Bible Dictionary
Hem
The hem of a garment was its fringe or tassel. Israelites were instructed to wear such tassels as reminders of God’s commandments, and Jesus’ garment had a hem that the sick touched in faith.
Definition
The hem of a garment is its fringe, border, or tassel. Israelite garments were to bear such fringes, including a traditional blue thread, as a visible reminder of God’s commandments.
Biblical Usage
A woman touched the hem or tassel of Jesus’ garment in faith, and the sick sought to touch it. Jesus also criticized Pharisees who enlarged their garment fringes to attract public notice.
Historical Background
The fringe was attached to the corners of the outer garment. Over time, some Pharisees made these borders especially broad or large.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Of a garment, the fringe of a garment. The Jews attached much importance to these, because of the regulations in Num. 15:38, 39. These borders or fringes were in process of time enlarged so as to attract special notice (Matt. 23:5). The hem of Christ’s garment touched (9:20; 14:36; Luke 8:44).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(kraspedon): The classic instance of the use of "hem" in the New Testament is Mt 9:20 the King James Version (compare Mt 14:36), where the woman "touched the hem of his (Christ's) garment." The reference is to the fringe or tassel with its traditional blue thread which the faithful Israelite was directed to wear on the corners of the outer garment (Nu 15:37 ff; De 22:12). Great importance came to be attached to it, the ostentatious Pharisees making it very broad or large (Mt 23:5). Here the woman clearly thought there might be peculiar virtue in touching the tassel or fringe of Jesus' garment. Elsewhere the word is rendered BORDER (which see).</p><p>See also DRESS; FRINGES.</p><p>George B. Eager</p>