Luke 8:42

KJV

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} he {G846} had {G2258} one only {G3439} daughter {G2364}, about {G5613} twelve {G1427} years of age {G2094}, and {G2532} she {G3778}{G846} lay a dying {G599}. But {G1161} as {G1722} he {G846} went {G5217} the people {G3793} thronged {G4846} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old; and she was dying. As he went, with the crowds on every side virtually choking him,

Berean Standard Bible

because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him,

American Standard Version

for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as he went the multitudes thronged him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:42 vividly portrays the dire circumstances surrounding Jairus, a synagogue ruler, whose only daughter, a child of twelve, lay on her deathbed. This verse simultaneously highlights the immense challenge Jesus faced in responding to Jairus's urgent plea, as He was surrounded and pressed upon by a massive, eager crowd, creating a physical barrier to His immediate progress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a continuous narrative in Luke's Gospel that showcases Jesus's authority over sickness, demons, and even death. It immediately follows Jairus's desperate appeal to Jesus, where he falls at Jesus's feet and pleads for his dying daughter [Luke 8:41](/luke/8-41 "Luke 8:41 - Jairus's Plea"). The description of the thronging crowd sets the stage for the miraculous interruption by the woman with the issue of blood, which occurs in the subsequent verses [Luke 8:43-48](/luke/8-43-48 "Luke 8:43-48 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood"). The entire episode culminates in Jesus raising Jairus's daughter from the dead, demonstrating His ultimate power over mortality [Luke 8:54-56](/luke/8-54-56 "Luke 8:54-56 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter"). This interwoven narrative emphasizes Jesus's compassion and power, even amidst significant distractions and delays.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely near the Sea of Galilee, a region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry, drawing immense crowds due to His teachings and miraculous healings. Synagogue rulers like Jairus were prominent and respected figures in their communities, responsible for the administration and spiritual life of the local synagogue. For such a man to publicly prostrate himself before Jesus indicated profound desperation and a willingness to transcend social conventions for the sake of his child. The "thronging" of the people was a common phenomenon for popular teachers and healers in that era, reflecting both genuine spiritual hunger and perhaps mere curiosity. Travel was primarily on foot, and large crowds could significantly impede progress, making the journey to Jairus's house a physically demanding and slow endeavor for Jesus and His disciples.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:42 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **desperate human need** in the face of death, a universal experience that drives individuals to seek divine intervention, as seen in Jairus's urgent appeal. The verse also highlights **Jesus's accessibility and compassion**, as He does not turn away from the plea, despite the overwhelming demands of the crowd. Furthermore, the "thronging" crowd introduces the theme of **obstacles and interruptions** in ministry and faith, demonstrating that even well-intentioned human presence can create challenges. Ultimately, this passage, in conjunction with the broader narrative of [Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke 8 - Parables, Miracles, and Discipleship"), foreshadows Jesus's ultimate authority over life and death, a central tenet of the Christian faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **only (Greek, _monogenḗs'_):** From μόνος (monos, "alone") and γίνομαι (ginomai, "to be born"), this term means "only-born" or "sole." In this context, it emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of Jairus's daughter, highlighting the depth of his paternal anguish and the singular importance of her life to him. It intensifies the pathos of the situation, as her loss would be absolute for her parents.
* **dying (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** Derived from ἀπό (apo, "from, off") and θνίσκω (thnḗskō, "to die"), this verb signifies to "die off" or "be at the point of death." The imperfect tense in the Greek (ἀπέθνῃσκεν) conveys an ongoing process, emphasizing that she was actively in the process of dying. This grammatical nuance underscores the extreme urgency of Jairus's plea and the critical, deteriorating condition of his daughter.
* **thronged (Greek, _sympnígō'_):** A compound of σύν (syn, "with, together") and πνίγω (pnigō, "to choke, to suffocate"), this word vividly describes a crowd pressing in so tightly as to almost "choke" or "suffocate" movement. It paints a picture of intense, overwhelming physical pressure from the multitude, creating a significant obstacle for Jesus and delaying His immediate response to Jairus's urgent need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age":** This clause introduces the object of Jairus's concern and the source of his profound distress. The description "one only daughter" emphasizes her unique status and the irreplaceable nature of her life to her father, amplifying the tragedy of her impending death. Her age, "about twelve years," is significant, indicating she was on the cusp of womanhood, a detail that adds to the poignancy of her condition and will later connect to the age of the woman with the issue of blood.
* **"and she lay a dying":** This phrase starkly presents the critical state of the daughter. The use of "lay a dying" (imperfect tense in Greek) suggests an ongoing, deteriorating process, not merely that she was sick, but that she was actively in the process of succumbing to death. This detail underscores the extreme urgency of Jairus's request and the race against time.
* **"But as he went the people thronged him":** This final clause introduces the significant obstacle to Jesus's immediate response. "But as he went" indicates Jesus's compassionate willingness to accompany Jairus. However, the phrase "the people thronged him" vividly describes the immense crowd pressing in on Jesus, making movement difficult and slow. This "thronging" creates a tension between the immediate, critical need of the dying girl and the overwhelming demands of the multitude, setting the stage for the subsequent miraculous interruption.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:42 employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative's impact. **Pathos** is evident in the description of the "one only daughter" who "lay a dying," immediately evoking sympathy for Jairus and his family. The detail of her being "about twelve years of age" adds to this, highlighting the tragedy of a young life on the brink of being cut short. **Juxtaposition** is skillfully used by contrasting the private, desperate urgency of Jairus's plea with the public, overwhelming press of the crowd. This creates a sense of dramatic tension, as the reader is made aware of the immediate life-or-death situation against the backdrop of an impeding throng. The verb "thronged" (Greek _sympnígō_) serves as **Hyperbole** or **Vivid Imagery**, suggesting a crowd so dense and pressing that it almost "chokes" or "suffocates" movement, emphasizing the immense physical challenge Jesus faced in reaching Jairus's home.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the intersection of human desperation and divine compassion. Jairus, a man of standing, humbles himself completely before Jesus, demonstrating a profound faith that Jesus holds the power to intervene even in the face of death. This act of seeking Jesus amidst crisis is a recurring theme in the Gospels, highlighting the Lord's accessibility to those in genuine need. The overwhelming crowd, while a physical impediment, also serves as a metaphor for the many distractions and demands that can challenge one's focus on Christ, yet Jesus's unwavering commitment to individual suffering shines through. This narrative foreshadows Jesus's ultimate victory over death, a central tenet of Christian hope.

