And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

MATTHEW 14:36KJV
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Matthew 14:36 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:36 mean?

Matthew 14:36 describes how people begged Jesus to let them touch just the edge of his clothing, believing that even this small act would heal them, and everyone who touched him was completely healed. The verse shows the crowd’s faith in Jesus’ power and the total effectiveness of his healing.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by crowds after crossing the Sea of Galilee. The people are not asking for his attention or words; they simply want to touch the "hem" or fringe of his garment, trusting that this contact alone will be enough. The verse highlights both the desperation and the confidence of the people, as well as Jesus’ willingness to heal all who come to him in faith.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:36

  • The word for "hem" is κράσπεδον (kraspedon), which often refers to the decorative fringe or tassel on a Jewish garment. This detail connects the story to Jewish customs and shows the people’s belief that even the smallest part of Jesus’ clothing carried healing power.
  • The verb for "made perfectly whole" is διασώζω (diasōzō), which means to be completely healed or saved. The Greek emphasizes that the healing was total, not partial—everyone who touched was fully restored.

Why Matthew 14:36 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the people’s faith was so strong that they believed physical contact with even the edge of Jesus’ garment could heal them, highlighting the depth of their trust.
  • Matthew 14:36 connects to earlier stories where touching Jesus or his clothing brought healing, showing a pattern in his ministry and reinforcing his reputation among the people.
  • The detail about the "hem" links Jesus to Jewish tradition and shows that his power worked through ordinary, everyday things, not just dramatic miracles.

Where else these words appear

“hem” 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 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,
  • Mark 6:56 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.

“whole” Greek G1295 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

“might” 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 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
  • Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

“garment” 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.