Mark 5:25

And a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years.

Study Bible

And a woman was there
This phrase introduces us to a specific individual within the crowd surrounding Jesus. The Greek word for "woman" here is "γυνή" (gynē), which can denote a female of any age, but in this context, it emphasizes her identity and personal struggle. The presence of this woman in the narrative highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, reaching out to those marginalized by society. In the first-century Jewish context, women often had limited social standing, and this woman's condition would have further isolated her. Her presence in the crowd signifies her desperation and hope for healing.

who had suffered
The Greek word used here is "πάσχω" (paschō), which means to suffer or endure pain. This term conveys not only physical suffering but also emotional and social distress. The woman's suffering is not just a medical condition but a comprehensive affliction affecting her entire being. Her endurance over the years speaks to her resilience and the depth of her need for deliverance. This suffering also sets the stage for the miraculous intervention of Jesus, who is portrayed throughout the Gospel of Mark as the compassionate healer.

from bleeding
The condition described here is often understood as a chronic hemorrhage, possibly a menstrual disorder, which would have rendered the woman ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27). The Greek term "αἱμορροέω" (haimorroēo) specifically refers to a flow of blood. This condition would have isolated her from religious and social life, as anyone she touched would also become unclean. Her bleeding symbolizes a deeper spiritual and social alienation, making her healing not just a physical restoration but a reintegration into the community.

for twelve years
The duration of twelve years emphasizes the chronic nature of her condition and the extent of her suffering. In biblical numerology, the number twelve often signifies completeness or the people of God (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). The mention of twelve years may suggest the completeness of her suffering and the perfect timing of her encounter with Jesus. This long period of affliction highlights the miraculous nature of her healing, as it was beyond the help of human intervention, underscoring the power and authority of Jesus over long-standing issues.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman with the Issue of Blood
This unnamed woman had been suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years. Her condition made her ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law, isolating her from society and religious practices.

2. Jesus
Central to this account, Jesus is the healer and the one whom the woman seeks out in faith, believing that touching His garment will heal her.

3. The Crowd
A large group of people surrounds Jesus, making it difficult for the woman to reach Him. The crowd represents both a physical and social barrier.

4. Capernaum
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events occur in the region of Capernaum, a significant location in Jesus' ministry.

5. The Twelve-Year Duration
The length of the woman's suffering is significant, highlighting the chronic nature of her condition and her desperation for healing.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The woman's faith led her to take bold action despite societal and religious barriers. Her belief in Jesus' power to heal was greater than her fear of public shame or failure.

Perseverance in Suffering
Her twelve-year struggle teaches us about enduring faith and the hope that healing and restoration are possible, even after long periods of suffering.

Breaking Barriers
Jesus' response to the woman shows that He is willing to break societal and religious barriers to bring healing and restoration. This challenges us to consider how we can break down barriers in our own lives to reach out to others.

The Power of Jesus
This passage highlights Jesus' divine power and authority over physical ailments, encouraging believers to trust in His ability to heal and restore.

Personal Encounter with Jesus
The woman's healing came through a personal encounter with Jesus, reminding us of the importance of seeking a personal relationship with Him for our spiritual and physical needs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the woman's condition and her response to Jesus challenge our understanding of faith and action in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can we identify with the woman's perseverance in suffering, and how can her account encourage us in our own struggles?

3. How does Jesus' willingness to heal the woman despite societal norms challenge us to break down barriers in our own lives and communities?

4. What does this passage teach us about the nature of Jesus' power and authority, and how can this understanding impact our daily lives?

5. How can we seek a personal encounter with Jesus in our own lives, and what steps can we take to deepen our relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 15
This chapter outlines the laws regarding ceremonial cleanliness, which would have directly impacted the woman's life, as her condition made her perpetually unclean.

Luke 8:43-48 and Matthew 9:20-22
These parallel accounts provide additional details about the woman's faith and Jesus' response, emphasizing her belief and His power to heal.

Hebrews 11
This chapter on faith connects to the woman's belief that merely touching Jesus' garment would heal her, illustrating the power of faith in action.