Luke 8:52

KJV

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} all {G3956} wept {G2799}, and {G2532} bewailed {G2875} her {G846}: but {G1161} he said {G2036}, Weep {G2799} not {G3361}; she is {G599} not {G3756} dead {G599}, but {G235} sleepeth {G2518}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people were wailing and mourning for her; but he said, "Don't weep; she hasn't died, she's sleeping."

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.”

American Standard Version

And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but he said, Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:52 presents a profound moment in the narrative of Jairus's daughter, where Jesus confronts the public display of grief and the perceived finality of death with a radical declaration: the girl is not dead, but merely "sleepeth." This statement, made in direct contrast to the overwhelming sorrow of the crowd, challenges conventional understanding and foreshadows Jesus's unique authority over life and death, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of His divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within the larger narrative of Jesus's ministry, specifically following His urgent summons by Jairus, a synagogue official, whose daughter is dying. While en route to Jairus's house, Jesus is interrupted by the healing of a woman with a chronic hemorrhage. It is during this interlude that messengers arrive with the devastating news that Jairus's daughter has died [Luke 8:49](/luke/8-49 "Luke 8:49 - News of the Girl's Death"). Jesus immediately responds by reassuring Jairus, "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be made well" [Luke 8:50](/luke/8-50 "Luke 8:50 - Jesus Reassures Jairus"). Upon arriving at the house, Jesus finds a scene of intense public mourning, which Luke 8:52 vividly describes. This verse serves as the pivot point, where Jesus's divine perspective clashes with human despair, directly preceding His command for the girl to rise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, death was met with elaborate and public mourning rituals. It was customary for families to hire professional mourners, typically women, who would wail loudly, beat their breasts, tear their clothes, and play mournful flutes to express and incite grief. This public lamentation was not merely an emotional outburst but a prescribed social and religious duty, signifying the profound loss and the community's shared sorrow. The intensity of the mourning described in Luke 8:52—"all wept, and bewailed her"—reflects the deeply ingrained cultural practices surrounding death, underscoring the perceived finality of the girl's passing and the shock value of Jesus's calm and counter-cultural declaration.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:52 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Jesus's Authority Over Death**, where His declaration that the girl "sleepeth" directly challenges the apparent reality and the understanding of those present. This statement is not a denial of physical death but a redefinition of it from a divine perspective, foreshadowing His imminent act of raising her and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over life and death itself, a theme echoed in His later declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life" [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Another crucial theme is **Death as "Sleep" for Believers**. Jesus's use of "sleepeth" is a significant biblical metaphor for death, particularly for those who are in Christ. It implies a temporary state, a resting period before a future awakening or resurrection, offering immense comfort and hope that contrasts sharply with the finality often associated with death. The Apostle Paul later elaborates on this idea regarding believers who have died, assuring believers that those who have "fallen asleep in Jesus" will God bring with him [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14](/1_thessalonians/4-13-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - Death as Sleep for Believers"). Finally, the verse highlights **The Nature of Faith**. In the face of overwhelming grief and what appeared to be an irreversible tragedy, Jesus calls for a different kind of understanding and faith, inviting trust in His power beyond human comprehension, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wept (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This word signifies a loud, audible sobbing or wailing, indicating a profound and often public expression of grief. It contrasts with a silent cry, emphasizing the demonstrative nature of the mourning in Jairus's house. The use of this term highlights the intense emotional atmosphere Jesus encountered.
* **bewailed (Greek, _kóptō'_):** Literally meaning "to chop" or "to strike," this term is used here to describe the act of beating one's breast in lamentation. This was a common and culturally expected physical manifestation of deep sorrow and mourning in the ancient world, often performed by professional mourners. It underscores the physical and public nature of the grief.
* **sleepeth (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** While this word can literally mean physical sleep, in this context, Jesus uses it euphemistically for death. This choice of word is crucial as it redefines death not as an ultimate end, but as a temporary, reversible state, akin to a period of rest before waking. This reinterpretation is central to the theological message of the passage and foreshadows the girl's imminent resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all wept, and bewailed her:"** This clause vividly portrays the scene of intense, collective mourning. The use of "all" (Greek, _pâs'_) emphasizes the widespread and universal nature of the grief, encompassing family, friends, and likely professional mourners. The actions of "weeping" (loud lamentation) and "bewailing" (beating the breast) depict the customary, public, and deeply emotional expressions of sorrow in Jewish culture upon a death. This sets a stark backdrop against which Jesus's calm and authoritative words will be spoken.
* **"but he said, 'Weep not;'"** This marks a dramatic shift in the narrative. The conjunction "but" (Greek, _dé'_) signals a direct contrast to the preceding scene of lamentation. Jesus's command, "Weep not" (Greek, _mḗ klaíō'_), is a direct and authoritative intervention, challenging the immediate emotional and cultural response to death. It is not a dismissal of grief itself, but a call to a different understanding, preparing the way for a revelation of His power.
* **"she is not dead, but sleepeth.'"** This is the pivotal statement of the verse, encapsulating Jesus's unique perspective and divine authority. His declaration that she is "not dead" (Greek, _ou apothnḗskō'_) directly contradicts the observable reality and the consensus of the mourners. By stating "but sleepeth" (Greek, _allá katheúdō'_), Jesus employs a powerful **euphemism**, reframing death as a temporary, reversible state from God's perspective. This redefinition is not a denial of the physical cessation of life, but an assertion of His power to overcome it, making death a mere transient slumber for those under His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:52 is rich in **Contrast** and **Euphemism**. The most striking literary device is the **Euphemism** of "sleepeth" for death. Jesus's choice to describe the girl's state as "sleep" rather than "death" is not a literal medical diagnosis but a profound theological statement. It softens the harsh reality of death and, more importantly, implies a temporary state from which one can awaken, directly foreshadowing the girl's imminent resurrection. This redefinition challenges the finality that the mourners perceived. This euphemism is powerfully set against the **Contrast** between the crowd's overwhelming grief and Jesus's calm, authoritative command. The scene opens with "all wept, and bewailed her," depicting a chaotic and sorrowful atmosphere. Jesus's response, "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth," stands in stark **Antithesis** to this despair. This contrast highlights Jesus's divine perspective and authority, demonstrating that His understanding of reality transcends human perception and the apparent finality of death. The dramatic shift from widespread lamentation to Jesus's quiet, powerful declaration underscores His unique position as the Lord of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:52 offers a profound theological insight into Jesus's understanding and authority over death. His declaration that the girl is "sleeping" rather than "dead" is not a denial of the physical reality of death, but a redefinition of it from a divine perspective. For Jesus, death, especially for those who are to be resurrected, is akin to a temporary slumber, a state from which He has the power to awaken. This concept provides immense comfort and hope, transforming death from a terrifying end into a transient state, a prelude to a glorious awakening. It highlights the ultimate victory of life over death through Christ and invites believers to view mortality through an eternal lens, trusting in God's sovereign plan even in the face of profound loss.

* [John 11:11-14](/john/11-11-14 "John 11:11-14 - Jesus calls Lazarus's death 'sleep'")
* [Acts 7:60](/acts/7-60 "Acts 7:60 - Stephen 'fell asleep'")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the firstfruits of those who 'sleep'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:52 provides a powerful message of hope and reorientation for believers facing loss and the fear of death. In a world where death often feels like the ultimate defeat, Jesus's words remind us that for those in Christ, death is not a finality but a temporary "sleep." This perspective offers profound comfort in grief, encouraging us to mourn with hope, knowing that our loved ones who have died in faith are merely resting until the great awakening at Christ's return. It challenges us to trust Jesus's words above our immediate circumstances or human understanding, reminding us that His perspective transcends our earthly limitations. This verse calls us to live with an eternal mindset, understanding that our ultimate destiny is not the grave, but resurrection and eternal life with Him. It strengthens our faith in Jesus's ultimate victory over death and His promise of resurrection, empowering us to face life's challenges, including mortality, with courage and unwavering trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's statement, "she is not dead, but sleepeth," challenge your own understanding or fear of death?**
* **In what ways does this verse offer comfort and hope when you face the loss of a loved one who believed in Christ?**
* **How might adopting Jesus's perspective on death as "sleep" impact how you live your life today, knowing that physical death is not the end?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus say she was "sleeping" if she was actually physically dead?**

Answer: Jesus's statement was not a denial of the physical reality of death, but a profound redefinition of it from a divine perspective. For God, death is not an ultimate end, but a temporary, reversible state, especially for those in His will. By calling it "sleep," Jesus emphasized His unique power to awaken the girl, making her death akin to a temporary slumber from which one can be roused. This highlights His authority over life and death, demonstrating that for Him, death is merely a transient condition, a prelude to resurrection. This is consistent with His later declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life" [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life").

**Was "sleep" a common euphemism for death in Jewish culture, or was Jesus's usage unique?**

Answer: While "sleep" was sometimes used euphemistically for death in ancient cultures, including Jewish contexts (e.g., in the Old Testament, kings "slept with their fathers"), Jesus's specific usage here carries a unique theological weight. It's not merely a softening of language but an assertion of His divine power to reverse death. Unlike a common idiom that acknowledges death while using gentler terms, Jesus's statement immediately precedes a literal resurrection, demonstrating that for Him, death is truly a temporary, reversible state. This elevates the euphemism to a prophetic declaration of His authority over mortality itself, distinct from a mere cultural idiom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:52 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's own death and resurrection. His declaration that Jairus's daughter was "sleeping" foreshadows His own temporary descent into death, which was not a final defeat but a brief slumber before His glorious awakening on the third day. Jesus, by conquering death through His resurrection, transformed the meaning of "sleep" for all who believe in Him. He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the firstfruits of those who 'sleep'"), demonstrating that death no longer holds its sting for those united with Him. His words to Jairus's daughter illustrate His divine authority over the grave, an authority He fully exercised in His own triumph over death, thereby disarming the power of death and freeing those who were held in its lifelong bondage [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus frees from fear of death"). Thus, the temporary "sleep" of Jairus's daughter points directly to the eternal life and resurrection hope secured for all believers through the finished work of Christ, the true "Resurrection and the Life" [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life").

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 23:27

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Genesis 27:34

And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, [even] me also, O my father.

Genesis 27:35

And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

2 Samuel 18:33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!