out what seems evident to them, yet they are about to learn that Jesus perceives beyond the physical realm.

the crowd pressing in on You
The "crowd" refers to the multitude of people following Jesus, eager to witness His miracles and hear His teachings. The Greek word "ὄχλος" (ochlos) denotes a large group, often chaotic and difficult to manage. "Pressing in" translates from the Greek "συνθλίβοντά" (synthlibonta), which means to crush or compress. This imagery conveys the intensity and urgency of the crowd's desire to be near Jesus, highlighting the physical and social pressures of His ministry.

and yet You ask
This phrase captures the disciples' incredulity. The Greek word "λέγεις" (legeis) means to say or ask, indicating a verbal expression of curiosity or confusion. The disciples are puzzled by Jesus' question, as it seems unnecessary given the circumstances. This moment underscores the difference between human understanding and divine insight.

‘Who touched Me?’
Jesus' question is profound, not because He lacks knowledge, but because He seeks to draw attention to a specific act of faith. The Greek word "ἥψατο" (hēpsato) means to touch, implying a deliberate and intentional action. In the cultural and historical context, touching was significant, often associated with seeking healing or blessing. Jesus' question is not about identifying the person but about highlighting the faith that prompted the touch, teaching His disciples and the crowd about the power of faith and personal encounter with the divine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- Central figure in the Gospel of Mark, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God.

2. Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who are learning from His teachings and witnessing His miracles.

3. The Crowd
- Represents the multitude of people who followed Jesus, often seeking healing or to hear His teachings.

4. The Woman with the Issue of Blood
- Although not directly mentioned in this verse, she is the one who touched Jesus, seeking healing.

5. Capernaum
- While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, much of Jesus' ministry, including this event, took place around this area.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The woman's faith led her to reach out to Jesus despite the crowd. Our faith should also move us to action, trusting in Jesus' power and compassion.

Jesus' Personal Attention
Even in a crowd, Jesus is aware of individual needs. He cares for each person personally, and we should seek a personal relationship with Him.

The Role of the Disciples
The disciples' response shows their limited understanding. As followers of Christ, we must grow in spiritual awareness and sensitivity to His work.

Overcoming Barriers
The woman overcame social and religious barriers to reach Jesus. We should not let obstacles prevent us from seeking Christ's help and healing.

The Power of Touch
Jesus' response to being touched highlights the power of His presence. We should seek to be in His presence through prayer and worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the reaction of the disciples in Mark 5:31 reveal about their understanding of Jesus' ministry at that time?

2. How does the woman's faith in this passage challenge us to act on our faith in difficult circumstances?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are sensitive to the needs of individuals around us, as Jesus was in this passage?

4. How can we overcome societal or personal barriers that might prevent us from reaching out to Jesus for help?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus' personal attention in your life. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 8:45
- This parallel account in Luke provides additional context to the event, emphasizing the personal nature of Jesus' ministry.

Matthew 9:20-22
- Another parallel account that highlights the faith of the woman who touched Jesus.

Hebrews 11:6
- Connects to the theme of faith, underscoring that faith is essential to please God and receive His blessings.

Leviticus 15:25-27
- Provides background on the cultural and religious implications of the woman's condition, highlighting her desperation and faith.

Isaiah 53:5
- Prophetic scripture about the healing power of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Jesus' ministry.

Sermons

The Touch of Faith	A. Rowland	Mark 5:31
Ministries Broken in Upon	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:21-34
A Proper Prayer	R. Glover.	Mark 5:21-43
A Revived Flower	J. Cumming, D. D.	Mark 5:21-43
Avowed and Hidden Faith	R. Green	Mark 5:21-43
Death a Sleep	Edwin Davies.	Mark 5:21-43
Death a Sleep	B. Keach.	Mark 5:21-43
Death of Children	Wadsworth.	Mark 5:21-43
Goeth in Where the Child Was	R. Glover.	Mark 5:21-43
Jairus' Daughter	J. H. Evans, M. A.	Mark 5:21-43
Jairus's Daughter; Or, the Uses of Bereavement	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:21-43
Jarius's Daughter; Or, the Course of a True Faith	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:21-43
Jesus Stronger than Death	Anon.	Mark 5:21-43
Not Dead, But Sleeping	A. Mursell.	Mark 5:21-43
Talitha Cumi	R. Glover.	Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Encourages a Spirit of Dependence on God in the Home Life of This World	J. B. Brown, B. A.	Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Imparts a Consecrating Influence to the Home Life	J. B. Brown, B. A.	Mark 5:21-43
The Death of the Young Lends a Tender	J. B. Brown, B. A.	Mark 5:21-43
The Healing of Jairus' Daughter	Expository Discourses., David Thomas, D. D.	Mark 5:21-43
The Humane Society	F. W. Robertson.	Mark 5:21-43
The Raising of Jairus' Daughter	Expository Outlines	Mark 5:21-43
Touching in the Throng	J.J. Given	Mark 5:21-43
Why Death of the Godly is Called Sleep	G. Petter.	Mark 5:21-43
A Cure by the Way	C. H. Spurgeon., C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
A Diseased Woman Healed	C. Bradley, M. A.	Mark 5:24-34
A Variety of Sufferers, Their Best Meeting Place	R. Glover.	Mark 5:24-34
A Woman Which Had an Issue of Blood	R. Glover.	Mark 5:24-34
An Ungrateful Reception of Healing	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 5:24-34
Best to Apply Direct to the Master	Sunday School Times	Mark 5:24-34
Christ Discriminates His Healing Virtue	Bp. Hall.	Mark 5:24-34
Christianity a Healing Influence	Ibid.	Mark 5:24-34
Christ's Kindness in Discipline	J. Alden Davies.	Mark 5:24-34
Coming to Christ	G. Petter.	Mark 5:24-34
Coming to Christ	B. W. Noel, M. A.	Mark 5:24-34
Confessing Christ	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
Determination in the Face of Tremendous Discouragements	Anonymous.	Mark 5:24-34
Encouragement to Faith	Watson.	Mark 5:24-34
Gospel Pictures	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 5:24-34
Majestic Faith	R. Glover.	Mark 5:24-34
Methods of Spiritual Treatment	J. Service, D. D.	Mark 5:24-34
Salvation	N. Hall, LL. B.	Mark 5:24-34
Sickness Spoils Life	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 5:24-34
Sin Spreading by Contact	E. P. Hood.	Mark 5:24-34
Tell All to Jesus	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
The Consciousness of Cure	C. Bradley, M. A.	Mark 5:24-34
The Disease of Humanity Incurable Except by Christ	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
The Faculty Baffled -- the Great Physician Successful	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
The Looks of Jesus	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Mark 5:24-34
The Persistence of Faith	Sermons by Monday Club	Mark 5:24-34
The Power of Feeble Faith	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Mark 5:24-34
The Resource of Faith	Sermons by Monday Club	Mark 5:24-34
The Sanctity of Touch	E. P. Hood.	Mark 5:24-34
The Survival of the Fittest and a Higher Law	Walter C. Smith, D. D.	Mark 5:24-34
The Touch	C. H. Spurgeon., J. Parker, D. D.	Mark 5:24-34
Told Him All the Truth: be Open with Jesus	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 5:24-34
Touch is the Key to All the Senses	E. P. Hood.	Mark 5:24-34
Touches that Do not Touch; or Contact Without Sympathy	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 5:24-34
Twelve Years! Long Continuance of Discipline	G. Petter.	Mark 5:24-34
Twelve Years! the Contrasts of Life	W. Forsyth, M. A.	Mark 5:24-34
Unpurposed Healing	H. W. Beecher.	Mark 5:24-34
Virtue Had Gone Out of Him	John Trapp.	Mark 5:24-34
Who Hath Touched Me?	Anonymous.	Mark 5:24-34
Salvation Without Money and Without Price	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:25-34
The Healing of the Issue of Blood	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:25-34
The Little of Things of Christ Great Things for Men	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:25-34
The Magic of Faith	E. Johnson	Mark 5:25-34
Who Touched Me?	A.F. Muir	Mark 5:30-33

People

Jair, Jairus, James, Jesus, John, Luke, Peter

Places

Decapolis, Galilee, Gerasa, Sea of Galilee

Topics

Crowd, Disciples, Exclaimed, Multitude, Pressing, Round, Sayest, Seest, Sides, Thronging, Touch, Touched, Touching, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 5:21-34

5279 crowds

Mark 5:22-42

2012 Christ, authority
5194 touch

Mark 5:24-34

2045 Christ, knowledge of
6701 peace, search for

Mark 5:25-34

     5745   women
     8026   faith, growth in
     8264   gentleness
     8612   prayer, and faith

Mark 5:25-43

5285 cures

Mark 5:27-31

5194 touch

Library

September 12 Morning
I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--ISA. 57:18. I am the Lord that healeth thee. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.--Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.--All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Come now, and let us reason together, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Looks of Jesus
'And He looked round about to see her that had done this thing.'--Mark v. 32. This Gospel of Mark is full of little touches that speak an eye-witness who had the gift of noting and reproducing vividly small details which make a scene live before us. Sometimes it is a word of description: 'There was much grass in the place.' Sometimes it is a note of Christ's demeanour: 'Looking up to heaven, He sighed.' Sometimes it is the very Aramaic words He spoke: 'Ephphatha.' Very often the Evangelist tells …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Lord of Demons
'And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 4. Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5. And always, night and day, he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Refused Bequest
'He that had been possessed with the devil prayed Jesus that he might be with Him. 19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.'--Mark v. 18,19. There are three requests, singularly contrasted with each other, made to Christ in the course of this miracle of healing the Gadarene demoniac. The evil spirits ask to be permitted to go into the swine; the men of the country, caring more for their swine than their …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Talitha Cumi
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet, 23. And besought Him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. 24. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed Him, and thronged Him.... 35. While He yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Power of Feeble Faith
'And a certain woman ... 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment. 28. For she said, If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.'--Mark v. 25, 27, 28. In all the narratives of this miracle, it is embedded in the story of Jairus's daughter, which it cuts in twain. I suppose that the Evangelists felt, and would have us feel, the impression of calm consciousness of power and of leisurely dignity produced by Christ's having time to pause even on such an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Touch or Faith?
If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.... Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole.'--Mark v. 28,34. I. The erroneous faith.--In general terms there is here an illustration of how intellectual error may coexist with sincere faith. The precise form of error is clearly that she looked on the physical contact with the material garment as the vehicle of healing--the very same thing which we find ever since running through the whole history of the Church, e.g. the exaltation of externals, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Going Home --A Christmas Sermon
Now, this teaches us a very important fact, namely, this, that true religion does not break in sunder the bonds of family relationship. True religion seldom encroaches upon that sacred, I had almost said divine institution called home; it does not separate men from their families, and make them aliens to their flesh and blood. Superstition has done that; an awful superstition, which calls itself Christianity, has sundered men from their kind; but true religion has never done so. Why, if I might be …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Christ's Curate in Decapolis
"And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, God home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."--Mark v. 17-19. That is a striking name for a man, "he that had been possessed with the devil." It would stick to him as long as he lived, and it would be …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The General Observations are These.
There are in these relations proper circumstances of time and place, and the names and characters of persons. Of the miracle on Jairus's daughter, the time and place are sufficiently specified by St. Mark and St. Luke. It was soon after his crossing the sea of Galilee, after Jesus had cured the men possessed with devils in the country of the Gergesenes, Mark v. 21. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him, and he was nigh unto the sea. And behold …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

