Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Account:The account of the woman with the issue of blood is found in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. This narrative describes a miraculous healing performed by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Context and Background: The woman, whose name is not mentioned in the Scriptures, suffered from a chronic hemorrhage for twelve years. This condition not only caused her physical suffering but also rendered her ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27). As a result, she would have been socially isolated, unable to participate in religious activities, and likely ostracized by her community. The Encounter with Jesus: Desperate for healing after spending all she had on physicians without improvement, the woman approached Jesus with faith. Mark 5:27-28 states, "When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she kept saying, 'If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.'" Her faith was not in the garment itself but in the power of Jesus to heal. Miraculous Healing: Upon touching Jesus' cloak, the woman was immediately healed. Mark 5:29 records, "Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction." Jesus, aware that power had gone out from Him, turned to the crowd and asked, "Who touched My clothes?" (Mark 5:30). The disciples were puzzled by His question due to the pressing crowd, but Jesus persisted. Jesus' Response: The woman, trembling with fear, came forward and confessed the truth. Jesus' response was one of compassion and affirmation. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction" (Mark 5:34). This statement not only confirmed her physical healing but also restored her social and spiritual standing. Theological Significance: The account of the woman with the issue of blood highlights several key theological themes: 1. Faith and Healing: The woman's faith in Jesus' power to heal is central to the narrative. Her belief that merely touching His garment would result in healing demonstrates a profound trust in His divine authority. 2. Jesus' Compassion: Jesus' willingness to heal and His gentle response to the woman underscore His compassion and care for the marginalized and suffering. He acknowledges her faith and grants her peace, both physically and spiritually. 3. Breaking Social Barriers: By healing the woman, Jesus challenges the social and religious barriers of His time. He restores her dignity and reintegrates her into the community, illustrating the inclusive nature of His ministry. 4. Divine Power: The instantaneous nature of the healing emphasizes Jesus' divine power and authority over illness and impurity. It serves as a testament to His identity as the Son of God. Cultural and Historical Insights: In the first-century Jewish context, the woman's condition would have been a source of great shame and isolation. Her act of touching Jesus' garment was bold and risky, as it could have been perceived as making Him ceremonially unclean. However, her faith transcended cultural norms, and Jesus' response redefined purity and holiness. Legacy and Influence: The account of the woman with the issue of blood has been a source of inspiration and hope for countless believers throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the boundless compassion of Christ. Her account is often cited in discussions of faith, healing, and the breaking of societal barriers in the pursuit of divine grace. 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 |