And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole.

And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole.

and besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment; and as many as touched were made thoroughly well.

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were restored to health.

and were calling on him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment, and as many as did touch were saved.

And sought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

and they entreated Him that they might but touch the tassel of His outer garment; and all who did so were restored to perfect health.

With the request that they might only put their hands on the edge of his robe: and all those who did so were made well.

And they petitioned him, so that they might touch even the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made whole.

begging him merely to let them touch the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made perfectly well.

That they might only touch the hem of his garment - What mighty influence must the grace and Spirit of Christ have in the soul, when even the border or hem of his garment produced such wonders in the bodies of those who touched it! Here is a man who has turned from sin to God through Christ, and the healing hand of Jesus is laid upon him. Then, no wonder that he knows and feels his sins forgiven, his soul purified, and his heart filled with the fullness of his Maker. Lord, increase our faith! and we shall see greater manifestations of thy power and glory! Amen.

And besought him that they might touch the hem of his garment,.... As the woman with the bloody issue did; Matthew 9:20. This they desired, partly to show the strength of their faith in him, that they doubted not of a cure, could they be admitted so near his person; and partly, to signify the sense of their unworthiness, to be in another way taken notice of by him, either by speaking to them, or putting his hands on them:
and as many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Christ condescended to this their request, and perfectly cured all such of their diseases, of whatever kind they were, who, in the exercise of faith, touched the hem of his garment, the fringe he wore, in compliance with the ceremonial law, Numbers 15:38.

The hem of his garment. The numbers that pressed upon him seemed almost too large for him to be able to heal them singly by laying his hands upon them, therefore many begged that they might be allowed to touch if it were but the border of his garment. Soon after followed the ever-memorable discourse, so strikingly in accordance with the present passover season, in the synagogue of Capernaum, respecting the "Bread of Life" (John 6:22-65).