And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

LUKE 8:47KJV
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Luke 8:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:47 mean?

Luke 8:47 describes how a woman, realizing she could not remain unnoticed after touching Jesus, came forward trembling with fear. In front of everyone, she explained why she had touched him and told how she was instantly healed.

This moment happens as Jesus is surrounded by a crowd. The woman had secretly touched Jesus’ cloak, hoping to be healed from a long illness. When Jesus asked who touched him, she realized she could not hide. Her public confession shows both her fear and relief, and it highlights the immediate and complete nature of her healing.

The Greek behind Luke 8:47

  • "Trembling" (τρέμουσα, tremousa): This word means shaking with fear or anxiety. It shows the woman’s emotional state—she is both afraid and overwhelmed as she steps forward.
  • "Declared" (ἀπήγγειλεν, apēngeilen): This word means to announce or report openly. The verse emphasizes that she did not just admit privately but told everyone present about her reason for touching Jesus and her healing.
  • "Immediately" (παραχρῆμα, parachrēma): This word means right away or instantly. The verse stresses that her healing was not gradual but happened at that very moment.

Why Luke 8:47 matters

  • Luke 8:47 clears up any idea that the woman’s healing was secret or partial; it was public and complete, witnessed by all.
  • The verse highlights the woman’s courage in admitting her action before the crowd, showing the personal risk and vulnerability involved.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ awareness and the power that went out from him, setting up his response to the woman in the next verse.

Where else these words appear

“trembling” Greek G5141 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
  • Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
  • 2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

“was” Greek G2990 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
  • 2 Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

“before” Greek G4363 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

“immediately” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.