Luke 8:41

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:41 introduces Jairus, a respected ruler of the synagogue, who, in a profound act of humility and desperation, falls at Jesus' feet to plead for his dying daughter. This poignant encounter highlights the universal need for divine intervention, regardless of social standing, and sets the stage for one of Jesus' most tender and powerful demonstrations of compassion and authority over sickness and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' return to the western side of the Sea of Galilee, specifically to Capernaum, after His ministry in the country of the Gerasenes. [Luke 8:40](/luke/8-40 "Luke 8:40 - Jesus' Return to Galilee") describes the eager welcome Jesus received from a large crowd upon His arrival. It is into this bustling, expectant atmosphere that Jairus, a man of significant local standing, approaches Jesus. The narrative of Jairus's daughter is famously intertwined with the healing of the woman with a chronic hemorrhage, creating a dramatic narrative tension and highlighting themes of faith, persistence, and divine timing. This dual miracle underscores Jesus' power and compassion in the face of desperate human need.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jairus's position as a "ruler of the synagogue" (Greek: _archisynagogos_) was one of considerable authority and respect within the Jewish community. He was responsible for the administration of the synagogue, including the care of the building, the selection of readers and speakers for services, and maintaining order. For such a prominent figure to publicly prostrate himself at the feet of an itinerant teacher like Jesus was an extraordinary act of humility and desperation, defying social norms and risking his reputation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, falling at someone's feet was a gesture of profound respect, submission, and earnest supplication, typically reserved for kings, conquerors, or divine figures. This act underscores Jairus's deep conviction that Jesus possessed unique power and authority.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:41 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it showcases the **humility of the powerful**, demonstrating that even those in positions of authority are subject to human suffering and must humble themselves before divine power. This contrasts with some religious leaders who opposed Jesus, highlighting that true faith transcends social status. Secondly, it emphasizes **desperate faith and parental love**, as Jairus's urgent plea is driven by a father's love for his dying child and a desperate belief that only Jesus can help. This echoes other instances of fervent faith in Luke, such as the [centurion's plea for his servant](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - The Centurion's Faith"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Jesus' accessibility and compassion**. Despite the crowds and His demanding ministry, Jesus remains approachable to those who come to Him with genuine need, demonstrating His willingness to engage personally with human suffering, a theme consistently portrayed throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "Luke - The Gospel of Compassion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jairus (Greek, _Iáeiros'_):** This name is of Hebrew origin (יָאִיר, _Yair_), meaning "he enlightens" or "he gives light." The mention of his name personalizes the narrative, emphasizing that this was a real individual, a man of standing, whose life was touched by Jesus. His name, ironically, might suggest a spiritual enlightenment that led him to seek Jesus despite his prominent position.
* **ruler (Greek, _árchōn'_):** The term _árchōn_ denotes a "first in rank or power," signifying a chief or magistrate. When combined with _synagōgḗ_, referring to an "assemblage of persons" or a "Jewish synagogue," it identifies Jairus as the chief elder responsible for the synagogue's administration, services, and spiritual oversight. This was a highly esteemed and influential position within the local Jewish community, making his public act of prostration before Jesus all the more remarkable and indicative of profound desperation and faith.
* **fell down (Greek, _píptō'_):** The verb _píptō_ means "to fall," often implying a posture of reverence, submission, or supplication. The phrase "at Jesus' feet" (using _poús_, "foot") describes a physical act that conveys deep humility and earnest entreaty. This posture signifies a complete surrender of pride and a desperate appeal to a higher authority, acknowledging Jesus' unique power and expressing absolute reliance on Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus,"**: This opening clause immediately draws the reader's attention to the arrival of a significant individual. The interjection "behold" (Greek: _idoú_) serves to emphasize the dramatic and noteworthy nature of what is about to unfold. The introduction of "Jairus" by name personalizes the account, setting the stage for a specific and impactful encounter.
* **"and he was a ruler of the synagogue:"**: This crucial detail establishes Jairus's social and religious standing. As a "ruler of the synagogue," he held a position of considerable authority, respect, and influence within the Jewish community. This fact heightens the significance of his subsequent actions, as it was highly unusual for such a prominent figure to seek out Jesus in this manner.
* **"and he fell down at Jesus' feet,"**: This describes Jairus's posture and action, which is one of profound humility, reverence, and desperate supplication. Falling at someone's feet was a recognized gesture of complete submission and earnest pleading in the ancient world. For a man of Jairus's status to do this publicly before Jesus underscores his overwhelming need and his recognition of Jesus' unique authority and power.
* **"and besought him that he would come into his house:"**: This reveals the specific nature of Jairus's urgent plea. The verb "besought" (Greek: _parakaléō_) implies an earnest and persistent appeal, a strong invitation or entreaty. His request for Jesus to "come into his house" indicates the private and dire nature of his crisis – a matter concerning his family, specifically his dying daughter, as revealed in the subsequent verses. This direct request for Jesus' physical presence highlights his belief that Jesus' power was not limited by distance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:41 employs several **literary devices** to enhance its impact. The use of **Emphasis** is evident through the interjection "behold" (Greek: _idoú_), which immediately signals to the reader that a significant event or person is about to be introduced. This creates a sense of anticipation and highlights the importance of Jairus's appearance. There is also a strong element of **Pathos**, as the narrative immediately evokes sympathy for Jairus, a desperate father, setting up the emotional core of the subsequent miracle. The description of a man of high standing **humbling** himself by falling at Jesus' feet creates a powerful image of **Irony**, contrasting his societal status with his posture of utter dependence. Furthermore, the verse serves as a clear instance of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary miracle that is about to unfold concerning Jairus's daughter, building suspense and drawing the reader into the unfolding drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:41 powerfully illustrates that human desperation transcends social boundaries, compelling even the most esteemed individuals to humble themselves before divine authority. Jairus's public act of prostration before Jesus signifies a profound recognition of Jesus' unique power and a desperate, yet faithful, appeal for intervention. This scene underscores the theological truth that true help for life's deepest crises comes not from human status or power, but from a humble, earnest approach to Christ. It highlights Jesus' compassionate accessibility, demonstrating that He is willing to meet individuals in their greatest moments of need, regardless of their background, and respond to faith, even when it is mingled with fear and desperation.

