A man delivered
Mark 5:1–20FocusRestoration and testimony
Connection to the wholeJesus restores a man dominated by unclean spirits and sends him home to tell what the Lord has done.
interpretation Mark 5:33
KJVBut the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
Read it in context
A woman's healing
Start reading at Mark 5:21 (Mark 5:21 to Mark 5:34).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The interrupted journey to Jairus' house brings a suffering woman's trust and restoration into the open.
- 5:21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
- 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
- 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
- 5:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
- 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
- 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,
- 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
- 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
- 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
- 5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
- 5:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
- 5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
- 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
- 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 5:1–5:43): Jesus encounters the possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes, then Jairus, the woman seeking healing, and Jairus's household. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? A woman's healing. Read Mark 5:21 through Mark 5:34 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The interrupted journey to Jairus' house brings a suffering woman's trust and restoration into the open. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in A woman's healing (Mark 5:21 to Mark 5:34). Start reading at Mark 5:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 5:21, Mark 5:34, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Jairus's daughter and the woman with the issue of blood
Parallel accounts
The accounts differ in their narrative compression and the reported stage of the daughter's illness.
Related passages
- the woman Mark 4:41 Luke 1:12,29
- and told Ps 30:2 Ps 66:16 Ps 103:2-5 Ps 116:12-14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 5
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusFaith amid the crowd
Connection to the wholeThe interrupted journey to Jairus' house brings a suffering woman's trust and restoration into the open.
interpretation Jairus' daughter raised
Mark 5:35–43FocusFaith when death is reported
Connection to the wholeThe daughter's restoration completes the interwoven accounts and extends the display of Jesus' authority from illness to death.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.