For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

MARK 5:28KJV
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Mark 5:28 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:28 mean?

Mark 5:28 shows a woman who believes that simply touching Jesus’ clothes will heal her. She expresses quiet confidence that even this small act will be enough to make her well.

In this scene, the woman has suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years and has not found help from doctors. She is not speaking to Jesus directly but is saying this to herself as she approaches him in a crowd. The verse highlights her deep faith and her hope that contact with Jesus, even without his direct attention, can bring her healing.

The Greek behind Mark 5:28

  • "touch" (ἅψωμαι, hapsōmai): This word means more than a casual brush; it often carries the sense of intentionally grasping or making contact. The woman is not just hoping to bump into Jesus but is reaching out purposefully.
  • "whole" (σωθῶ, sōthō): This word is often translated as "saved" or "made well." In this context, it points to both physical healing and the idea of being restored or rescued from her suffering.

Why Mark 5:28 matters

  • Mark 5:28 shows that the woman’s faith is active—she takes a risk by approaching Jesus in public, believing that even indirect contact will be enough.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic moment when Jesus notices her touch and responds, showing that faith can be expressed in quiet, desperate actions, not just words or public displays.
  • This verse helps clarify that the focus is not on magic in Jesus’ clothing but on the woman’s trust in who Jesus is and what he can do.

Where else these words appear

“If” Greek G2579 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
  • Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“touch” 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 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

“clothes” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

“whole” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.