* [Mark 5:22-23](/mark/5-22-23 "Mark 5:22-23 - Jairus's Plea in Mark")
* [Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea in Matthew")
* [Luke 7:2-10](/luke/7-2-10 "Luke 7:2-10 - The Centurion's Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:42 offers profound insights into the nature of faith, the challenges of life, and the character of Christ. Like Jairus, we often find ourselves in situations of overwhelming crisis, where our deepest hopes are threatened. This verse calls us to emulate Jairus's bold and humble faith, to bring our most desperate needs directly to Jesus, trusting in His unique power and compassion. The "thronging" crowd serves as a powerful metaphor for the myriad distractions, demands, and obstacles that can impede our spiritual journey and our access to Christ. It reminds us that even in the midst of life's busyness and the clamor of the world, we must persist in seeking Him. Jesus's willingness to go with Jairus, despite the pressing crowd and the subsequent interruption, underscores His personal concern for each individual and His readiness to meet us in our specific points of need, no matter how dire or how many other demands are placed upon Him. Our challenge is to maintain focus and faith, knowing that even delays can be part of God's greater plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crowds" or distractions in your life currently prevent you from reaching Jesus with your urgent needs?**
* **How does Jairus's desperate plea challenge your own level of faith and persistence when facing a crisis?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus's compassion, even when His response seems delayed or hindered by circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why is the daughter's age, "about twelve years," specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of the daughter's age, "about twelve years," is significant for several reasons. Literarily, it creates a poignant parallel with the woman who had suffered from a blood issue for "twelve years" [Luke 8:43](/luke/8-43 "Luke 8:43 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood"), whose healing immediately interrupts the journey to Jairus's house. This parallel highlights Jesus's power over both chronic illness and death, and His compassion for individuals regardless of their age or social standing. Culturally, a twelve-year-old girl was on the threshold of womanhood, making her impending death even more tragic as it represented the loss of a future. The specificity emphasizes the profound personal loss for Jairus and his family, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation.

**What is the significance of the "thronging" crowd?**

Answer: The "thronging" crowd, described by the Greek word _sympnígō_ (meaning to choke or suffocate by pressing), serves multiple purposes in the narrative. First, it vividly portrays the immense popularity and demand for Jesus's presence and power. People were eager to see and hear Him, creating a physical barrier. Second, it highlights the challenges and delays inherent in Jesus's ministry. Despite the critical urgency of Jairus's request, Jesus could not simply teleport or bypass the crowd; He had to navigate through it. This physical impediment sets the stage for the miraculous interruption by the woman with the issue of blood [Luke 8:43-48](/luke/8-43-48 "Luke 8:43-48 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood"), demonstrating that even amidst overwhelming demands, Jesus is attentive to individual faith and need. The crowd, while seeking Jesus, inadvertently becomes an obstacle, symbolizing how the busyness and clamor of life can sometimes hinder our access to immediate divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:42, with its depiction of a dying child and a desperate father, points powerfully to Christ as the ultimate source of life and hope. Jairus's only daughter, on the brink of death, foreshadows humanity's spiritual condition, "dead in trespasses and sins" [Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins"). Jesus's willingness to go to the dying girl's aid, despite the overwhelming "throng" of humanity, underscores His divine compassion and His singular mission to seek and save the lost [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"). The narrative's climax, where Jesus raises the girl from death, is a profound demonstration of His power over the grave, a power supremely manifested in His own resurrection. This miracle prefigures the greater spiritual resurrection offered to all who believe in Him [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), and the future bodily resurrection promised to believers at His return [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return"). Thus, the story of Jairus's daughter is not merely a historical account of healing, but a vibrant testament to Christ's victory over death and His compassionate heart for every individual, offering life where only death seemed certain.

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

Luke 7:12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Luke 8:45

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press [thee], and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Ezekiel 24:16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.

Job 1:18

While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

Job 1:19

And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Genesis 44:20

And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

Genesis 44:22

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for [if] he should leave his father, [his father] would die.