King James Version

What Does Mark 5:34 Mean?

Mark 5:34 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

Mark 5:34 · KJV

FaithPeace

Context

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.

35

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

36

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Jesus' response transforms the woman's fear into blessing through tender words of affirmation. 'Daughter' (Θυγάτηρ, Thygatēr) is remarkably intimate—the only time in the Gospels Jesus addresses an individual woman this way. After twelve years of isolation and being untouchable, she hears herself called into family relationship with Christ. This tender address welcomes her from outcaste status into beloved belonging.

'Thy faith hath made thee whole' (ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε, hē pistis sou sesōken se) clarifies the healing's source—not the garment's magical properties but her faith in Christ. The verb σῴζω (sōzō) carries dual meaning: physical healing and spiritual salvation, suggesting Jesus gave both. 'Go in peace' (ὕπαγε εἰς εἰρήνην, hypage eis eirēnēn) pronounces shalom—complete wellbeing, wholeness, and reconciliation with God and community. 'Be whole of thy plague' (ἴσθι ὑγιὴς ἀπὸ τῆς μάστιγός σου, isthi hygiēs apo tēs mastigos sou) confirms permanent healing, not temporary relief. Jesus provides triple blessing: family adoption ('daughter'), spiritual salvation ('faith has saved you'), and complete restoration ('be whole'). This comprehensive healing models salvation's fullness—justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The word 'daughter' conferred social standing the woman had lost—family identity meant protection, belonging, and dignity in ancient society. Jesus publicly restored what twelve years of isolation had stripped away. The phrase 'thy faith hath made thee whole' (also rendered 'saved you') explicitly credited her faith, important for several reasons: it prevented superstitious interpretation (the garment had no power itself), it encouraged others to approach Jesus in faith, and it clarified that healing resulted from personal trust in Christ, not magical ritual. The command 'go in peace' was formal dismissal with blessing—rabbinic formula pronouncing divine favor. Early church interpretation saw this woman as representing the church (previously unclean Gentiles) made clean through faith in Christ. Church fathers contrasted her humble faith with religious leaders' proud unbelief—she received salvation they rejected. The twelve-year suffering period matched the age of Jairus's daughter (v. 42), suggesting theological significance: the same power that restored one woman's health would shortly raise another from death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' address 'Daughter' speak to your deepest need for belonging, family, and acceptance in God's household?
  2. What does Jesus' statement 'thy faith hath made thee whole' teach about the relationship between personal trust in Christ and experiencing His saving power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὁ1 of 20
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 20

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ4 of 20

“unto her”

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

θύγατερ5 of 20

“Daughter”

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

ἡ6 of 20
G3588

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

πίστις7 of 20

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

σου8 of 20

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

σέσωκέν9 of 20

“hath made”

G4982

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

σε·10 of 20

“thee”

G4571

thee

ὕπαγε11 of 20

“go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς12 of 20

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

εἰρήνην13 of 20

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

καὶ14 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἴσθι15 of 20

“be”

G2468

be thou

ὑγιὴς16 of 20

“whole”

G5199

healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)

ἀπὸ17 of 20

“of”

G575

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

τῆς18 of 20
G3588

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

μάστιγός19 of 20

“plague”

G3148

a whip (literally, the roman flagellum for criminals; figuratively, a disease)

σου20 of 20

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 5:34 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 5:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:48Matthew 9:22Luke 7:50Luke 18:42Mark 5:29Acts 14:9

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