Mark 5 Study Notes

5:21-43 The intertwined miracles involving Jairus’s daughter and the bleeding woman occur in all three Synoptic Gospels (cp. Mt 9:18-26; Lk 8:40-56). Both miracles involved uncleanness.

5:21 The other side refers to the western side of the Sea of Galilee. Mark has already recorded key ministry events by the sea (1:16-20; 2:13-15; 4:1-34). Mark’s description of Jesus’s return is virtually identical to that given in 4:1 before he crossed the lake.

5:22-23 Synagogue leaders such as Jairus were respected laymen responsible for synagogue oversight and activities. Fell at his feet and begged him earnestly shows Jairus’s desperate concern for his little daughter. Luke recorded that she was his only daughter (Lk 8:42). The ruler’s request lay your hands on her shows awareness of Jesus’s method in other healings (1:31,41; 6:5; 7:32; 8:23,25). Jairus’s word for get well also means “be saved.” The same word was used of the woman in v. 28 and in Jesus’s proclamation in v. 34.

5:24-26 The implication is that the woman suffering from bleeding was beset with vaginal bleeding, making her unclean according to OT law (Lv 15:19-33). That this had gone on for twelve years (cp. v. 42) and she had been treated by many doctors but not helped at all indicates an illness that was beyond the help of current medicine. Furthermore, she was financially depleted—she had spent everything she had.

5:27-29 The climax that has been building since v. 25 is finally reached with touched. The woman fulfilled her intent to reach out and touch Jesus. His clothing is clarified in Mt 9:20 as “the end of his robe.” Many Jews wore tassels on the corners of their outer garments (Nm 15:38-39; Dt 22:12). On instantly, see note at 1:9-11.

5:30-31 At once are the same words as “instantly” (v. 29). As soon as the woman was healed, Jesus knew that power (Gk dunamis) had gone out from him. This reaction is not reported in his other healings.

5:32-33 Fell down before him recalls the actions of Jairus (v. 22) and the demoniac (v. 6).

5:34 Only here did Jesus address someone as daughter. It reassured the trembling woman. Your faith has saved you recalls the healing of the paralytic in 2:5 and anticipates 10:52. Go in peace was the usual Hebrew blessing at dismissal (Ex 4:18; Jdg 18:6; 1Sm 1:17; 25:35; 2Sm 15:9; 2Kg 5:19; Lk 7:50; Ac 16:36; Jms 2:16). Jesus used the word affliction (v. 29) to assure the woman that her cure was permanent.

5:35 This resumes Jairus’s story (vv. 21-24) after the interruption. Precious time had been lost, with the result that the girl had died.

5:36 Jesus’s words to Jairus (only believe) are a present tense imperative, “Keep believing.”

5:37 On other important occasions (9:2; 14:33), Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus while the other disciples waited behind (see note at 1:16-20).

5:38-39 The commotion and people weeping and wailing were typical of Middle Eastern funerals. Flute players were also present (Mt 9:23). The mourners could have been friends or hired professionals. Before even seeing the girl, Jesus declared she was not dead but asleep. This earned him much derision. He meant that her sleep was not the sleep of final death.

5:40 The laughing indicates skepticism and mockery. Those who were with him refers to Peter, James, and John (v. 37).

5:41 Taking the girl’s body by the hand technically made Jesus unclean. Talitha koum (lit “little lamb, arise!”) is Aramaic. Her spirit returned at this command (Lk 8:55).

5:42-43 That Jesus arranged for the girl to get something to eat proves his practical concern for her.