9:21a
The Greek of 9:21a begins with a word that is often translated as “for.” It introduces the reason for the woman touching Jesus’ clothes. She touched Jesus clothes (9:20b), for/because she thought she would be healed (9:21).
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
because
-or-
The reason she did this was because
The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions do not translate this word and allow the context to imply the connection.
She said to herself: The words said to herself probably means that she thought the words rather than spoke them aloud.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
she was saying to herself (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
she was thinking (New Jerusalem Bible)
If only I touch His cloak: The woman believed that she would be healed just by touching Jesus’ clothes. She thought that it was not necessary to touch Jesus’ body to be healed. She also thought that Jesus did not need to say something or touch her for her to be healed.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
If I can just touch his clothes (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Even if I only touch his clothes
9:21b
I will be healed: This clause is passive.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
I will be made well (English Standard Version)
• Use an active verb. For example:
⌊God⌋ will heal me
General Comment on 9:21
In some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech here. For example:
She thought that if she only touched his coat, she would become well.
General Comment on 9:20–21
The woman was saying those things to herself before she touched Jesus’ clothes. In some languages, it may be more natural to place 9:21a–b before 9:20b. For example:
20aA woman with a bleeding sickness for twelve years was there. 21aShe was saying to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, 21bI will get well!” 20b⌊So⌋ she came close behind Jesus and touched the edge of his robe.
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