Mark 5:33 — Community Reflections

MARK 5:33 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.”

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth — the woman's response combines physical posture (fell at his feet), emotional state (trembling with fear), and verbal action (told him the whole truth). The trembling fear is the same fear (ephobeō) as the disciples' fear after the storm — the presence of divine power producing reverence and awe. The whole truth is the complete account: who she is, what her condition has been, what she did, what happened. She is being completely honest with the one who already knows — the honesty is an act of trust, not merely information transfer.

Church Fathers on Mark 5:33

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

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!