* [Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea in Matthew")
* [Mark 5:22](/mark/5-22 "Mark 5:22 - Jairus's Plea in Mark")
* [Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - The Centurion's Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jairus's encounter with Jesus offers timeless lessons for believers today. His willingness to set aside his social standing and publicly humble himself before Jesus reminds us that pride is a significant barrier to receiving God's grace. In our own lives, we are called to approach Christ with similar humility, laying down our self-sufficiency and acknowledging our absolute dependence on Him for every need, especially for the well-being of our loved ones. Jairus's desperate plea for his daughter also highlights the power and importance of intercessory prayer, urging us to bring our deepest concerns and the needs of those we love directly to Jesus with earnest faith. His story teaches us that no situation is too dire for Jesus' intervention, and that even in moments of profound anxiety and fear, our faith can be a conduit for divine power. We are invited to trust in Jesus' compassion and ability to act, even when circumstances seem bleak or delays occur.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jairus's act of falling at Jesus' feet reveal about his understanding of Jesus' authority and his own desperate need?**
* **In what areas of your life or for whom are you being called to lay aside pride and bring a desperate plea to Jesus?**
* **How does Jairus's parental love inspire you to pray more fervently for your own family or those you care deeply about?**
* **What might prevent us from approaching Jesus with the same humility and urgency that Jairus demonstrated?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jairus, and why was his action significant?**

Answer: Jairus was a "ruler of the synagogue," a highly respected and influential position within the local Jewish community. His action of falling at Jesus' feet in public was highly significant because it was an extraordinary act of humility and desperation for a man of his status. It demonstrated a profound recognition of Jesus' unique power and authority, defying social norms and risking his reputation to seek help for his dying daughter. This act underscores that true need transcends social standing and that genuine faith often requires setting aside pride.

**What does it mean that he "fell down at Jesus' feet"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a posture of deep reverence, submission, and earnest supplication. In ancient cultures, it was a common way to appeal to a superior, a king, or a divine figure. For Jairus, a man of authority, to adopt this posture before Jesus signified his complete surrender to Jesus' power and his desperate plea for help. It was a physical manifestation of his spiritual humility and his absolute reliance on Jesus to save his daughter.

**What was Jairus's specific request of Jesus?**

Answer: Jairus "besought him that he would come into his house." His request was urgent and personal, driven by a father's love for his dying daughter. He believed that if Jesus would simply come to his home, His presence and power would be sufficient to heal his child. This direct appeal for Jesus' physical presence highlights his faith in Jesus' ability to intervene miraculously in a dire situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter with Jairus in [Luke 8:41](/luke/8-41 "Luke 8:41 - Jairus's Plea") serves as a poignant foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate mission and redemptive work. Jairus's desperate plea for his dying daughter mirrors humanity's profound spiritual need for deliverance from the death grip of sin. Just as Jairus, a man of status, humbled himself before Jesus, so too must all people, regardless of their earthly standing, bow before the Lordship of Christ, acknowledging their utter dependence on Him for spiritual life. Jesus' compassionate response to Jairus's faith, culminating in the raising of his daughter from the dead (as described in [Luke 8:49-56](/luke/8-49-56 "Luke 8:49-56 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")), powerfully prefigures His victory over sin and death on the cross and His resurrection. He is the one who declares, "[I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Jairus's experience points to the truth that Christ alone holds the power to bring life out of death, offering not just physical healing but eternal spiritual resurrection to all who, like Jairus, humbly come to Him in faith, believing that He has the power to enter their "house" and transform their desperate circumstances.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.