King James Version

What Does Mark 5:28 Mean?

Mark 5:28 in the King James Version says “For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.”

Mark 5:28 · KJV

Context

26

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse ,

27

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

29

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

30

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. This verse reveals the woman's internal reasoning and faith. 'She said' (ἔλεγεν, elegen) uses imperfect tense indicating repeated self-assurance—she kept telling herself this, strengthening her resolve. 'If I may touch but his clothes' (Ἐὰν ἅψωμαι κἂν τῶν ἱματίων αὐτοῦ, Ean hapsōmai kan tōn himatiōn autou) shows remarkable faith—she believed contact with Jesus' clothing, not even His person, would suffice. The particle 'but' (κἂν, kan) emphasizes minimum contact—even just touching His clothes would be enough.

'I shall be whole' (σωθήσομαι, sōthēsomai) uses the verb sōzō meaning both physical healing and spiritual salvation—Jesus later uses the same word: 'thy faith hath made thee whole' (v. 34). Her confidence wasn't in magical garments but in Jesus Himself—the clothing merely provided point of contact with Him. This faith contrasts with superstition; she didn't believe the fabric had inherent power but that Jesus' power extended even to what He touched. Her faith, though imperfect in expression, was genuine in its object. Reformed theology distinguishes between strong faith and weak faith—both save when directed toward Christ, though strong faith brings greater assurance and peace. God honors even trembling faith when genuinely placed in Jesus.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism had no concept of 'faith healing' through touching rabbis' garments. This woman's belief was unique and Spirit-inspired, not cultural tradition. Some pagan religions involved touching sacred objects or garments for healing, but her faith differed fundamentally—she trusted in Jesus' person, not magical properties of fabric. The verb 'be whole' (sōzō) carried both physical and spiritual connotations in Hellenistic Judaism, anticipating Jesus' holistic salvation. Ancient medical practice often involved amulets, charms, and objects believed to have healing properties—the woman's approach might superficially resemble these, but Jesus' response (v. 34) clarifies that her faith in Him, not the touching itself, brought healing. Early church tradition held that this woman was from Caesarea Philippi and later erected a statue honoring Christ (Eusebius, Church History 7.18). Whether historically accurate or legendary, this tradition reflects early Christian understanding that genuine faith produces lasting gratitude and witness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the woman's conviction that even touching Jesus' clothes would heal her challenge our expectations about what level of contact with Christ is necessary for transformation?
  2. In what ways might we be confusing external religious practices (the 'garment') with genuine faith in Christ Himself (the person wearing the garment)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἔλεγεν1 of 9

“she said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

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

ὅτι3 of 9

“If”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κἂν4 of 9

“but”

G2579

and (or even) if

τῶν5 of 9
G3588

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

ἱματίων6 of 9

“clothes”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτοῦ7 of 9

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἅψωμαι8 of 9

“I may touch”

G680

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

σωθήσομαι9 of 9

“I shall be whole”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 5:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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