Matthew 9:20
Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.
Suddenly
The word "suddenly" indicates an unexpected or immediate action. In the Greek, the term used is "ἰδοὺ" (idou), which is often translated as "behold" or "lo." It serves to draw attention to the significance of the event. This suddenness emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the woman's situation, as well as the divine timing of her encounter with Jesus. It reminds us that God's interventions in our lives can occur unexpectedly, bringing hope and healing when we least anticipate it.

a woman
The mention of "a woman" highlights her anonymity and the societal marginalization she faced. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, women often had limited rights and were considered secondary to men. Her anonymity underscores the personal nature of her faith and the universal reach of Jesus' ministry, which extends beyond social and gender barriers. This woman represents all who feel overlooked or marginalized, yet are seen and valued by Christ.

who had suffered from bleeding
The phrase "who had suffered from bleeding" refers to a chronic condition, likely a form of hemorrhage, which rendered her ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27). The Greek word used here is "αἱμορροοῦσα" (haimorroousa), meaning "bleeding." Her condition not only caused physical suffering but also social and religious isolation. This highlights the depth of her desperation and the extent of her faith in seeking Jesus for healing, despite the risk of public shame.

for twelve years
The duration "for twelve years" emphasizes the chronic nature of her affliction. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or the people of God (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel). Her twelve-year struggle can be seen as a period of testing and endurance, culminating in a divine appointment with Jesus. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His deliverance is worth the wait.

came up behind Him
The action "came up behind Him" suggests humility and reverence. The woman approached Jesus discreetly, perhaps out of fear of being rebuked or due to her unclean status. This act of coming from behind signifies her faith and determination, as well as her recognition of Jesus' authority and power. It illustrates the idea that faith often requires stepping out in courage, even when we feel unworthy or afraid.

and touched the fringe of His cloak
The phrase "and touched the fringe of His cloak" is rich with cultural and religious significance. The "fringe" refers to the "tzitzit," the tassels worn on the corners of a Jewish garment, as commanded in Numbers 15:38-39. These tassels were a reminder of God's commandments and the wearer's commitment to holiness. By touching the fringe, the woman was not only seeking physical healing but also expressing her faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the embodiment of divine authority. Her touch symbolizes the connection between faith and the power of Christ, demonstrating that even the smallest act of faith can access the fullness of God's grace and healing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one whom the woman seeks for healing. His presence and power are pivotal to the miracle that occurs.

2. The Woman with the Issue of Blood
She is unnamed in the text but is a significant figure due to her faith and desperation. Her condition has lasted twelve years, making her ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law.

3. The Fringe of His Cloak
This refers to the tassels (tzitzit) on the corners of a Jewish garment, which were worn in obedience to the command in Numbers 15:38-39. Touching this fringe symbolizes faith in Jesus' authority and power.

4. The Crowd
The multitude surrounding Jesus, highlighting the woman's determination to reach Him despite the obstacles.

5. The Event of Healing
This miraculous healing demonstrates Jesus' divine power and compassion, as well as the importance of faith.
Teaching Points
Faith Overcomes Barriers
The woman's faith led her to overcome social, religious, and physical barriers to reach Jesus. We are encouraged to pursue Christ with the same determination, regardless of obstacles.

Jesus' Compassion and Power
This passage highlights Jesus' willingness to heal and His power over physical ailments. Believers can trust in His compassion and ability to intervene in their lives.

The Significance of Touch
The act of touching Jesus' garment signifies a personal connection and reliance on His power. Our faith should be active, reaching out to Jesus in our times of need.

Ceremonial Law and Grace
The woman's healing illustrates the transition from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace, where faith in Jesus brings cleansing and restoration.

Public Faith and Testimony
After her healing, the woman publicly acknowledges what Jesus has done for her. Believers are encouraged to share their testimonies of faith and healing with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the woman's approach to Jesus teach us about the nature of faith and persistence in prayer?

