Note 3 at Mk. 5:26: The Greek word for "suffered" here is "pascho" and is also used to describe the sufferings of our Lord (Mt. 16:21; 17:12; 1 Pet. 2:23). This is in sharp contrast to the Greek word "eao" which is also translated "suffer" but simply means "to permit" (Mt. 24:43; Lk. 4:41; 22:51; Acts 14:16; 16:7; 1 Cor. 10:13). This woman had willfully submitted herself to treatments that tormented her and took her money for twelve years simply because there was no alternative.

When Jesus came on the scene offering the sure cure for her problem, it was not unreasonable for this woman to press through the crowd even on her hands and knees (see note 1 at Mt. 9:20, p. 154) and suffer the shame and possible condemnation of the crowd for breaking the Levitical law (see note 4 at Mk. 5:33, p. 156). She had endured much worse things pursuing man's help in vain. Many people would do well to consider the expense and pain they have submitted themselves to at the hands of physicians and put at least an equal amount of effort into prayer, fasting, Bible study, or whatever it takes to release the healing power of God.