Hem

The hem or border of a garment in ancient Israelite culture carried specific religious significance. Numbers 15:38–40 commanded Israelite men to wear tassels (Hebrew tzitzit) on the corners of their garments as a visual reminder to keep all the commandments of the LORD. The Hebrew word for corner (kānāf) also means wing or hem. The woman with the issue of blood touched "the hem of his garment" (Matt. 9:20; Luke 8:44), and crowds at Gennesaret sought to touch even the fringe of Jesus' robe (Matt. 14:36), reflecting the belief that divine healing power was present in this consecrated teacher. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for enlarging their tassels to display their piety (Matt. 23:5).