1. Matthew 9:20–21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Did the woman suffering from the discharge of blood believe Jesus’ garment to have special powers?

Matthew 9:20–21 (ESV)

20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,

In short

The woman did not believe Jesus’ garment to have special powers, but saw touching him as the only way to get in touch with Jesus, especially in such a large crowd. Her action thus shows her faith.

No, the fact that the woman thought that she only needed to touch the garment of Jesus in order to be healed cannot be attributed to some superstitious belief concerning the garment itself. She merely saw this as the only way to get in touch with Jesus, especially in the midst of such a large crowd. Her actions here should therefore be understood as a conscious act of faith.1