Topical Encyclopedia The "issue of blood" is a term used in the Bible to describe a chronic hemorrhagic condition, most notably referenced in the New Testament. This condition is characterized by prolonged bleeding, which, according to Mosaic Law, rendered a woman ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27). The issue of blood is prominently featured in the healing narrative found in the Synoptic Gospels, where a woman suffering from this ailment is miraculously healed by Jesus Christ.Biblical Account: The most detailed account of the woman with the issue of blood is found in the Gospel of Mark 5:25-34, with parallel accounts in Matthew 9:20-22 and Luke 8:43-48. According to Mark 5:25-26 , "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." This passage highlights the chronic nature of her condition and the desperation she faced after exhausting her resources on ineffective treatments. In a profound act of faith, the woman approached Jesus amidst a crowd, believing that touching His garment would heal her. Mark 5:28 records her thought: "For she kept saying, 'If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.'" Her faith was rewarded, as Mark 5:29 states, "Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction." Jesus, aware that power had gone out from Him, sought to identify who had touched Him. The woman, trembling with fear, confessed her action. Jesus responded with compassion, saying in Mark 5:34 , "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction." Theological Significance: The healing of the woman with the issue of blood is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates Jesus' authority over physical ailments and His willingness to restore those marginalized by society. Under Jewish law, her condition would have isolated her socially and religiously, as she was considered perpetually unclean. By healing her, Jesus not only restored her health but also her place in the community. This narrative also underscores the power of faith. The woman's belief in Jesus' ability to heal her, despite her long-standing suffering, exemplifies the kind of faith that pleases God. Her healing was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual affirmation of her faith in Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, the issue of blood would have had significant implications for a woman's daily life. According to Levitical law, any bed she lay on or object she sat on would be considered unclean, and anyone who touched these items would also become unclean until evening (Leviticus 15:26-27). This would have severely restricted her social interactions and participation in religious activities. The woman's condition and subsequent healing by Jesus highlight the transformative power of Christ's ministry, which often broke through societal and religious barriers to bring healing and restoration. Her account is a testament to the inclusivity of Jesus' mission and His concern for the marginalized and suffering. Conclusion: The account of the woman with the issue of blood is a powerful testament to the healing power of Jesus and the importance of faith. It serves as a reminder of Christ's compassion and His ability to restore not only physical health but also social and spiritual wholeness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 9:20And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Statue which the Woman with an Issue of Blood Erected. The Compassion of Jesus Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman. The Avenging of the Saviour. Index. Matt. Ix. 18 [Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ... C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56 The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age. Resources Who were the 70 (or 72) disciples in Luke 10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Diseases: Art of Curing, Defective Diseases: Demoniacal Possession Diseases: Frequently: Complicated Diseases: Frequently: Incurable Diseases: Frequently: Loathsome Diseases: God often Entreated to Cure Diseases: Intemperance a Cause of Diseases: Medicine Used for Curing Diseases: Not Looking to God In, Condemned Diseases: Often Brought from Other Countries Diseases: Often Sent As Punishment Diseases: Over-Excitement a Cause of Diseases: Physicians Undertook the Cure of Diseases: Regarded As Visitations Diseases: Sins of Youth a Cause of Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Anointed Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Cured Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Supported Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Laid in the Streets to Receive Advice from Passers By Related Terms |
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