Luke 8:50

But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

But {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} it, he answered {G611} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361}: believe {G4100} only {G3440}, and {G2532} she shall be made whole {G4982}.

But on hearing this, Yeshua answered him, "Don't be afraid! Just go on trusting, and she will be made well."

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.

Luke 8:50 captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, showcasing His divine authority over death and His profound emphasis on faith. This verse immediately follows the heartbreaking news delivered to Jairus, a synagogue ruler, that his beloved twelve-year-old daughter had died, seemingly making Jesus's journey to their home pointless. The messengers declared, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master."

Context of Luke 8:50

Prior to this verse, Jairus had approached Jesus with an urgent plea for his dying daughter (Luke 8:41-42). On the way to Jairus's house, Jesus was momentarily delayed by a woman suffering from a chronic issue of blood, whom He healed through her faith (Luke 8:43-48). It was during this delay that the devastating news arrived, creating a profound moment of despair. Jesus's immediate response to Jairus in verse 50 is a direct counter to this despair, challenging him to look beyond the grim reality and embrace a higher truth.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Faith Over Fear: The central message is Jesus's command, "Fear not." In the face of overwhelming grief and hopelessness, Jesus calls Jairus to abandon fear and cling to belief. This highlights a recurring theme in Jesus's ministry: the transformative power of faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.
  • The Power of Belief: "Believe only, and she shall be made whole." This phrase underscores that healing and restoration are directly linked to an active, unwavering faith in Jesus's power. It’s not about the severity of the situation, but the sufficiency of Christ.
  • Jesus's Authority Over Death: This declaration sets the stage for one of Jesus's most powerful miracles – the raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead, which occurs shortly after (Luke 8:55). It demonstrates that Jesus's authority extends even to life and death, confirming His divine nature.
  • Divine Compassion: Despite the interruption and the apparent "too late" scenario, Jesus shows immense compassion, immediately addressing Jairus's distraught heart with a word of hope.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Fear not" comes from the Greek mē phobou, an imperative command to stop being afraid or to cease fearing. It's a common phrase used by Jesus to calm His disciples and others facing daunting situations. "Believe only" translates from monon pisteuson, emphasizing the singular requirement of faith. The word "whole" (Greek: sōthēsetai) can mean saved, healed, or made well. In this context, it clearly refers to physical restoration from death, showing the comprehensive nature of Jesus's power to restore life.

Practical Application

Luke 8:50 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When faced with news that seems to shut down all hope, or when circumstances appear irreversible, Jesus's words echo through time: "Fear not: believe only." This verse challenges us to:

  • Trust God Beyond Appearances: Our human perspective is limited, but God's power is not. Even when situations seem dead, Jesus can bring life.
  • Combat Fear with Faith: Fear paralyzes, but faith empowers. Actively choosing to believe in God's ability and goodness, even when it's difficult, is a vital aspect of the Christian walk.
  • Remember God's Sovereignty: This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all, including the most final of human experiences – death. This truth can bring comfort and strength in times of loss or despair.

This powerful encounter underscores that with Jesus, it is never too late for a miracle, and faith is the key that unlocks His divine intervention.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 11:40

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • Mark 5:36

    As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • Mark 11:22

    And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

  • Mark 11:24

    Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

  • Luke 8:48

    And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

  • Romans 4:17

    ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
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