Luke 8:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:46 mean?

Luke 8:46 records Jesus saying that someone has touched Him because He sensed that "virtue" (meaning power) had gone out from Him. Jesus is making it clear that He was aware when His healing power was drawn upon, even in the midst of a crowd.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by many people, but He stops and points out that a specific touch was different—He felt healing power leave Him. This happens just after a woman with a long-term illness touches Jesus' cloak, hoping to be healed. Jesus’ statement highlights both His awareness and the unique nature of the woman’s faith-driven touch.

The Greek behind Luke 8:46

• δύναμις (dynamis, transliterated): This word is translated as "virtue" in the KJV, but it more often means "power" or "ability." Here, it refers to the miraculous healing power that Jesus sensed leaving Him, not moral virtue.
• γινώσκω (ginōskō, transliterated): Translated as "perceive," this word means to know or become aware of something. Jesus is not just guessing—He has a real awareness that power has gone out from Him.
• ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai, transliterated): This is the word for "gone out." It emphasizes that something active and real left Jesus, underlining the tangible nature of the healing event.

Why Luke 8:46 matters

• Luke 8:46 clarifies that Jesus’ miracles were not automatic or impersonal; He was personally aware when His power was used to heal someone.
• The verse helps readers see the difference between the casual contact of the crowd and the intentional, faith-filled touch of the woman, which drew out Jesus’ healing power.
• This moment sets up the following verses, where Jesus publicly acknowledges the woman’s faith, showing the importance of both faith and Jesus’ personal involvement in healing.