R. W. Begins his Fifth Discourse, P. 1, 2. With Saying, that He is Now
to take into examination the three miracles of Jesus's raising the dead, viz. of Jairus's daughter, Matth. ix. Mark. v. Luke viii. of the widow of Naim's son, Luke vii. and of Lazarus, John xi: the literal stories of which, he says, he shall shew to consist of absurdities, improbabilities, and incredibilities, in order to the mystical interpretation of them. I have read over his examination of these miracles, and am still of opinion, that the histories of them are credible. I. I will therefore first …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity.
Closely related to the doctrine of the power, or efficacy, of the divine Word--as considered in the last chapter--is the doctrine of conversion. It is the subject of conversion, therefore, that we now purpose to examine. It is an important subject. It deserves a prominent place in treating of the Way of Salvation. It is also an intensely personal subject. Each one who desires to be in the Way of Salvation is personally interested in it. The eternal destiny of every one who reads these pages is closely …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Third Continental Journey.
1833-4. PART II.--GREECE On the 21st of the Eleventh Month John and Martha Yeardley left Ancona, and had a safe but suffering voyage of two days to Corfu, the capital of the island of that name. The atmosphere in this place, writes J.Y., soon after they landed, is different from Ancona in every respect. It has to us a feeling of home, and our minds are clothed with peace and, I trust, gratitude to the Father of mercies. What we may find to do is yet a secret to us, but He who has brought us here …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Legion Dispossessed. Mk 5:18,19
…
John Newton—Olney Hymns

Christian Cemeteries.
Sanctity of tombs guaranteed to all creeds alike.--The Christians' preference for underground cemeteries not due to fear at first.--Origin and cause of the first persecutions.--The attitude of Trajan towards the Christians, and its results.--The persecution of Diocletian.--The history of the early Christians illustrated by their graves.--The tombs of the first century.--The catacombs.--How they were named.--The security they offered against attack.--Their enormous extent.--Their gradual abandonment …
Rodolfo Lanciani—Pagan and Christian Rome

The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
At the Vespers, for O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 4. Similar to: Thou hast given a sign... The virgin-maidens, united by the law of nature and manifestly sustained by the love unto their Maker, were by faith freed from the ties of the body; the impotent enemy they have valiantly destroyed under their feet, became resplendently adorned with the honours of victors and are rejoicing having found their abode in the intellectual bridal chambers. The all-honoured have endured fire and multiformous …
Anonymous—The General Menaion

The Demoniac of Gadara
"And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. And when he was come out of the boat, straightway there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling in the tombs: and no man could any more bind him, no, not with a chain; because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been rent asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: and no man had strength to tame him. And always, night and day, in the tombs …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Men of Gadara
"And they that fed them fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they came to see what it was that had come to pass. And they come to Jesus, and behold him that was possessed with devils sitting, clothed and in his right mind, even him that had the legion: and they were afraid. And they that saw it declared unto them how it befell him that was possessed with devils, and concerning the swine. And they began to beseech Him to depart from their borders. And as He was entering into the …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

With Jairus
"And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat unto the other side, a great multitude was gathered unto Him: and He was by the sea. And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing Him, he falleth at His feet, and beseecheth Him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: I pray Thee that Thou come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live. And He went with him; and a great multitude followed Him, and they thronged Him. And a …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

How I Know God Answers Prayer
How I Know God Answers Prayer The Personal Testimony of One Life-Time By ROSALIND GOFORTH (Mrs. Jonathan Goforth) Missionary in China since 1888 "They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness."--Psalm 145:7. "Go . . . and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee."--Mark 5:19. HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND LONDON Copyright, 1921, by Harper & Brothers PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA …
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the Raising of the "Dead. " --Facts which it Ignores. --The Subject Related to the Phenomena of Trance
III SYNOPSIS.--Arbitrary criticism of the Biblical narratives of the raising of the "dead."--Facts which it ignores.--The subject related to the phenomena of trance, and records of premature burial.--The resuscitation in Elisha's tomb probably historical.--Jesus' raising of the ruler's daughter plainly a case of this kind.--His raising of the widow's son probably such.--The hypothesis that his raising of Lazarus may also have been such critically examined.--The record allows this supposition.--Further …
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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