What is the meaning of Mark 5:33? Then the woman • The narrative singles out “the woman” who had suffered twelve years (Mark 5:25-26). Though unnamed, Scripture elevates her faith, much as it highlights other formerly marginalized people God uses (Luke 8:2; John 4:7-29). • “Then” links her directly to the instant healing in the previous verse (Mark 5:29). A genuine encounter with Jesus always calls for a response (Acts 16:29-34). knowing what had happened to her • She felt the healing in her body (Mark 5:29), so her knowledge was experiential, not theoretical. • Similar immediate awareness appears when Peter’s mother-in-law is healed and begins serving (Mark 1:31) or when the lame man walks and leaps (Acts 3:7-9). • Her certainty about the miracle fuels the courage to step forward. came and fell down before Him • Drawing near replaces the secrecy of her earlier touch (Mark 5:27). Faith grows from covert hope to open worship. • Falling down echoes others who recognize Jesus’ authority—demons (Mark 3:11), a grateful Samaritan leper (Luke 17:16), and Jairus (Mark 5:22). • The posture signals worship and submission (Psalm 95:6; Matthew 15:25). trembling in fear • Fear here is reverent awe, not terror that drives away but wonder that draws close (Psalm 2:11; Mark 4:41). • Her trembling stems from realizing she has touched the Holy One and now stands exposed. Yet Jesus’ welcoming heart consistently calms such fear (Mark 6:50; John 6:20). • Healthy fear and heartfelt faith often mingle when sinners meet the Savior (Isaiah 6:5; Luke 5:8-10). and she told Him the whole truth • She holds nothing back—her illness, her unclean status, her daring touch. Confession precedes assurance (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). • Public testimony honors God’s work (Psalm 107:2; Mark 1:45) and strengthens others’ faith (John 4:39). • Jesus draws her story into the open not to shame but to affirm her faith and declare her clean before the crowd (Mark 5:34; Leviticus 15:25-30). summary Mark 5:33 portrays the necessary progression of saving faith: an undeniable encounter with Jesus leads to humble approach, reverent fear, and honest confession. The woman moves from anonymity to acknowledgment, from private desperation to public declaration. Her example invites every believer to recognize Christ’s power, bow in worship, and speak openly of His grace. |
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