But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

MATTHEW 9:22KJV
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Matthew 9:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:22 mean?

Matthew 9:22 describes Jesus turning to a woman who had secretly touched his garment, telling her to take heart because her faith has made her well, and from that moment she was healed. Jesus addresses her with kindness and assures her that her trust in him has brought about her healing.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to a woman who had been suffering for years and believed that touching his clothing would heal her. The verse highlights Jesus’ personal attention—he calls her "Daughter" and encourages her—showing compassion and recognizing her faith. This moment stands out as a personal encounter where Jesus credits her faith as the reason for her healing, not just his own power.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:22

  • "Daughter" (θύγατερ, thugatēr): This word is a gentle, familial term, showing Jesus’ warmth and acceptance toward the woman, treating her as part of God’s family.
  • "Be of good comfort" (θαρσεῖ, tharsei): This Greek word means to take courage or be encouraged. Jesus is reassuring the woman, calming her fears after she approached him in secret.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): The Greek here refers to trust or confidence. Jesus highlights that it is the woman’s trust in him that led to her healing, not a magical act.
  • "Made whole" (σῴζω, sōzō): This word can mean both physical healing and being saved or delivered. Here, it points to both her body being healed and a deeper sense of restoration.

Why Matthew 9:22 matters

  • Matthew 9:22 clarifies that Jesus responds to personal faith, not just public displays or rituals, and that he values the individual’s trust in him.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and willingness to stop for someone who might otherwise be overlooked, showing his care for those who approach him in humility.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by highlighting faith as a key theme in Jesus’ ministry, showing that healing and restoration often come through a personal relationship of trust.

Where else these words appear

“comfort” Greek G2293 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
  • Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

“Daughter” Greek G2364 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
  • Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

“about” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.