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Mark 5:25 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓]Mark 5:25, NIV: And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.Mark 5:25, ESV: And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, Mark 5:25, KJV: And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, Mark 5:25, NASB: A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, Mark 5:25, NLT: A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. Mark 5:25, CSB: Now a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years
The woman with the issue of blood is mentioned in three of the gospels—Mark, Luke, and Matthew. Mark 5:25-34 is the longest passage about this woman. Let's first read her story in the Bible:
Luke 8:43-48 accounts for the same story but adds something notable about this woman.
Matthew 9:20-22 is the shortest account of the woman with the issue of blodd.
Matthew seemed to think that the healing happened after Jesus blessed the woman, whereas Mark and Luke wrote that the healing happened as soon as she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Maybe this discrepancy was simply because Matthew hadn’t paid enough attention to this miracle. Of course, he did realize the most important part. The woman was healed. I can easily miss seeing miracles too, simply because I’m busy or I’m not paying enough attention or my focus has been drawn elsewhere. What Can We Know About Her Blood Disorder?According to the law (Leviticus 15:25-27), excessive blood flow made a woman ceremonially unclean. Any furniture she touched was unclean as well. If other people touched anything that she had touched, they would be unclean as well. This woman was very alone. No one would have wanted to be around her. She couldn’t go out in public. She couldn’t be hugged by her family. Twelve years is a long time to be quarantined from all people! Not only was she considered unclean, but she probably felt it as well, having to deal with the logistics of trying to have clean clothes and linens for twelve years. She had tried to get well. She had gone to many doctors over the years. She spent everything she had trying to be cured. According to William Barclay’s commentary, the Talmud gave at least eleven possible cures for her ailment. I’m sure that this poor woman had tried all of them. But, nothing worked and she even got worse! She was tired, worn out, and intensely lonely. But she was also desperate, which can be a very good thing. Desperation keeps complacency and self-pity away. The Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible adds insight into the story:
What Can We Learn from the Woman with the Issue of Blood?She was desperate for healing. So much so that she didn’t worry about what other people would think or at least she didn’t let her worries stop her. She also had great hope that Jesus’ power could heal her. Faith and determination are of great worth in the Lord’s sight. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. Know who he is and come boldly with any request you have. Jesus isn’t afraid of the supposed uncleanliness that disease may bring. People with physical ailments need help and mercy, not isolation and condemnation. Jesus didn’t have to acknowledge the woman. Her faith to touch the hem of his garment was enough to heal her. It seems that he wanted to look her in the eye, not to yell at her for bothering him, but to see the beautiful, genuine faith emanating from her heart. He wanted to acknowledge that she didn’t have to suffer anymore. She was free. Physical healings don’t always happen but sometimes they do. So ask and keep on asking with the faith and determination of the dear woman in this story. But even when there isn’t physical healing, there will always be healing of your heart and soul when you repent of doing things your way and thank God for making a way for your sin, shame, and pride to be completely covered. You can be free. He will say, “Daughter (or Son), your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Pray with me: Dear Lord, Help me to remember the great faith that the woman with the issue of blood showed. And to boldly come to you when I need healing of any kind—physical, emotional, or spiritual—knowing that you will always help me. I can also draw near to other people who are sick instead of distancing myself from them. I can pray boldly for their healing as well. I can offer compassion and show them that they are not alone. Amen. Photo credit: ©LightFieldStudios Jennifer Heeren loves to write and wants to live in such a way that people are encouraged by her writing and her attitude. She loves to write devotional articles and stories that bring people hope and encouragement. Her cup is always at least half-full, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. She regularly contributes to Crosswalk. Her debut novel is available on Amazon. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband. Visit her at her website and/or on Facebook. What was the issue of blood in Mark 5?The incident occurred while Jesus was traveling to Jairus' house, amid a large crowd, according to Mark: And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.
What was the woman with the issue of blood name?Well-written, the author will keep you glued to the book as the main character, Veronica (the woman with the issue of blood) and her husband desire to have children.
Who is the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible?Luke 8:43-48: “Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped.
What is the significance of the woman with the issue of blood?The main significance of the woman with the issue of blood is that she demonstrated great faith in Christ. She did not rely on herself but rather on Christ. The woman had faith that if she just touched Christ, she would be healed.
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