Mark 5:29 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:29 mean?

Mark 5:29 describes the moment when a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years was instantly healed after touching Jesus’ clothes; she immediately sensed in her body that her illness had stopped. The verse emphasizes the suddenness and completeness of her healing, which she could physically feel.

In this scene, Mark is narrating what happened as Jesus was on his way to help someone else, and a woman with a long-term illness quietly reached out to touch his garment, believing it would heal her. The language highlights both the physical source of her problem (“the fountain of her blood”) and her personal awareness that something miraculous had happened, marking a dramatic turning point in her life.

The Greek behind Mark 5:29

• "Fountain" (πηγή, pēgē): This word means a spring or source, and here it is used to describe the origin of the woman’s bleeding. The choice of this word paints her illness as something ongoing and deeply rooted, not just a surface problem.
• "Healed" (ἴαται, iaomai): This Greek word means to be made well or restored. The verse uses it to show that her healing was not partial or temporary, but a real and complete recovery.
• "Plague" (μάστιγος, mastigos): This word can mean a whip or scourge, and in this context, it refers to a severe affliction or torment. It underscores how serious and painful her condition had been.

Why Mark 5:29 matters

• Mark 5:29 clarifies that the woman’s healing was immediate and unmistakable, not something gradual or uncertain.
• The verse draws attention to the woman’s personal experience—she felt the change in her own body, which underscores the reality and power of what happened.
• This moment connects to the larger story by showing how faith and even a quiet, desperate act can result in dramatic change, setting up Jesus’ response in the following verses.