And sought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
only.
Matthew 9:20,21 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: …
Mark 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
hem.
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Exodus 28:33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
Numbers 15:38,39 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: …
perfectly.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 7:23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
just to let them touch
Touching was a significant act in Jewish culture, often associated with the transfer of power or blessing. In the Old Testament, touching the Ark of the Covenant or the altar was considered sacred. Here, the act of touching Jesus' garment signifies faith in His divine power. This mirrors the faith of the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:20-22, who believed that touching Jesus' cloak would heal her.
the fringe of His cloak.
The fringe, or tassel, of a cloak was part of the traditional Jewish garment, known as the "tzitzit," commanded in Numbers 15:38-39 as a reminder of God's commandments. By seeking to touch the fringe, the people were not only reaching out for physical healing but also symbolically connecting with the divine law and promises of God. This act underscores Jesus' role as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
And all who touched Him were healed.
This statement emphasizes the completeness and universality of Jesus' healing power. It reflects the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of healing through the Messiah's suffering. The phrase also highlights the theme of faith leading to healing, a recurring motif in the Gospels. The healing of all who touched Him demonstrates Jesus' compassion and the accessibility of His power to those who believe, regardless of their status or background.
“They sent word into all the surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him” (Matthew 14:35–36).
• The people recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah who has power over sickness (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 8:16).
• Their begging shows humble dependence, a picture of faith that refuses pride and self-reliance (Luke 18:38-39; James 4:6).
• Jesus receives them; He never scolds those who come in genuine need (John 6:37).
• Faith doesn’t always require elaborate ceremony—sometimes a single touch is enough (Mark 5:27-28; Luke 8:45-46).
• Asking only for permission underscores confidence in His sufficiency; they believe authority flows from His very person (Matthew 9:29; Acts 3:16).
• The request is simple, yet it stretches their belief beyond what eyes can see (Hebrews 11:1).
• The fringe (or tassel) reminded Israel of God’s commands (Numbers 15:38-39). Touching it linked their need to God’s covenant promises.
• For Jesus, even this humble edge carried healing virtue because He is Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:9).
• Physical contact is not a magic act; it is a tangible expression of trust in the Savior’s authority (Acts 19:11-12).
• “All” leaves no exceptions; Christ’s power is complete (Psalm 103:3; Matthew 12:15).
• Healing here is immediate and total, affirming both His compassion and His divine identity (Matthew 11:4-5; John 20:30-31).
• The scene previews the wholeness promised in His future kingdom, where sickness and pain are banished (Revelation 21:4).
Matthew 14:36 portrays desperate people reaching in faith to the only One who can restore them. Their humble plea, a mere touch of Jesus’ garment, meets unlimited grace: everyone is healed. The episode invites us to bring our needs to Christ with the same confident dependence, assured that His power and compassion remain unchanged.
(36) That they might only touch the hem of his garment.--The wide-spread belief may be noted as the natural result of the miracle already recorded in Matthew 9:20-22, and as the touch implied the faith which was the condition of receptivity, it was now also, as before, effective.Verse 36. - And besought; and they besought (Revised Version); i.e. the sick, for probably the change of person takes place here and not at" that they might touch." Him that they might only touch the hem of his garment (Matthew 9:20, 21, notes): and as many as touched were made perfectly whole (διεσώθησαν); were made whole (Revised Version). For διά here is probably not intensive, but rather gives the thought of being brought out safe through the danger. In the LXX. διασώζεσθαι is a common rendering of נמלט, "escape."