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.
While he {G846} yet {G2089} spake {G2980}, there cometh {G2064} one {G5100} from {G3844} the ruler of the synagogue's {G752} house, saying {G3004} to him {G846},{G3754} Thy {G4675} daughter {G2364} is dead {G2348}; trouble {G4660} not {G3361} the Master {G1320}.
While Yeshua was still speaking, a man came from the synagogue president's house. "Your daughter has died," he said. "Don't bother the rabbi any more."
While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore.”
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.
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Luke 7:6
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: -
Isaiah 7:12
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. -
Mark 5:35
¶ While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? -
Mark 5:43
And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. -
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: -
Luke 8:43
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, -
Matthew 9:23
And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
Luke 8:49 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jairus' daughter, interrupting what was already a dramatic journey for Jesus. This verse delivers devastating news, challenging the faith of Jairus and setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound demonstrations of power over death.
Context
This verse occurs immediately after Jesus has healed the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), an event that caused a significant delay on the way to the house of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue. Jairus had pleaded with Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter. In ancient Jewish society, a daughter's death, especially a young one, was a profound tragedy, often seen as irreversible. The arrival of the messenger with the words, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master," reflects the common understanding that once death occurred, there was no hope for physical restoration. This moment was designed to test Jairus' faith and highlight the perceived finality of death in human eyes.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "Master" (Greek: didaskalos) used here is a common address for Jesus, meaning 'teacher' or 'instructor'. While respectful, the messenger's use of it implies an understanding of Jesus as a wise and powerful figure, but perhaps not one with dominion over death itself. The phrase "trouble not the Master" suggests that the task of raising the dead was far beyond the scope of even a great teacher's capabilities, reflecting the prevailing worldview before Jesus' ultimate demonstration of power.
Practical Application
Luke 8:49 speaks to situations in our lives where circumstances seem utterly hopeless, and the "messenger" of despair arrives with news that suggests giving up. It reminds us that what appears to be a final, insurmountable obstacle from a human perspective is often precisely where God's power is most profoundly revealed. This verse encourages us to remember that Jesus' authority extends beyond our limitations and perceived finalities, urging us not to "trouble not the Master" by giving up, but to trust in His ability to do the impossible, even when all hope seems lost. The full account of Jairus' daughter being raised from the dead begins just a few verses later.