King James Version

What Does Luke 8:46 Mean?

Luke 8:46 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.”

Luke 8:46 · KJV

Context

44

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

45

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

46

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

47

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

48

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Read Luke 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. Jesus' insistence "Somebody hath touched me" (Hēpsato mou tis, Ἥψατό μού τις) distinguishes this touch from all others. The pronoun tis (τις, "somebody, someone") indicates a specific individual among the multitude. Jesus knew exactly who touched Him but asked publicly to draw the woman forward, affirm her faith, and grant her peace and restored dignity.

The phrase "I perceive that virtue is gone out of me" (egō gar egnōn dunamin exelēluythuian ap' emou, ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔγνων δύναμιν ἐξεληλυθυῖαν ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ) reveals Jesus' awareness of healing power flowing from Him. The word dynamis (δύναμις, "virtue, power, ability, strength") describes divine energy, miraculous force, supernatural capability. The perfect tense verb exelēluythuian (ἐξεληλυθυῖαν, "has gone out") indicates completed action with ongoing results—power had flowed and accomplished its purpose.

This statement raises profound theological questions about Christ's incarnation and divine-human nature. Did healing cost Jesus something? Was His power diminished? Reformed theology affirms that Jesus' divine nature (infinite, omnipotent, unlimited) remained unchanged, but His human experience involved genuine engagement with human limitation and suffering. The passage reveals Jesus' voluntary submission to human experience while retaining divine attributes—He chose to notice power's release, creating opportunity to honor the woman's faith publicly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of divine power flowing through holy persons appears throughout biblical history. Elijah's mantle performed miracles (2 Kings 2:8, 14), Elisha's bones revived a dead man (2 Kings 13:21), and handkerchiefs from Paul's body brought healing (Acts 19:12). Yet Jesus' power was qualitatively different—not channeled through objects but emanating from His person as God incarnate. He possessed inherent divine authority, not delegated or borrowed power.

Jewish understanding acknowledged God's power working through prophets and holy men, but Jesus' awareness of power flowing from Him demonstrated unique divine-human unity. He wasn't merely a conduit for external power but the source of divine energy Himself. This distinction sets Him apart from all prophets, miracle workers, and religious figures—they prayed for God to act; Jesus acted with intrinsic divine authority.

Jesus' public identification of this touch served multiple purposes: honoring the woman's faith, removing her shame, restoring her social standing, and teaching crowds about the nature of saving faith. Had she slipped away anonymously, she would remain unclean in community perception, unable to resume worship participation or social life. Jesus' public affirmation (v. 48) would complete her healing by restoring her dignity and covenant standing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' awareness of healing power flowing from Him reveal about His divine nature and voluntary engagement with human experience?
  2. How does this passage demonstrate the difference between Jesus as the intrinsic source of power versus prophets as channels of God's power?
  3. Why was Jesus' public identification of the woman's touch necessary for her complete healing and restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὁ1 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἥψατό5 of 14

“hath touched”

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

μού6 of 14

“me”

G3450

of me

τις7 of 14

“Somebody”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐγὼ8 of 14

“I”

G1473

i, me

γὰρ9 of 14

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔγνων10 of 14

“perceive”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

δύναμιν11 of 14

“that virtue”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

ἐξελθοῦσαν12 of 14

“is gone”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀπ'13 of 14

“out of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμοῦ14 of 14

“me”

G1700

of me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 6:19Luke 5:171 Peter 2:9

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 8 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes