Luke 8:54

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

And {G1161} he {G846} put {G1544} them all {G3956} out {G1854}, and {G2532} took {G2902} her {G846} by the hand {G5495}, and called {G5455}, saying {G3004}, Maid {G3816}, arise {G1453}.

But he took her by the hand, called out, "Little girl, get up!"

But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!”

But he, taking her by the hand, called, saying, Maiden, arise.

Luke 8:54 captures a pivotal moment in one of Jesus' most profound miracles: the raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead. This verse highlights Jesus' direct command and authority over life and death, following a scene of skepticism and sorrow. It serves as a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and compassion.

Context

This verse is the climax of a narrative that begins with Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, desperately pleading with Jesus to heal his dying twelve-year-old daughter (Luke 8:41-42). On the way, a woman with an issue of blood interrupts their journey, receiving healing from Jesus. While Jesus is still speaking with the woman, messengers arrive with the devastating news that Jairus's daughter has died, advising not to trouble the Teacher further. However, Jesus immediately reassures Jairus, saying, "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole" (Luke 8:50). Upon arriving at Jairus's house, Jesus finds a scene of professional mourners wailing and lamenting. When Jesus declares that the girl is not dead but asleep, they mock Him, knowing she is deceased. In response, Jesus clears the room, allowing only Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents to remain, setting the stage for a private, intimate display of His power.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Death: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute power to restore life. His simple command, "Maid, arise," immediately reverses death's finality, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation, including the ultimate enemy, death. This miracle foreshadows His own resurrection and the future resurrection of believers.
  • The Power of Faith: Jairus's initial act of faith in seeking Jesus, and his continued belief despite the grim news, is central. Jesus' reassurance to "believe only" underscores the importance of unwavering trust in His ability, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
  • Compassion and Intimacy: Jesus' action of putting everyone out and taking the girl by the hand reveals His tender compassion and desire for intimacy in moments of profound miracle. He doesn't perform the miracle for public spectacle but with personal care for the family.
  • Life-Giver: This event reinforces Jesus' identity as the source of life. His ability to call a dead girl back to life affirms His earlier declaration, "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Maid, arise" directly translates Jesus' command. In the parallel account in Mark 5:41, the original Aramaic words spoken by Jesus are preserved: "Talitha cumi," which literally means "Little girl, arise." This Aramaic phrase emphasizes the tenderness and directness of Jesus' address to the young girl. The Greek word translated "arise" is egeire (ἐγείρε), which can mean to wake up, to stand up, or to be raised from the dead. Its dual meaning here powerfully conveys that for Jesus, death was merely a form of sleep from which He could awaken her.

Practical Application

Luke 8:54 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no situation is too dire or hopeless for Jesus' power. In moments of grief, loss, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, we are called to exercise faith, just as Jairus did. Jesus' compassion and personal touch highlight that He cares deeply about our individual struggles and is present in our darkest hours. This miracle also provides a glimpse into the future hope of resurrection for all who believe, reinforcing the promise that death is not the end for those in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

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.

  • Jeremiah 31:32

    Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

  • Mark 1:31

    And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

  • John 11:43

    And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

  • Acts 9:40

    But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

  • John 5:21

    For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

  • John 5:28

    Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

  • John 5:29

    And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
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