And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

MARK 5:26KJV
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Mark 5:26 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:26 mean?

Mark 5:26 describes a woman who had suffered for a long time under the care of many doctors, spending all her money, but instead of getting better, her condition only became worse. The verse highlights her desperation and the failure of all human efforts to heal her.

In this part of Mark’s Gospel, the story is being told about a woman with a long-term illness who approaches Jesus for help. The verse sets the scene by showing how hopeless her situation was: despite seeking help from many physicians and using up all her resources, nothing worked. This background helps the reader understand the depth of her need and the significance of what happens when she finally encounters Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 5:26

  • "πολλῶν" (pollōn, "many"): This word is used twice—first for "many things" she suffered and again for "many physicians." The repetition emphasizes just how extensive her search for help was.
  • "ἰατρῶν" (iatrōn, "physicians"): This word specifically means medical doctors, making it clear that her suffering was not just from her illness, but also from the treatments she underwent.
  • "δαπανήσασα" (dapanēsasa, "spent"): The Greek word here means to spend or exhaust resources, underlining that she had used up everything she had in her search for healing.
  • "μᾶλλον εἰς τὸ χεῖρον ἐλθοῦσα" (mallon eis to cheiron elthousa, "rather grew worse"): This phrase shows that not only did she fail to improve, but her condition actually deteriorated, stressing the hopelessness of her situation before meeting Jesus.

Why Mark 5:26 matters

  • Mark 5:26 clarifies that the woman’s suffering was not only physical but also financial and emotional, as she lost all her resources and hope.
  • The verse emphasizes the limits of human solutions, setting up a contrast with the healing that Jesus will soon provide.
  • This detail deepens the reader’s understanding of the miracle that follows, showing that Jesus’ help comes after every other option has failed, highlighting his unique authority and compassion.

Where else these words appear

“spent” Greek G1159 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
  • Acts 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

“physicians” Greek G2395 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

“worse” Greek G5501 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 2:21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

“was” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
  • Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • 1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.