14:36a

begged Him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as begged means “ask urgently” or “request help.” The word begged in English could imply that Jesus was reluctant to agree, but the Greek word does not imply this.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

implored him (English Standard Version)
-or-
urgently asked him
-or-
pleaded with him

just to let them touch: This clause indicates that the sick people wanted to touch something belonging to Jesus, even if it was a very little thing. They believed that if they touched a person like Jesus, they would be healed. They even believed that Jesus’ power went into his clothes, and if they touched even a little part of his clothes, they would be healed.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

to touch only/just
-or-
to allow them to touch just
-or-
to touch even as little as

14:36b

the fringe of His cloak: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fringe probably refers to one of the “tassels” that were attached to Jesus’ clothes. The Jews made these tassels by tying strings together, and they attached these tassels to the four corners of their outer clothes. When they saw these tassels, they were supposed to remember to follow God’s commandments. (Num. 15:37–38; Deut. 22:12). Like any male Jew, Jesus probably wore tassels.

Tassels on a Jewish man’s prayer shawl

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

• Translate it with a word or phrase that refers specifically to tassels. For example:

the strings/threads on the hem of his clothes

• Translate it with a word or phrase that refers generally to the hem or edge of his clothes. For example:

the edge of his clothes (God’s Word)
-or-
the hem/border of his robe

This same phrase occurs in 9:20b.

His cloak: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as cloak is a general word that means clothing. In this context, this word refers to the outer layer of clothing.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

garment (English Standard Version)
-or-
clothes (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
robe (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
coat (New Century Version)

14:36c

And: It is implied that Jesus allowed the sick people to touch his clothes. Some people may wrongly assume that Jesus did not want people to touch his clothes, but they touched them anyway. If that is true in your area, you should include some implied information. For example:

⌊and he allowed them,⌋ and
-or-

⌊and he said yes.⌋

all who touched Him: This clause means that “everyone who touched Jesus’ clothes” was healed. For example:

Everyone who touched his clothes (God’s Word)
-or-
all those who did so (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

were healed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were healed also means “were made well” or “were cured.”

This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

were made well (English Standard Version)
-or-
were cured

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊the power of God⌋ healed them

• Use another type of verb. For example:

became well

-or-

their sickness left them