Mark 5:26 — Community Reflections

MARK 5:26 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

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

She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse — the woman's medical history communicates her desperation: the suffering is long-standing, the resources are exhausted, the professional interventions have failed and made things worse. Suffered under many doctors — the ancient medical treatments for gynecological conditions were frequently painful, expensive, and ineffective. Spent all she had: she is financially ruined by the treatment costs. Grew worse: the treatments have not merely failed but have worsened her condition. She has no resources, no improvement, no hope from the human medical system.

Church Fathers on Mark 5:26

After the miracle of the demoniac, the Lord works another miracle, namely, in raising up the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue; the Evangelist, before narrating this miracle, says, 'And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto Him.'
Theophylact · 11th century

But we must understand, that what is added of the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, took place when Jesus had again crossed the sea in a ship, though how long after does not appear; for if there were not an interval, there could be no time for the taking place of that which Matthew relates, concerning the feast at his own house; after which event, nothing follows immediately, except this concerning the daughter of the chief of the synagogue. For he has so put it…
Augustine · 4th century · de Con. Evan., 2, 28

Observe that the object of His question was that the woman should confess the truth of her long want of faith, of her sudden belief and healing, and so herself be confirmed in faith, and afford an example to others.
Bede · 8th century · in Marc., 2, 22

Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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