Mark 5:25 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:25 mean?

Mark 5:25 introduces a woman who had been suffering from a persistent flow of blood for twelve years. The verse sets the stage for her story, highlighting the long duration and seriousness of her condition.

In this part of the Gospel of Mark, the narrator is describing the situation to the reader as Jesus is on his way to help someone else. The mention of "an issue of blood" means the woman had a chronic bleeding problem, which would have made her ritually unclean and socially isolated in her culture. This detail prepares the reader to understand the desperation and significance of her approaching Jesus in the following verses.

The Greek behind Mark 5:25

• γυνή (gynē): "woman." This word simply identifies the person as female, but in the cultural context, it also signals her vulnerability and marginalization, especially given her medical condition.
• ῥύσις (rhysis): "issue" or "flow." This term refers specifically to a flow or discharge, emphasizing that her problem was ongoing and not a one-time event.
• αἷμα (haima): "blood." The use of this word clarifies that her issue was related to bleeding, which carried both physical and social consequences in Jewish law.
• δώδεκα (dōdeka): "twelve." The number highlights the long duration of her suffering, underlining how persistent and unresolved her condition was.

Why Mark 5:25 matters

• Mark 5:25 helps the reader understand the depth of the woman's suffering and why her later actions are so bold and desperate.
• The verse shows that her condition was not only a physical problem but also had serious social and religious consequences, making her story more poignant.
• This introduction sets up a contrast between her hidden suffering and the public miracles Jesus performs, preparing the reader for the significance of her encounter with him.