And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

MARK 6:56KJV
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Mark 6:56 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:56 mean?

Mark 6:56 describes how, wherever Jesus went—whether in villages, cities, or the countryside—people would bring their sick into the streets and beg him to let them touch even the edge of his garment, believing that this contact would heal them. Everyone who touched him in this way was made well.

This verse is part of a summary statement in Mark’s Gospel, showing the widespread recognition of Jesus’ healing power. The scene highlights the desperation and faith of the crowds, who believed that even the slightest physical connection with Jesus could bring healing. The mention of the “border of his garment” reflects the belief in the power associated with Jesus himself, not just his actions or words.

The Greek behind Mark 6:56

  • ἱμάτιον (himation, “garment”): The word refers to an outer cloak or robe. The detail about touching the “border” (κράσπεδον, kraspedon) of his garment points to a specific part, often the tassels or fringe, which in Jewish custom could symbolize religious devotion.
  • ἐσώθησαν (esōthēsan, “were made whole”): This word means “to be saved” or “to be healed.” In this context, it emphasizes complete restoration, not just physical improvement.
  • ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς (en tais agorais, “in the streets”): The term for “streets” refers to public marketplaces, showing that the healings happened openly and were visible to many.

Why Mark 6:56 matters

  • Mark 6:56 clarifies that Jesus’ healing was not limited to private or special occasions but happened wherever he went, in public places and among all kinds of people.
  • The verse emphasizes the faith of the people, who believed that even touching Jesus’ clothing could heal them, highlighting the extraordinary reputation Jesus had gained.
  • This summary connects to earlier stories in Mark, such as the woman who was healed by touching Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:27–29), showing that her experience became a model for others seeking help.

Where else these words appear

“border” Greek G2899 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
  • Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

“streets” Greek G58 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

“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.

“entered” Greek G1531 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
  • Luke 19:30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.