King James Version
What Does Mark 5:32 Mean?
“And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.”
Mark 5:32 · KJV
Context
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.
34
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. Jesus' persistent search demonstrates His pastoral care and desire for public acknowledgment of faith. 'He looked round about' (περιεβλέπετο, perieblepto) uses imperfect tense indicating continued, systematic searching—Jesus kept looking, scanning the crowd deliberately. 'To see her' (ἰδεῖν τὴν τοῦτο ποιήσασαν, idein tēn touto poiēsasan) shows His intent to identify specifically 'her that had done this thing'—the one who touched in faith.
Why did Jesus insist on public identification when He could have blessed her privately? Several reasons: (1) to strengthen her faith through personal interaction, (2) to provide public testimony encouraging others, (3) to give her complete healing—physical cure plus social restoration through public acknowledgment, (4) to teach the difference between casual contact and faith, and (5) to honor her faith publicly, transforming shame into testimony. Jesus never healed merely physically; He brought complete restoration—physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. This woman needed not just private cure but public recognition to be fully restored to community. Christ's persistent search demonstrates that He values each individual, seeking personal encounter even in crowded ministry contexts.
Why did Jesus insist on public identification when He could have blessed her privately? Several reasons: (1) to strengthen her faith through personal interaction, (2) to provide public testimony encouraging others, (3) to give her complete healing—physical cure plus social restoration through public acknowledgment, (4) to teach the difference between casual contact and faith, and (5) to honor her faith publicly, transforming shame into testimony. Jesus never healed merely physically; He brought complete restoration—physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. This woman needed not just private cure but public recognition to be fully restored to community. Christ's persistent search demonstrates that He values each individual, seeking personal encounter even in crowded ministry contexts.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
In first-century Mediterranean culture, public honor and shame held enormous significance. Private healing without public acknowledgment would leave this woman's social status uncertain—had she really been healed? Would community accept her return? Public recognition by an authoritative figure (Jesus) was crucial for social reintegration. Jesus' deliberate searching also established witnesses to the miracle, important for verifying the event's authenticity. Unlike modern Western individualism, ancient honor-shame cultures required public validation for restoration to community. The woman's twelve-year isolation meant she had no social standing; Jesus' public interaction restored her dignity and social position. Early church interpretation emphasized Jesus' shepherd-like care for individual sheep even within large crowds (John 10:3)—He calls His own by name and knows each personally. This pastoral attention contrasts with religious leaders who view people as masses to be managed rather than individuals to be known and loved.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus' insistence on personal encounter despite the crowd challenge impersonal approaches to ministry that focus on masses rather than individuals?
- What does Christ's search for this woman teach about the importance of public testimony versus private, anonymous faith?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 6 wordsκαὶ1 of 6
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδεῖν3 of 6
“to see”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ποιήσασαν6 of 6
“her that had done”
G4160to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
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 5:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.