What does Mark 5:32 mean?
What is the meaning of Mark 5:32?

But

The little word sets up a contrast with what just happened. Moments earlier “Jesus was aware that power had gone out from Him” and asked, “Who touched My garments?” (Mark 5:30).

• The woman had already received her healing, yet the story is not finished.

• Luke records the same pivot: “But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched Me’ ” (Luke 8:45).

• The “but” signals that Jesus will not let the moment pass unnoticed; He has more than a hidden miracle in mind.


He kept looking around

Jesus’ search is deliberate and persistent. He is not distracted by the pressing crowd; He is focused on one sheep in need.

2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us, “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth,” showing His active concern.

• “As the good shepherd,” Jesus says, “I know My sheep” (John 10:14). He scans the faces until He locks onto the one who reached out in faith.

• The Savior’s determination underscores that personal encounters matter to Him, not just anonymous power transfers.


to see

The goal is visibility and relationship. Jesus wants the woman in the light, not hiding in fear.

• “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). He already knows who touched Him, yet He looks “to see” so that she may step forward.

• Confession completes faith’s action. “With your mouth you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:10). Jesus invites her testimony for her sake and for the crowd’s learning.

• His searching gaze is never for condemnation; it is an invitation to deeper assurance.


who had done this

The emphasis moves from the act to the person. Jesus is intent on the doer, not merely the deed.

• In the next verse He will say, “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Mark 5:34), publicly honoring her trust.

1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The LORD sees the heart.” He singles her out to affirm that faith, not superstition, drew the healing power.

• By drawing her forward, He restores her socially as well as physically, reversing years of isolation (cf. Leviticus 15:25–27).


summary

Mark 5:32 shows Jesus refusing to let a private miracle stay hidden. The contrastive “but” signals His resolve. He keeps scanning the crowd, eyes roaming like the LORD’s throughout the earth, until He sees the woman who touched Him. His purpose is relational: to bring her into the open, confirm her faith, and grant full restoration. The verse assures us that the Savior who notices one trembling believer in a throng still seeks personal, public acknowledgment of faith today.

What cultural significance does the crowd have in Mark 5:31?
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