Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: The account of the woman with a bleeding issue is found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48.Context and Background: The woman with a bleeding issue is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her faith and the miraculous healing she received from Jesus. Her account is set within the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, where He performed numerous miracles and taught large crowds. Description of the Condition: The woman suffered from a chronic hemorrhage, often interpreted as a menstrual disorder, which had persisted for twelve years. This condition rendered her ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law (Leviticus 15:25-27), isolating her socially and religiously. Her ailment not only caused physical suffering but also financial hardship, as she had spent all her resources on physicians without finding a cure. Encounter with Jesus: · Matthew 9:20-22 : "Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. She said to herself, 'If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.' Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take courage, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was cured from that very hour." · Mark 5:25-34 : "And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched My clothes?' His disciples answered, 'You see the people crowding against You, and yet You can ask, "Who touched Me?"' But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at His feet and, trembling with fear, told Him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'" · Luke 8:43-48 : "A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 'Who touched Me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against You.' But Jesus declared, 'Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.' Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had been immediately healed. 'Daughter,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'" Significance of the Miracle: The healing of the woman with the bleeding issue is a profound testament to the power of faith and the compassion of Jesus. Her act of touching Jesus' garment, driven by faith, resulted in immediate healing, demonstrating the accessibility of Jesus' power to those who believe. Jesus' response, addressing her as "daughter," signifies acceptance and restoration, both physically and socially. Theological Implications: This narrative highlights several key theological themes: · Faith and Healing: The woman's faith is central to her healing, illustrating the principle that faith can access divine power. · Jesus' Authority: The miracle underscores Jesus' authority over physical ailments and His ability to purify and restore. · Inclusivity of Jesus' Ministry: By healing a woman considered unclean, Jesus challenges social and religious boundaries, emphasizing His mission to reach the marginalized and outcast. Cultural and Historical Insights: In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, the woman's condition would have isolated her from religious and social life. Her bold approach to Jesus, despite the crowd and her status, reflects a desperate yet hopeful faith. The narrative also provides insight into the limitations of contemporary medical practices and the socio-religious implications of illness in ancient times. Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms |