Matthew 9:20

( And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelue yeeres, came behinde him, and touched the hemme of his garment. Matthew 9:20 (KJV)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The verses preceding Matthew 9:20 record a series of healing miracles, including the healing of a paralytic, the calling of Matthew the tax collector, and the raising of a ruler’s daughter from death.

The woman with the issue of blood had suffered for twelve years. Under Jewish law her condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, isolating her from the community. Yet she approached Jesus from behind and touched the hem of His garment, believing that even a touch would bring healing.

Touching the hem carried symbolic weight. In Jewish culture the hem, or tzitzit, bore fringes that reminded the people of God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38‑41). By reaching for the hem, the woman expressed faith that Jesus possessed the authority and power to heal, not merely the fabric itself.

Jesus’ response is recorded in verse 22: “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.” He acknowledges her faith and affirms that it is the faith that effected her healing.

The passage highlights the importance of approaching Jesus with genuine faith. The woman’s confidence was placed in Christ Himself, not in any ritual act. Jesus’ compassionate address, “daughter,” underscores the personal nature of His ministry.

Overall, Matthew 9:20 demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to heal and restore anyone who comes to Him in faith, regardless of social status or physical condition. Believers are encouraged to trust in His power to make whole, knowing that He responds to sincere faith with compassion and restoration.