Matthew 9:20
New International Version
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.

New Living Translation
Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe,

English Standard Version
And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,

Berean Standard Bible
Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.

Berean Literal Bible
And behold a woman having had a flux of blood twelve years, having come up behind Him, touched the fringe of His garment.

King James Bible
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

New King James Version
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.

New American Standard Bible
And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him, and touched the border of His cloak;

NASB 1995
And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;

NASB 1977
And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;

Legacy Standard Bible
And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment;

Amplified Bible
Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe;

Christian Standard Bible
Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years approached from behind and touched the end of his robe,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe,

American Standard Version
And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:

Contemporary English Version
A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and barely touched his clothes.

English Revised Version
And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then a woman came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his clothes. She had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years.

Good News Translation
A woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak.

International Standard Version
Just then a woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel of his garment,

Majority Standard Bible
Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.

NET Bible
But a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.

New Heart English Bible
And look, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;

Webster's Bible Translation
(And behold, a woman who was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.

Weymouth New Testament
But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak;

World English Bible
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and behold, a woman having a flow of blood [for] twelve years, having come to Him behind, touched the fringe of His garments,

Berean Literal Bible
And behold a woman having had a flux of blood twelve years, having come up behind Him, touched the fringe of His garment.

Young's Literal Translation
and lo, a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, having come to him behind, did touch the fringe of his garments,

Smith's Literal Translation
And behold, a woman discharging blood twelve years, having come near behind, touched the hem of his garment:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And behold, a woman, who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years, approached from behind and touched the hem of his garment.

New American Bible
A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak.

New Revised Standard Version
Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And behold a woman who had had the hemorrhage for twelve years, came up from behind him, and she touched the edge of his cloak;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And behold a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, came from behind him and she touched the hem of his garment.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And behold, a woman that had been diseased with an issue of blood for twelve years, came behind him, and touched the fringe of his mantle.

Godbey New Testament
And behold, a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, and coming to Him behind, touched the hem of His garment.

Haweis New Testament
And, behold, a woman, who had an h�morrage twelve years, came behind, and touched the fringe of his garment:

Mace New Testament
When a woman, who had been troubled with an hemorrhage twelve years, came behind him, and touch'd the hem of his garment.

Weymouth New Testament
But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak;

Worrell New Testament
And, behold, a woman, having a flow of blood twelve years, having come up behind Him, touched the border of His garment;

Worsley New Testament
(And lo, a woman who had had a flux of blood for twelve years, came close behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Healing Touch of Jesus
19So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples. 20Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. 21She said to herself, “If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.”…

Cross References
Mark 5:25-34
And a woman was there who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. / She had borne much agony under the care of many physicians and had spent all she had, but to no avail. Instead, her condition had only grown worse. / When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. ...

Luke 8:43-48
including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her. / She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. / “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter, “the people are crowding and pressing against You.” ...

Leviticus 15:19-30
When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. / Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean, / and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. ...

Numbers 15:38-39
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. / These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes.

Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.

Matthew 14:36
and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.

Matthew 15:28
“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 23:5
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

Mark 6:56
And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.

Luke 6:19
The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

Luke 17:19
Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well!”

Acts 19:11-12
God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, / so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.


Treasury of Scripture

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

behold.

Mark 5:25
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

Luke 8:43
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

an issue.

Leviticus 15:25
And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean.

touched.

Matthew 14:36
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Mark 5:28
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

Mark 6:56
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

hem.

Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Numbers 15:38,39
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: …

Deuteronomy 22:12
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.

Jump to Previous
Afflicted Bleeding Blood Bloody Border Cloak Diseased Edge Flow Flux Fringe Garment Garments Haemorrhage Hand Hem Hemorrhage Issue Robe Subject Suffered Suffering Tassel Touched Twelve
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Afflicted Bleeding Blood Bloody Border Cloak Diseased Edge Flow Flux Fringe Garment Garments Haemorrhage Hand Hem Hemorrhage Issue Robe Subject Suffered Suffering Tassel Touched Twelve
Matthew 9
1. Jesus heals a paralytic
9. calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;
10. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
14. defends his disciples for not fasting;
20. cures the sick woman;
23. raises Jairus' daughter from death;
27. gives sight to two blind men;
32. heals a mute man possessed of a demon;
36. and has compassion on the multitude.














