Church Fathers Commentary Matthew 14:34-36

"And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret. And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole." — Matthew 14:34-36 (ASV)

Remigius of Auxerre: The Evangelist previously related that the Lord had commanded His disciples to enter the boat and go before Him across the strait. He now continues by relating where they arrived after their passage: And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennezareth.

Rabanus Maurus: The land of Gennezar, by the lake of Gennezareth, takes its name from a natural power it is said to have of spontaneously stirring its waters to create a breeze; the Greek words mean, “creating for itself the breeze.”

St. John Chrysostom: The Evangelist shows that it had been a long time since Christ had come into these parts, for the text continues: And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region.

St. Jerome: They knew Him by fame, not by sight; although, because of the greatness of the signs He performed among the people, He was also known by face to many. Note the great faith of the people of the land of Gennezareth, that they were not content with healing only the people of their own country, but sent to all the towns all around.

St. John Chrysostom: They no longer drag Him to their houses as they did before, nor do they seek the touch of His hand. Instead, they draw Him by their greater faith, for they brought to Him all who were sick and pleaded that they might touch just the hem of His garment. The woman with the issue of blood had taught them all this wisdom: that they could be saved by touching only the hem of Christ's garment.

Therefore, the text continues: And as many as touched, were made whole.

St. Jerome: If we knew what the word “Gennesaret” means in our language, we might understand how, as a type, Jesus uses the Apostles and the boat to guide the Church to shore. He delivers it from the shipwreck of persecution and brings it to rest in a most tranquil harbor.

Rabanus Maurus: Genezar is interpreted as “a rising up” or “a beginning.” For complete rest will be given to us when Christ restores our inheritance of Paradise and the joy of our first robe.

St. Hilary of Poitiers: Alternatively, when the era of the Law had ended and five thousand from Israel had entered the Church, it was then that the believing people met Him. Then those who were saved from the Law by faith brought the rest of their sick and weak before the Lord. Those who were brought in this way sought to touch the hem of His garment, because they would be healed through their faith.

And just as the power of the hem proceeded from the whole garment, so the power of the grace of the Holy Spirit went forth from our Lord Jesus Christ. This power, imparted to the Apostles—who proceeded, as it were, from His very body—administers salvation to those who desire to touch.

St. Jerome: Alternatively, understand the hem of the garment to be His least commandment, which whoever transgresses shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Or, understand it as His assumption of a human body, through which we come to the Word of God.

St. John Chrysostom: But we do not only have Christ's hem or garment; we have His very body, so that we may eat of it. If, then, those who touched the hem of His garment derived so much power from it, how much more will be given to those who receive Him whole.