Mark 5:22

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there cometh {G2064} one {G1520} of the rulers of the synagogue {G752}, Jairus {G2383} by name {G3686}; and {G2532} when he saw {G1492} him {G846}, he fell {G4098} at {G4314} his {G846} feet {G4228},

There came to him a synagogue official, Ya'ir by name, who fell at his feet

A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet

And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jaïrus by name; and seeing him, he falleth at his feet,

Context

Mark 5:22 introduces a pivotal moment following Jesus's return to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, where a large crowd had gathered (Mark 5:21). At this point, Jesus is actively engaged in his ministry of teaching and healing, drawing attention from all segments of society. The arrival of "Jairus by name" marks a significant development, as he was "one of the rulers of the synagogue." This position (Greek: archisynagogos) indicates a man of considerable local authority and respect within the Jewish community. He was responsible for the management of the synagogue, its services, and the spiritual oversight of its congregation. For a person of such standing to seek out Jesus, a traveling preacher, speaks volumes about his desperate situation and the growing reputation of Jesus's power.

Key Themes

  • Humility in Desperation: Jairus, a man of high social and religious standing, performs an act of profound humility by falling at Jesus's feet. This posture signifies extreme reverence, submission, and desperate supplication. It highlights that true need can transcend social barriers and prompt even the most esteemed to humble themselves before divine authority. His actions demonstrate a willingness to set aside pride for the sake of his child's life, a theme echoed in other accounts of desperate parents seeking Jesus's help (Matthew 15:22).
  • Acknowledging Jesus's Authority: By falling at Jesus's feet, Jairus implicitly acknowledges Jesus's unique power and authority to intervene in a seemingly hopeless situation. This is an act of faith, recognizing Jesus as more than just a prophet or teacher, but one capable of miraculous intervention.
  • Accessibility of Jesus: The narrative underscores that Jesus is approachable by all, regardless of their social status, religious position, or the nature of their need. He does not discriminate but responds to genuine pleas from the heart.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rulers of the synagogue" translates the Greek term archisynagogos (ἀρχισυνάγωγος), which literally means "chief of the synagogue." This was a significant and respected lay office, typically held by a prominent member of the community. The fact that Jairus held this position makes his public act of "fell at his feet" (Greek: prosepese tous podas autou - προσεπεσε τους ποδας αυτου) even more striking. This action is a common biblical posture of profound reverence, worship, or desperate pleading, often seen when approaching a king, a deity, or someone recognized as having divine authority. It is not merely a polite greeting but an act of complete submission and earnest appeal, indicating the depth of his crisis and his belief in Jesus's ability to help.

Practical Application

Jairus's example in Mark 5:22 offers powerful lessons for believers today. Firstly, it teaches us the importance of humility in approaching God. No matter our status, achievements, or perceived self-sufficiency, we are all dependent on God's grace and power. When faced with overwhelming challenges, our natural inclination might be to rely on our own strength or worldly resources. However, Jairus demonstrates that true help comes from humbling ourselves and laying our burdens at Jesus's feet. Secondly, his act is a testament to the power of desperate faith. It reminds us that when we come to Jesus with a genuine, heartfelt need and belief in His ability, He is always accessible and compassionate. Just as Jairus sought Jesus for his daughter's healing, we are invited to bring our deepest needs and fears to the Lord, trusting in His willingness and power to respond (Hebrews 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.

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • 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 5:36

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

  • Acts 18:17

    Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

  • Acts 13:15

    And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  • Acts 18:8

    And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

  • Matthew 9:18

    ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back