Mark 5:41

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And {G2532} he took {G2902} the damsel {G3813} by the hand {G5495}, and said {G3004} unto her {G846}, Talitha {G5008} cumi {G2891}; which {G3739} is {G2076}, being interpreted {G3177}, Damsel {G2877}, I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, arise {G1453}.

Taking her by the hand, he said to her, "Talita, kumi!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!").

Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, “Talitha koum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”

And taking the child by the hand, he saith unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise.

Mark 5:41 records a powerful moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting His divine authority over life and death. This verse captures the very words Jesus spoke to raise a young girl from the dead, demonstrating His intimate compassion and miraculous power.

Context

This verse is the climax of the narrative concerning Jairus, a synagogue official, whose twelve-year-old daughter was dying. Jairus desperately sought Jesus' help, but news arrived that the girl had died while Jesus was on His way, delayed by healing the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). Despite the mourners and their lamentations, Jesus entered the house, dismissing those who scoffed, declaring that the girl was "not dead, but sleepeth" (Mark 5:39). He took only Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents into the room where she lay.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Talitha cumi" is significant because it is one of the few instances in the Gospels where Jesus' original Aramaic words are preserved, followed immediately by their Greek translation. Aramaic was the common language spoken in Judea and Galilee during Jesus' time. The phrase literally means "Little girl, arise!" or "Damsel, get up!" The inclusion of the original words emphasizes the directness and immediacy of Jesus' command, underscoring His personal connection and authority. He did not perform a ritual or incantation; He spoke directly to the deceased, and life returned.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Death: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute power to command life back into a dead body. This miracle serves as a profound testimony to His divine nature and His role as the giver of life.
  • Compassion and Intimacy: Jesus didn't merely speak from a distance; He "took the damsel by the hand," a tender and personal gesture. This act reveals His deep empathy and willingness to engage personally with human suffering and loss.
  • Faith Triumphs Over Despair: Despite the overwhelming evidence of death and the despair of the parents, Jesus' words offered hope and ultimate victory, rewarding Jairus' initial faith (Mark 5:36).
  • The Nature of Resurrection: This event foreshadows the ultimate resurrection of believers and Jesus' own resurrection, demonstrating that death is not the final word for those who trust in Him.

Practical Application

Mark 5:41 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Even in the most hopeless situations, when all seems lost, Jesus has the power to intervene and bring life. What appears dead to us may simply be "sleeping" in His eyes.
  • Jesus' compassion is personal and intimate. He is not distant from our pain but reaches out with a tender hand to bring healing and restoration.
  • We are called to trust in Jesus' authority, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. Just as He told Jairus, we are to "Fear not, only believe."
  • This miracle strengthens our faith in the future resurrection and the ultimate triumph of life over death through Christ, offering comfort in times of grief and loss.
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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 7:14

    And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

  • Luke 7:15

    And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

  • Luke 8:54

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

  • Luke 8:55

    And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

  • 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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