The Garment of Jesus and the Prayer Shawl (Tallit

The Garment of Jesus and the Prayer Shawl (Tallit) – A Biblical and Cultural Overview

Healing Through the Hem of Jesus’ Garment

 Mark 5:25–29;Matthew 9:20

• A woman with an issue of blood for 12 years, unhealed by doctors, touches the garment of Jesus and is instantly healed.
• Mark 5:28: “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.”
• Her healing came specifically by touching the hem of Jesus' garment.

Greek Term – “Kraspedon”

• The word “hem” in Greek is kraspedon.
• Meaning: Border, fringe, or tassel of a twisted wool
• Indicates that the woman touched the tassels attached to Jesus’ garment.

Jewish Custom – The Tzitzit (Tassels)

Biblical Commandment

Numbers 15:37–40 and Deuteronomy 22:12:

• God commands the children of Israel to wear fringes (Hebrew:Tzitzit) on the corners (Hebrew: kanaph) of their garments.
• Purpose: To remember and obey God's commandments.

Key Scriptures

• Numbers 15:38: “...make them fringes in the borders of their garments... and put upon the fringe a ribband of blue.”
• Blue symbolizes throne of the LORD.
• The Blue was only obtained from the hypobranchial gland of a Murex marine snail that only lives in deep water in the Mediterranean.
• The colour Royal Blue was used in the ecclesiastical authority and in the temple where authority was involved. 
• Thus we see them in the curtains of the tabernacle and veil of the ark.

• Numbers 15:39–40: These fringes remind the wearer to follow God’s commandments and live holy lives.
• Deuteronomy 22:12: “Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture…”

Visual Description of the Tallit (Prayer Shawl)

A rectangular garment worn during prayer. Four corners, each with tassels (Tzitzit).

Often includes a blue thread (Tekhelet), as commanded in Numbers 15:38. Tassels hang visibly as a reminder to follow God's law.

Symbolism of the Tzitzit

• Tzitzit = Tassels attached to the four corners of the Tallit (prayer shawl).
• The Hebrew word “kanaph” (corner) also means “wings.”
• Therefore, touching the “hem” or “corner” (kanaph) of Jesus’ garment can symbolically be understood as touching His “wings.”

The Symbolism and Meaning of Tzitzit

The Tzitzit—the fringes attached to the corners of a Jewish garment, carry deep numerical, spiritual, and symbolic significance rooted in the Torah. Every detail is purposeful, pointing to the heart of Jewish faith and divine connection.

The Number 613: A Link to the Commandments

• The Hebrew word Tzitzit (ציצית) has a gematria (numerical value) of 600.

• Each Tzitzit has:

  • 5 knots

  • 8 strings (typically 7 white, 1 blue)

600 + 5 + 8 = 613, corresponding to the 613 commandments (mitzvot) in the Torah:

• 248 Positive Commandments (Mitzvot Aseh) — things we are commanded to do

• 365 Negative Commandments (Mitzvot Lo Taaseh) — things we must not do

Tzitzit are a daily, visible reminder of our sacred obligations.

The Knots and Strings: Layers of Meaning

• 5 knots represent the Five Books of Moses (the Torah itself).

• 8 strings reflect both the physical and the spiritual:

  • Seven symbolizes completion in the natural world (e.g., 7 days of creation).

  • Eight transcends nature, representing the spiritual realm and connection to the divine.

Thus, the strings point beyond daily life to a higher spiritual purpose.

The Heart of the Tzitzit

• A tallit has 4 corners, each with 8 strings:
  4 × 8 = 32 strings in total

• The number 32 is the gematria of the Hebrew word "לב (Lev)", meaning heart.

The Tzitzit are God's heartstrings, connecting His commandments to the heart of the wearer.

A Tangible Reminder of Holiness

The Torah says:

"You shall look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them..."
(Numbers 15:39)

Tzitzit are not just fabric. They are:

• A visual cue for mindfulness and righteousness

• A spiritual garment that surrounds the body in holiness

The Human Body Connection

According to Rabbinic tradition, particularly in the Midrash  and later Kabbalistic teachings:

• 248 limbs (or organs) in the human body correspond to the 248 positive commandments.

• 365 sinews (or tendons/nerves) correspond to the 365 negative commandments.

This symbolism implies that:

The whole human being is spiritually aligned with the Torah—every part of the body is meant to fulfill or refrain from something in service of God.Prophetic Connection – Malachi 4:2

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings (kanaph)...”

The Hebrew word “kanaph” used here is the same word used for corners of garments.

This verse is often interpreted as a Messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus. The healing in His wings (kanaph) is fulfilled when people are healed by touching the fringes (tzitzit) of Jesus’ garment.

Conclusion:

The story of the woman healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment is both a literal healing event and a prophetic fulfillment rooted in Jewish tradition. Understanding the Tzitzit, kanaph, and biblical commandments about fringes enriches the depth of this miracle and highlights Jesus’ identity as the Messiah who came with healing in His wings.