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.

(20) Behold, a woman . . .--The "issue of blood" was probably of the kind that brought with it ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:26), and this accounts for the sense of shame which made her shrink from applying to the Healer openly, and from confessing afterwards what she had done. It is significant that the period of her sufferings coincided with the age of the ruler's daughter. His sorrow was sudden after twelve years of joyful hope; hers had brought with it, through twelve long years, the sickness of hope deferred. St. Mark and St. Luke add (though in the latter some MSS. omit the words) that she "had spent all her substance on physicians, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse;" and the former states (what is, of course, obvious) that she came because she had "heard of the things concerning Jesus."

Touched the hem of his garment.--The incidental notice is interesting as making up, together with Matthew 14:36, John 19:23, all that we know as to our Lord's outward garb. There was first, nearest the body, the coat or tunic (?????) without seam, woven from the top throughout; then, over that, the garment or cloak (???????), flowing loosely after the manner of the East; and this had its "border or fringe," probably of a bright blue mingled with white, that on which the scribes and Pharisees laid stress as being in accordance with the Law (Numbers 15:38), and which they wore, therefore, of an ostentatious width (Matthew 23:5). Later tradition defined the very number of the threads or tassels of the fringe, so that they might represent the 613 precepts of the Law. . . .

Verse 20. - (And, behold,... that hour). The Revised Version and the ordinary editions of the Authorized Version omit the brackets, as unnecessary. And, behold, a woman which was diseased with (who had, Revised Version) an issue of blood (αἱμοῥῤοοῦσα). Physically and (Leviticus 15:25) ceremonially unclean. Twelve years. The age of Jairus' daughter as recorded in the parallel passages. The coincidence led to its being remembered, and the number itself was the more noticeable as it seems to have symbolized the presence of God in nature (3 x 4). Came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment. Hem; border (Revised Version); τοῦ κρασπέδου: fimbriam (Vulgate). The zizith," tassels or fringes of hyacinth blue m-white Wool, which every Israelite, by reason of the prescription (Numbers 15:37, sqq.; Deuteronomy 22:12), had to wear at the four corners of his upper garment," Schurer (II. it. p. 112), who adds in a note, "The colour of the zizith is now white, while originally it was to be of hyacinth blue. The Mishna, Menachoth, 4:1, already presupposes that both are allowed. They are also not now worn, as the Pentateuch directs, and as was still the custom in the time of Christ, on the upper garment (טַלִּית ἱμάτιον), but on the two square woollen shawls, one of which is always worn on the body, while the other is only wound round the head during prayer Both these shawls are also called Tallith."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Suddenly
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

a woman
γυνὴ (gynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

who had suffered from bleeding
αἱμορροοῦσα (haimorroousa)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 131: To suffer from a continual flow (oozing) of blood. From haima and rheo; to flow blood, i.e. Have a hoemorrhage.

[for] twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

years
ἔτη (etē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094: A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.

came up
προσελθοῦσα (proselthousa)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

behind [Him]
ὄπισθεν (opisthen)
Adverb
Strong's 3693: From behind, after. From opis with enclitic of source; from the rear, i.e. At the back.

[and] touched
ἥψατο (hēpsato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 680: Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fringe
κρασπέδου (kraspedou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2899: The fringe, edge, corner, tassel. Of uncertain derivation; a margin, i.e., a fringe or tassel.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

cloak.
ἱματίου (himatiou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2440: A long flowing outer garment, tunic. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi; a dress.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 9:20 Behold a woman who had an issue (Matt. Mat Mt)
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