2. How does understanding the cultural and religious context of the woman's condition enhance our appreciation of her actions and Jesus' response?

3. In what ways can we "touch the fringe of His cloak" in our own lives, seeking Jesus' power and presence?

4. How does this passage challenge us to overcome societal or personal barriers in our pursuit of Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced Jesus' compassion and power in your life. How can sharing this testimony encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 15:25-27
Provides background on the woman's condition, explaining the ceremonial uncleanness associated with her bleeding.

Mark 5:25-34 and Luke 8:43-48
Parallel accounts of this event, offering additional details such as the woman's internal dialogue and Jesus' response.

Hebrews 11:6
Emphasizes the necessity of faith to please God, which is exemplified by the woman's actions.

Numbers 15:38-39
Explains the significance of the tassels on the garment, which the woman touched in faith.
Concessions to FaithJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 9:18-26
The Advance of Faith Upon SenseP.C. Barker Matthew 9:18, 19, 23-26
The Ruler's DaughterW.F. Adeney Matthew 9:18, 19, 23-26
An Imperfect Faith no Hindrance to Moral CureE. Mellor, D. D., E. Mellor, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
Brazen Figures At Caesarea PhilippiMatthew 9:20-22
Christ the HealerA. Bonar, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
Confident TimidityJ. S. Swan.Matthew 9:20-22
Curing StraightwayJ. C. Jones., J. C. Jones.Matthew 9:20-22
Faith Foes to ChristDr. J. Ker.Matthew 9:20-22
Faith in its ManifestationsF. C. Polton, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
Faith's Approach to ChristJ. Ker, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
If I MayC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 9:20-22
Moral Healing Sought from Selfish DesireE. Mellor, D. D. Matthew 9:20-22
Sense Helps to FaithH. Allen, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
The Easy Overflowing of the Grace of Christ When in Contact with FaithP.C. Barker Matthew 9:20-22
The Healing TouchW.F. Adeney Matthew 9:20-22
The Issue of Blood HealedT. M. Macdonald, M. A.Matthew 9:20-22
The Patient of Many PhysiciansA. M. Stuart.Matthew 9:20-22
The True Healer Tried LastE. Mellor, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
The Woman's Idea in Touching the HemH. Allen, D. D.Matthew 9:20-22
Touching JesusJ. H. Norton.Matthew 9:20-22
People
David, Jesus, John, Matthew
Places
Capernaum
Topics
Afflicted, Behind, Behold, Bleeding, Blood, Bloody, Border, Cloak, Diseased, Edge, Flow, Flux, Fringe, Garment, Garments, Haemorrhage, Hem, Hemorrhage, Issue, Robe, Suffered, Suffering, Tassel, Touch, Touched, Twelve
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 9:20

     5145   clothing
     5297   disease
     7462   tassel
     8224   dependence
     8325   purity, nature of

Matthew 9:18-22

     2045   Christ, knowledge of
     6701   peace, search for

Matthew 9:18-25

     2012   Christ, authority
     2066   Christ, power of
     5194   touch

Matthew 9:18-30

     6689   mercy, of Christ

Matthew 9:20-21

     5144   cloak

Matthew 9:20-22

     5136   body
     5745   women
     8026   faith, growth in
     8340   self-respect
     8612   prayer, and faith

Matthew 9:20-25

     5194   touch

Library
June 26. "When He Saw the Multitudes He was Moved" (Matt. Ix. 36).
"When He saw the multitudes He was moved" (Matt. ix. 36). He is able to be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." The word "touched" expresses a great deal. It means that our troubles are His troubles, and that in all our afflictions He is afflicted. It is not a sympathy of sentiment, but a sympathy of suffering. There is much help in this for the tired heart. It is the foundation of His Priesthood, and God meant that it should be to us a source of unceasing consolation. Let us realize, more
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Christlike Judgment of Men
'But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.' --MATT. ix. 36. In the course of our Lord's wandering life of teaching and healing, there had naturally gathered around Him a large number of persons who followed Him from place to place, and we have here cast into a symbol the impression produced upon Him by their outward condition. That is to say, He sees them lying there weary, and footsore, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
'That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith He to the sick of the palsy), Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.'--MATT. ix. 6. The great example of our Lord's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is followed, in this and the preceding chapter, by a similar collection of His works of healing. These are divided into three groups, each consisting of three members. This miracle is the last of the second triad, of which the other two members are the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
'While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did His disciples. 20. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment: 21. For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. 22. But Jesus turned Him about,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Call of Matthew
'And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him. 10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12. But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Compassion of Jesus
THIS is said of Christ Jesus several times in the New Testament. The original word is a very remarkable one. It is not found in classic Greek. It is not found in the Septuagint. The fact is, it was a word coined by the evangelists themselves. They did not find one in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose, and therefore they had to make one. It is expressive of the deepest emotion; a striving of the bowels--a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. As the dictionaries tell us-- Ex
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

Eleventh Day for More Labourers
WHAT TO PRAY.--For more Labourers "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth labourers into His harvest."--MATT. ix. 38. What a remarkable call of the Lord Jesus for help from His disciples in getting the need supplied. What an honour put upon prayer. What a proof that God wants prayer and will hear it. Pray for labourers, for all students in theological seminaries, training homes, Bible institutes, that they may not go, unless He fits them and sends them forth; that our churches may
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Dread of Ridicule.
24th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 24. "And they laughed Him to scorn." INTRODUCTION.--"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. iii. 12.) This is what S. Paul says. This is what everyone of you must make up your mind to, if you intend to live godly lives, and, moreover, to live in Christ. Do you know what that meant to the early Christians? It meant that if they were going to be firm in their faith, live up to their profession, and eschew evil, they should
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Evil Thoughts.
19th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 4. "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" INTRODUCTION.--Thoughts are only thoughts! who is to beheld accountable for them? They are clouds blown about by fancy, taking various shapes. God is not so hard as to judge us for our thoughts; He will try us by what we have done, not by what we have dreamed. No garden is without weeds; there are tares in every cornfield. Who speak thus? Is it those who are conscientious and scrupulous to drive away evil thoughts?
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Civilized Barbarism (Preached for the Bishop of London's Fund, at St. John's Church, Notting Hill, June 1866. )
ST. MATTHEW ix. 12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I have been honoured by an invitation to preach on behalf of the Bishop of London's Fund for providing for the spiritual wants of this metropolis. By the bishop, and a large number of landowners, employers of labour, and others who were aware of the increasing heathendom of the richest and happiest city of the world, it was agreed that, if possible, a million sterling should be raised during the next ten years,
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's Hospital. )
ST. MATTHEW ix. 35. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. The Gospels speak of disease and death in a very simple and human tone. They regard them in theory, as all are forced to regard them in fact, as sore and sad evils. The Gospels never speak of disease or death as necessities; never as the will of God. It is Satan, not God, who binds the woman with
Charles Kingsley—The Water of Life and Other Sermons

Of the Words Themselves in General.
We come now to the words themselves, wherein Christ asserts that he is, 1, "the way;" 2, "the truth;" 3, "the life;" and, 4, "that no man cometh to the Father but by him." In them we learn these two things in general. First, The misery of wretched man by nature. This cannot be in a few words expressed. These words will point out those particulars thereof, which we will but mention. 1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance from God, by virtue of the curse of the broken covenant of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Christ
IF NOT GOD--NOT GOOD BY I. M. HALDEMAN, D.D. "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God" (Matthew 9:17). THE world has accepted Jesus Christ as a good man. The evidences of his goodness are manifold. He was full of compassion. He never looked upon the people as a crowd. He never thought of them as a mass. He saw them always as individuals. His heart went out to them. All his impulses were to pity them, sympathize with, and help them. He went among them. He entered into
I. M. Haldeman—Christ, Christianity and the Bible

Concerted Prayer
"A tourist, in climbing an Alpine summit, finds himself tied by a strong rope to his trusty guide, and to three of his fellow-tourists. As they skirt a perilous precipice he cannot pray, Lord, hold up my goings in a safe path, that my footsteps slip not, but as to my guide and companions, they must look out for themselves.' The only proper prayer in such a case is, Lord, hold up our goings in a safe path; for if one slips all of us may perish.'"--H. Clay Trumbull The pious Quesnel says that "God
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Combination Illustrated.
To illustrate our method of combination, let us take Section 36, which is a fitting together of the following passages, namely: 9 And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.--Matt. ix. 9. 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Call of Matthew.
(at or Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 9; ^B Mark II. 13, 14; ^C Luke V. 27, 28. ^c 27 And after these thingsa [after the healing of the paralytic] he went forth, ^a again by the seaside [i. e., he left Capernaum, and sought the shore of the sea, which formed a convenient auditorium for him, and which was hence a favorite scene for his teaching]; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he ^a Jesus passed by from thence, he saw ^c and beheld ^a a man, ^c a publican, named
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting.
(Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 10-17; ^B Mark II. 15-22; ^C Luke V. 29-39. ^c 29 And Levi [another name for the apostle Matthew] made him a great feast in his house: ^b 15 And it came to pass, that he was sitting { ^a as he sat} at meat in the { ^b his} ^a house, ^c and there was a great multitude of publicans [Matthew had invited his old friends] and of others ^b and ^a behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. ^b for there were many, ^c that were sitting at meat
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
(Capernaum, Same Day as Last.) ^A Matt. IX. 18-26; ^B Mark V. 22-43; ^C Luke VIII. 41-56. ^c 41 And ^a 18 While he spake these things unto them [while he talked about fasting at Matthew's table], behold, there came, { ^b cometh} ^c a man named Jairus, { ^b Jairus by name;} ^c and he was a ruler { ^b one of the rulers} of the synagogue [He was one of the board of elders which governed the synagogue at Capernaum. These elders were not necessarily old men--Matt. xix. 16-22; Luke xviii. 18-23], and seeing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
^A Matt. IX. 2-8; ^B Mark II. 1-12; ^C Luke V. 17-26. ^c 17 And it came to pass on one of those days, ^b when he entered again into Capernaum after some days, ^c that he was teaching; ^b it was noised that he was in the house. [Luke uses the general expression "those days," referring to the early portion of our Lord's ministry in Galilee. Mark says, "some days," which implies the lapse of a considerable interval. The healing of the leper created such excitement that for some time, several weeks,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Lix. Healing Blind Men and a Dumb Demoniac.
(Probably Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 27-34. ^a 27 And as Jesus passed by from thence [If construed strictly, this phrase means, as he departed from Jairus' house. But the phrase is indefinite], two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David. [This, among the Jews, was a common and thoroughly recognized name for the expected Messiah.] 28 And when he was come into the house [possibly Peter's. But the place is not important. The house is mentioned to show that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
^A Matt. IX. 35-38; X. 1, 5-42; XI. 1; ^B Mark VI. 6-13; ^C Luke IX. 1-6. ^b 6 And he ^a Jesus ^b went about ^a all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and all manner of sickness. [In the first circuit of Galilee some of the twelve accompanied Jesus as disciples (see [3]Section XXXIII.); in the second the twelve were with him as apostles; in the third they, too, are sent forth as evangelists to supplement
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the Healing of the Paralysed
It is a remarkable instance of the reserve of the Gospel-narratives, that of the second journey of Jesus in Galilee no other special event is recorded than the healing of the leper. And it seems also to indicate, that this one miracle had been so selected for a special purpose. But if, as we have suggested, after the Unknown Feast,' the activity of Jesus assumed a new and what, for want of a better name, may be called an anti-Judaic character, we can perceive the reason of it. The healing of leprosy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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