Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:21

What does Matthew 9:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:21 means

The woman with the issue of blood possesses a deep and quiet faith, believing that merely touching the border of Jesus' garment will be enough to make her whole. This internal conviction underscores her absolute trust in Jesus' power, recognizing that His authority extends even to the fringes of His clothing. Her faith is not in a ritual, but in the person of Jesus and the power flowing from Him, illustrating that true healing stems from a heart of belief.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for she said within herself, If I do but touch his garment, I shall be made whole.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for she said within herself, If I do but touch his garment, I shall be made whole.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because, she said to herself, if I may but put my hand on his robe, I will be made well.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for she said within herself, `If only I may touch his garment, I shall be saved.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I shall be healed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for she said within herself, If I should only touch his garment I shall be healed.

Context

This verse reveals the woman's inner thought and motivation, directly explaining her actions in the previous verse. Her private declaration of faith establishes the spiritual foundation for her healing, making her touch a deliberate act of belief rather than a casual brush. This internal conviction sets the stage for Jesus' public acknowledgment of her faith and the subsequent physical restoration.

v.20And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:

v.21This passage

v.22But Jesus turning and seeing her said, Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 8:45

    And Jesus said, Who is it that touched me? And when all denied, Peter said, and they that were with him, Master, the multitudes press thee and crush thee.

  • Mark 5:26

    and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

  • Acts 19:12

    insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.

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