Luke 8:47
And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
Luke 8:47 (KJV)
Context
This verse is the climax of the account of a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years. She had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by anyone. In her desperation, she came behind Jesus and touched the hem of his garment, believing that this simple act would heal her. Immediately her issue of blood stopped, and Jesus perceived that power had gone out of him, asking, “Who touched me?” When the woman saw that she was not hid, she came forward trembling and fell down before him.
Meaning
The woman’s trembling and falling down before Jesus reveal both fear at being discovered and awe at the miracle. Her public declaration before all the people transforms a private, secret act of faith into an open testimony. The Greek verb for “declared” indicates a full, open announcement. She told them the cause of her touch and how she was healed immediately, making her healing a matter of public record. Her trembling likely reflects both fear of being discovered and awe at the miracle, and her confession before all the people ensures that her healing is not kept secret but becomes part of the public record of Jesus’ power and mercy.
Biblical connections
In the following verse, Jesus commends her faith and sends her away in peace, showing that her public confession was met with his approval. Her testimony serves as a witness to the crowd, demonstrating the power of Jesus to heal and the importance of faith in him. The narrative highlights that Jesus does not allow her to remain hidden; her testimony becomes part of the public record of his power and mercy.
Application
Cultivate Faith: Let the example of this woman’s faith inspire you to trust in Jesus’ power to heal and restore every aspect of your life.
Share Your Testimony: Do not hesitate to share how Jesus has worked in your life. Your testimony can encourage others and point them to Christ.
Reflection
This verse teaches that Jesus does not allow her to remain hidden. Her faith, once private, becomes a public witness. It encourages believers to approach Jesus with persistent faith and to boldly declare what he has done, knowing that he receives such testimony with peace and commendation.
