Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 9:20

"And behold, a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:" — Matthew 9:20 (ASV)

And behold a woman, etc. This disease was considered unclean by the Jews (Leviticus 15:25), and she was unwilling to approach Jesus personally, or even to touch him. The disease was regarded as incurable. She had spent all her money and became worse (Mark 5:26).

Touched the hem of his garment. This garment was probably the square garment that was thrown over the shoulders. See Barnes’ notes on Matthew 5:40.

It was surrounded by a border, or fringe; and this fringe, or the loose threads hanging down, is what is meant by the hem. The Jews were commanded to wear this in order to distinguish them from other nations. See Numbers 15:38-39; Deuteronomy 22:12.

Mark says that the woman, fearing and trembling, came and told him all the truth. Perhaps she feared that, because of the impure nature of her disease, he would be offended that she touched him.

Be of good comfort. Jesus silenced her fears, commended her faith, and sent her away in peace. He used an endearing term, calling her daughter, a word of tenderness and affection, and dismissed her who had been twelve long and tedious years suffering from a weakening and offensive disease, now instantly made whole. Her faith, her strong confidence in Jesus, had been the means of her restoration. It was the power of Jesus that cured her; but that power would not have been exerted except in connection with faith. So, in the salvation of a sinner, no one is saved who does not believe; but faith is the instrument, and not the power, that saves.