King James Version
What Does Mark 5:31 Mean?
“And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?”
Mark 5:31 · KJV
Context
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?
31
And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32
And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33
But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? The disciples' response reveals their limited understanding of the difference between physical proximity and faith-filled contact. 'The multitude thronging thee' (τὸν ὄχλον συνθλίβοντά σε, ton ochlon synthlibonta se) uses a verb meaning to press together, crowd, or crush—describing intense physical pressure from all sides. From the disciples' perspective, Jesus' question seemed absurd: countless people were touching Him in the crowded streets.
Their literalistic response missed the spiritual dimension Jesus referenced. They saw only physical contact; Jesus perceived faith's touch. This exchange illustrates a persistent problem in discipleship: confusing external religious activity with genuine spiritual engagement. The disciples walked physically closest to Jesus yet often misunderstood His teaching and mission. Proximity doesn't guarantee comprehension; physical nearness doesn't ensure spiritual intimacy. Many 'throng' Jesus—attend church, perform religious duties, maintain Christian cultural identity—without truly 'touching' Him through personal faith. Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith involves not mere intellectual assent or religious participation but personal trust and communion with Christ (John 17:3).
Their literalistic response missed the spiritual dimension Jesus referenced. They saw only physical contact; Jesus perceived faith's touch. This exchange illustrates a persistent problem in discipleship: confusing external religious activity with genuine spiritual engagement. The disciples walked physically closest to Jesus yet often misunderstood His teaching and mission. Proximity doesn't guarantee comprehension; physical nearness doesn't ensure spiritual intimacy. Many 'throng' Jesus—attend church, perform religious duties, maintain Christian cultural identity—without truly 'touching' Him through personal faith. Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith involves not mere intellectual assent or religious participation but personal trust and communion with Christ (John 17:3).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Palestinian village and town streets were narrow, unpaved pathways where crowds created crushing conditions. When a popular rabbi or healer appeared, enthusiastic crowds pressed in from all directions seeking healing, teaching, or merely curiosity. The disciples' question reflected practical reality—in such conditions, identifying who touched Jesus seemed impossible. Peter's tone (Luke 8:45 reports Peter speaking) suggests mild frustration or confusion at what seemed an unanswerable question. This interaction reveals the disciples' ongoing education in spiritual discernment. Despite months traveling with Jesus, witnessing miracles, and receiving private instruction, they still thought primarily in physical rather than spiritual categories. This gradual learning process characterized the disciples' development throughout Jesus' ministry. Early church fathers used this passage to emphasize that mere church attendance or proximity to Christian community doesn't constitute saving faith—intentional, personal trust in Christ is required.
Reflection Questions
- How do you distinguish between merely 'thronging' Jesus through religious activity and truly 'touching' Him through personal faith and communion?
- What does the disciples' confusion teach about the danger of familiarity with Jesus that lacks deep spiritual understanding?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 16 wordsκαὶ1 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγεις2 of 16
“said”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ3 of 16
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτοῦ6 of 16
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὄχλον9 of 16
“the multitude”
G3793a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
καὶ12 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγεις13 of 16
“said”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἥψατο16 of 16
“touched”
G680properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)
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 5:31 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 Mark 5:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge