Luke 8:41

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there came {G2064} a man {G435} named {G3739}{G3686} Jairus {G2383}, and {G2532} he {G846} was {G5225} a ruler {G758} of the synagogue {G4864}: and {G2532} he fell down {G4098} at {G3844} Jesus {G2424}' feet {G4228}, and besought {G3870} him {G846} that he would come {G1525} into {G1519} his {G846} house {G3624}:

Then there came a man named Ya'ir who was president of the synagogue. Falling at Yeshua's feet, he pleaded with him to come to his house;

Just then a synagogue leader named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Him to come to his house,

And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him to come into his house;

Commentary

Luke 8:41 introduces us to a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for one of His most remarkable miracles. The verse describes the desperate plea of a prominent figure, highlighting themes of humility, faith, and Jesus' compassionate response.

Context

At this point in Luke's Gospel, Jesus is actively engaged in teaching and healing, drawing large crowds wherever He goes. The narrative immediately preceding this verse details Jesus' return from the country of the Gerasenes and being welcomed by the multitude (Luke 8:40). It is into this bustling scene that Jairus, a man of significant standing, makes his urgent appeal.

Key Themes

  • Humility of a Prominent Figure: Jairus is identified as a "ruler of the synagogue," which was a position of considerable influence, respect, and authority within the local Jewish community. For such a man to "fall down at Jesus' feet" in public was an extraordinary act of humility and desperation, demonstrating a profound recognition of Jesus' unique power and authority. This act challenges the notion that only the marginalized seek Jesus; indeed, all, regardless of status, need Him.
  • Desperate Faith and Parental Love: Jairus's plea was not for himself, but for his dying daughter. His urgent request for Jesus to "come into his house" reveals the depth of his fatherly love and his desperate faith that only Jesus could save his child. This immediate, direct appeal underscores the urgency of his need and his belief in Jesus' ability to intervene miraculously.
  • Jesus' Accessibility: Despite His growing fame and the crowds surrounding Him, Jesus remains accessible to those who approach Him with genuine need and faith. He does not turn Jairus away, illustrating His willingness to respond to sincere pleas.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "ruler of the synagogue" (Greek: archisynagogos, ἀρχισυνάγωγος) denotes the chief elder responsible for the synagogue's administration, services, and overall management. This was a highly esteemed and respected position, making Jairus's public prostration before Jesus even more impactful.
  • The phrase "fell down at Jesus' feet" (Greek: ἔπεσεν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Ἰησοῦ, epesen para tous podas Iēsou) describes a posture of deep reverence, submission, and earnest supplication. It signifies an act of profound humility and a desperate plea, common in ancient cultures when appealing to a superior or divine figure. This physical act mirrors the spiritual posture of complete reliance on Jesus.

Cross-References & Connections

This verse serves as the introduction to one of Jesus's most tender and powerful miracles, the raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49-56). The narrative is famously interrupted by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), a test of Jairus's faith and patience. This significant event is also recorded in parallel accounts in Matthew 9:18-26 and Mark 5:22-43, underscoring its importance in the Gospel narratives.

Practical Application

Jairus's story provides a timeless lesson: no matter our social standing, accomplishments, or perceived self-sufficiency, we all ultimately stand in need of Jesus. His humble act of falling at Jesus' feet reminds us to lay aside pride and bring our deepest concerns, particularly for our loved ones, directly to Christ with genuine faith and urgency. It highlights the profound love of a parent willing to do anything for their child's well-being and the compassionate heart of Jesus, ever ready to meet us in our desperation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 5:22

    And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

  • Mark 5:43

    And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

  • Acts 13:15

    And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  • Acts 18:8

    And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

  • Luke 8:49

    While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • Matthew 9:18

    ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
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