New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 9:20

The Doctor for the Sick

Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. Matthew 9:20 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 9:20, in plain English

On the way, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of His cloak.

Why it's here

Twelve years of illness, isolation, and shame. She had tried everything and spent everything. Jesus was her last hope.

Who's speaking

Matthew, introducing a desperate woman.

Where it sits in the story

This woman's courage to reach out in the middle of a crowd, despite her shame, is one of the most moving moments in the Gospels.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

A woman with a twelve-year haimorrhousa (hemorrhage/bleeding condition) approaches from behind and touches the kraspedon (fringe/tassel) of Jesus' garment.

Language and setting

Her condition made her perpetually ritually unclean (Lev 15:25-27), isolating her from community and worship for over a decade.

Voice

Matthew, introducing the interrupting woman.

Significance

This woman's story is sandwiched within the ruler's daughter narrative, a literary technique that highlights both faith stories.

In context

Matthew 9:18–22

18While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.”

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.”

22Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that very hour.

Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.

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