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?

LUKE 8:45KJV
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Luke 8:45 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:45 mean?

Luke 8:45 describes Jesus stopping in the middle of a crowded scene and asking, “Who touched me?” even though many people were pressing up against him. Peter and the others are surprised by the question, pointing out that the crowd is so thick it would be impossible to single out one person’s touch.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as they move through a crowd. The situation is tense and busy, with people all around, but Jesus senses a specific touch that is different from the accidental jostling of the crowd. The verse highlights Jesus’ awareness and the confusion of his disciples, setting up the revelation that someone has reached out to him in faith.

The Greek behind Luke 8:45

  • “Who touched” (τίς ἥψατο, tis hēpsato): The Greek word ἥψατο (hēpsato) means “touched” or “took hold of.” It often carries the sense of intentional contact, not just a casual bump. This helps show that Jesus is asking about a deliberate act, not just the crowd’s general pressing.
  • “Throng” (συνέχουσιν, synéchousin): This word means to press tightly or crowd in on someone. It emphasizes just how packed and chaotic the scene is, making Jesus’ question seem even more unusual to the disciples.

Why Luke 8:45 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus’ awareness is limited by the physical crowd; instead, he notices a purposeful act of faith even in a chaotic setting.
  • The disciples’ confusion highlights the difference between casual contact and a meaningful encounter with Jesus, which is a key theme in the story that follows.
  • Luke 8:45 sets up the following verses, where the woman who touched Jesus is revealed, showing the personal nature of Jesus’ ministry even in the midst of large crowds.

Where else these words appear

“Master” Greek G1988 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
  • Luke 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

“throng” Greek G4912 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

“denied” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“touched” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.