Luke 7:15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And {G2532} he that was dead {G3498} sat up {G339}, and {G2532} began {G756} to speak {G2980}. And {G2532} he delivered {G1325} him {G846} to his {G846} mother {G3384}.

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Yeshua gave him to his mother.

And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

Commentary

Luke 7:15 describes the immediate, astounding outcome of Jesus' miraculous intervention at Nain, where He raised a dead man back to life. This verse highlights the profound impact of Jesus' divine power and compassion.

Context

This powerful event takes place in the town of Nain, a small village near Nazareth. Jesus, accompanied by His disciples and a large crowd, encounters a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. The scene is one of immense grief and hopelessness, as the woman had lost her husband and now her only child. Moved by compassion (Luke 7:13), Jesus approaches the bier, touches it, and commands the young man to arise.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Death: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute power over life and death. With a simple command, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise" (Luke 7:14), He demonstrates a divine authority that no human possesses. This miracle, along with the raising of Jairus's daughter and Lazarus from the tomb, unequivocally proves His unique identity as the Son of God.
  • Compassion and Restoration: Jesus' action is not merely a display of power but a profound act of compassion. He saw the widow's deep sorrow and was "moved with compassion" for her. The restoration of her son was a complete reversal of her desperate situation, bringing hope and joy where only despair existed. This act foreshadows the ultimate hope of resurrection for all believers.
  • Evidence of the Messiah: This miracle served as powerful evidence for those witnessing it, confirming Jesus' claims and His role as the promised Messiah. When John the Baptist's disciples later questioned Jesus, He pointed to such signs as proof: "the dead are raised up" (Luke 7:22).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text "And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak" vividly describes the immediate and undeniable reality of the miracle. The Greek verb for "sat up" is ἀνακαθίσας (anakathisas), implying a deliberate, active rising from a prone position, not merely a twitch. The phrase "began to speak" (ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, ērxato lalein) further emphasizes that the young man was fully restored to consciousness, able to communicate, and not merely revived. This detail underscores the completeness of the restoration.

Practical Application

Luke 7:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • No situation is too hopeless for God: Just as Jesus intervened in a seemingly final situation of death, He can bring life and hope to our most desperate circumstances.
  • God sees our pain: Jesus' compassion for the widow demonstrates that God is not distant from our suffering. He cares deeply and often acts in tangible ways to alleviate our burdens.
  • Christ's power is absolute: This miracle reinforces the truth that Jesus has authority over all things, including the ultimate enemy, death. This gives us confidence in His victory over death and the grave, and the promise of future resurrection for those who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).

The act of Jesus "delivered him to his mother" signifies not just a physical restoration, but a relational one, bringing immense joy and completing the miracle by returning the son to his rightful place in the family.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 17:23 (3 votes)

    And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.

  • 1 Kings 17:24 (3 votes)

    And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth.

  • 2 Kings 4:32 (2 votes)

    And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.

  • 2 Kings 4:37 (2 votes)

    Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

  • 2 Kings 13:21 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.