Mark 5:30 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:30 mean?

Mark 5:30 describes how Jesus, sensing immediately within himself that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” This shows that Jesus was aware that something significant had happened when someone touched him, even though he was surrounded by many people.

In this scene, Jesus is moving through a large crowd when a woman with a long-term illness touches his clothes, hoping to be healed. The verse highlights that Jesus noticed a real transfer of power (described as “virtue” in the KJV) and responded by stopping and seeking out the person who touched him. This moment sets up the personal encounter between Jesus and the woman, making it clear that her act of faith did not go unnoticed.

The Greek behind Mark 5:30

• δύναμις (dynamis, transliterated as "virtue" in KJV): This Greek word often means “power” or “ability.” Here, it emphasizes that Jesus was aware of a real, almost tangible, flow of healing power from himself, not just a physical touch.
• ἐπιγνοὺς (epignous, “knowing”): This word carries the sense of “recognizing” or “perceiving fully.” It suggests Jesus had a deep, immediate awareness, not just a vague feeling.
• ἐν ἑαυτῷ (en heautō, “in himself”): This phrase underlines that Jesus’ awareness was internal and personal, not based on what he saw or heard from others.
• θις (thigs, “touched”): The word for “touched” can also mean to “grasp” or “take hold of,” indicating the woman’s deliberate action rather than an accidental brush.

Why Mark 5:30 matters

• Mark 5:30 clears up the idea that Jesus’ miracles were impersonal or automatic; the verse shows that he was personally aware and involved when someone reached out to him in faith.
• The verse emphasizes the significance of the woman’s touch, highlighting that her faith and action were noticed by Jesus even in a chaotic crowd.
• This moment connects to the larger story by setting up a direct, compassionate interaction between Jesus and the woman, showing that individual needs matter to him even in the midst of many demands.