Miracles in Genesareth

St Matthew Chapter XIV : Verses 34-36

Contents

• Matt. xiv. 34-36.  Douay-Rheims text & Latin text (Vulgate).
• Notes on the text.

Matt. xiv. 34-36

Healing the sick. J-J Tissot. Brooklyn Museum.

34 And having passed the water, they came into the country of Genesar.

Et cum transfretassent, venerunt in terram Genesar.

35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent into all that country, and brought to him all that were diseased.

Et cum cognovissent eum viri loci illius, miserunt in universam regionem illam, et obtulerunt ei omnes male habentes :

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

et rogabant eum ut vel fimbriam vestimenti ejus tangerent. Et quicumque tetigerunt, salvi facti sunt.

Notes

    34. country of Genesar. St John tells us they disembarked at Capharnaum. The plain is on the north-western shore of the Lake of Genesareth, aliout three miles long and one wide. It has a most rich vegetation and a very warm climate, being 500 feet below the sea-level. All kinds of fruits, grapes, figs, dates, olives, etc. abound there.

    35. had hnowledge of him, — i.e. had recognized Him (ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν). It was morning, and the people who were on the shore could recognize Jesus.

    they sent into all that country. St Mark in his graphic style has : And running through that whole country, they began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

    brought to him, etc. Cf. And whithersoever he entered, into towns or into villages or cities, they laid the sick in the streets (St Mark).

    36. they besought, — i.e. the sick people.

    hem of his garment. Doubtless the miracle of the healing of the woman with an issue of blood had been noised abroad. In addition, Orientals believe that the contact with a holy person brings grace and blessing. The word here rendered “ hem ” should be translated “ tassel ” (τοῦ κρασπέδου).

    as many as touched, etc. This proves they had faith in Christ’s power to heal them.

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.