Matthew 9:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

While he {G846} spake {G2980} these things {G5023} unto them {G846}, behold {G2400}, there came {G2064} a certain {G1520} ruler {G758}, and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, saying {G3004},{G3754} My {G3450} daughter {G2364} is even now {G737} dead {G5053}: but {G235} come {G2064} and lay {G2007} thy {G4675} hand {G5495} upon {G1909} her {G846}, and {G2532} she shall live {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

While he was talking, an official came in, kneeled down in front of him and said, "My daughter has just died. But if you come and lay your hand on her, she will live."

Berean Standard Bible

While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:18 introduces a profound moment in Jesus' ministry, where a prominent synagogue ruler, driven by desperate faith, approaches Jesus with an urgent plea for his recently deceased daughter. This encounter not only highlights Jesus' divine authority over life and death but also His profound compassion and willingness to intervene in the most dire human circumstances, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of His power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This incident immediately follows a series of significant events in Matthew's Gospel that establish Jesus' identity and authority. Prior to this, Jesus healed a paralytic, demonstrating His power to forgive sins and heal physical ailments ([Matthew 9:1-8](/matthew/9-1-8 "Matthew 9:1-8 - Healing the Paralytic")). He then called Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple, and defended His association with "sinners" ([Matthew 9:9-13](/matthew/9-9-13 "Matthew 9:9-13 - The Call of Matthew")). Just before the ruler's interruption, Jesus engaged in a discussion about fasting and the incompatibility of the "new wine" of His teaching with "old wineskins" of traditional religious practices ([Matthew 9:14-17](/matthew/9-14-17 "Matthew 9:14-17 - The Question About Fasting and New Wine")). The ruler's desperate appeal, therefore, serves as a dramatic transition, shifting the narrative from theological discourse to a tangible display of Jesus' power over death itself, reinforcing the radical nature of His ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The individual described as a "ruler" (Greek: _árchōn_) is identified in parallel accounts (Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41) as Jairus, a synagogue ruler. In first-century Jewish society, a synagogue ruler was a highly respected and influential figure responsible for the synagogue's administration, services, and the moral conduct of the community. For such a person, a pillar of the religious establishment, to humble himself by publicly approaching Jesus and "worshipping" Him (a profound act of reverence) speaks volumes about his desperation and the burgeoning recognition of Jesus' unique authority. Death, particularly of a child, was an immense tragedy, often accompanied by immediate mourning rituals. The ruler's plea, "My daughter is even now dead," indicates the finality of the situation from a human perspective, making his faith in Jesus' ability to reverse it all the more extraordinary.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:18 introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Desperate Faith**, as a man of high standing humbles himself before Jesus, believing in His power to overcome even death. This contrasts with the skepticism or resistance Jesus sometimes encountered from religious authorities. Secondly, the verse foreshadows Jesus' ultimate **Authority Over Death**, a central tenet of Christian theology. The ruler's conviction that Jesus could restore life to his deceased daughter anticipates Jesus' own resurrection and His triumph over the grave. Thirdly, the ruler's act of "worshipping him" underscores the theme of **Recognition of Jesus' Divine Authority**, indicating that some, even within the religious elite, were beginning to perceive Jesus as more than just a prophet or teacher. Finally, Jesus' immediate response to go with the ruler highlights His profound **Divine Compassion and Accessibility**, demonstrating His willingness to meet individuals in their deepest pain and need, regardless of their social status, a characteristic consistently seen in His ministry, such as His healing of the leper in [Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Heals a Leper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ruler (Greek, _árchōn'_):** This term (G758) denotes a "first in rank or power," indicating a chief, magistrate, or prince. In this context, it refers to a synagogue ruler, a respected community leader. The fact that such a person, accustomed to authority, would come to Jesus in humility underscores the extraordinary nature of his faith and the compelling presence of Jesus.
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** The Greek word _proskynéō_ (G4352) literally means "to fawn or crouch to," implying prostrating oneself in homage, doing reverence to, or adoring. While it can simply mean bowing down in respect, in the context of a desperate plea for resurrection and Jesus' subsequent actions, it strongly suggests an act of profound reverence and recognition of divine authority, far beyond mere social deference.
* **dead (Greek, _teleutáō'_):** This verb (G5053) means "to finish life," to expire, or demise. The ruler's declaration, "My daughter is even now dead," emphasizes the finality of her condition from a human perspective, making the subsequent request for Jesus to bring her back to life all the more audacious and faith-filled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ While he spake these things unto them":** This clause sets the scene, indicating that Jesus was actively teaching or conversing with a crowd, highlighting the spontaneous and urgent nature of the ruler's interruption. It shows Jesus' constant engagement with people and their needs, even amidst His discourse.
* **"behold, there came a certain ruler":** The interjection "behold" (Greek: _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the sudden appearance of a significant figure. The "certain ruler" is a person of authority and standing, whose unexpected approach signifies a moment of great importance and urgency.
* **"and worshipped him, saying":** This phrase describes the ruler's posture and action. His act of "worship" (prostration or deep reverence) before Jesus, a public figure who was not a traditional religious authority, is highly significant. It demonstrates a profound recognition of Jesus' unique power and status, even before his specific request is articulated.
* **"My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live":** This is the heart of the ruler's desperate plea. He presents the dire reality of his daughter's immediate death, emphasizing the hopelessness of the situation from a human viewpoint. The "but" introduces a powerful contrast, expressing his unwavering belief that despite death's finality, Jesus possesses the power to reverse it. His request to "lay thy hand upon her" signifies a common gesture of healing and blessing, but here it is linked to the extraordinary expectation of resurrection, demonstrating his absolute conviction in Jesus' life-giving authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:18 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of the encounter. The use of **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the ruler's desperate plea for his dead daughter to "live" directly anticipates Jesus' miraculous act of resurrection, which will be detailed in the subsequent verses. This foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over death, a central theme of the Gospel. The sudden appearance of the ruler, marked by the interjection "**behold**" (Greek: _idoú_), creates a sense of immediate urgency and dramatic impact, drawing the reader's attention to a pivotal moment. The ruler's act of "**worshipped him**" (Greek: _proskynéō_) is a powerful instance of **Symbolism**, representing not just an act of humility and respect from a high-ranking individual, but a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and power, far beyond that of a mere human healer. The contrast between the daughter being "even now dead" and the ruler's conviction that she "shall live" through Jesus' touch highlights a powerful **Juxtaposition** between human despair and divine hope, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the faith being expressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:18 serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' absolute sovereignty over life and death, a theological truth foundational to Christian faith. The ruler's plea, coming from a place of utter human despair, implicitly acknowledges Jesus as the source of life, capable of reversing even the most irreversible of human conditions. This encounter underscores the theme that no situation is beyond the reach of God's power and compassion. It challenges conventional understandings of mortality and divine intervention, positioning Jesus not merely as a healer of sickness, but as the Lord of life itself, foreshadowing His own resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers. The ruler's humility and faith, despite his high social standing, also highlight the spiritual principle that true access to God's power often begins with a recognition of one's own helplessness and a complete reliance on divine grace.

* [Mark 5:22-23](/mark/5-22-23 "Mark 5:22-23 - Jairus's Plea to Jesus")
* [Luke 8:41-42](/luke/8-41-42 "Luke 8:41-42 - Jairus's Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage")
* [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:18 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The ruler's desperate yet unwavering faith in Jesus, even in the face of death's finality, serves as a powerful model. It reminds us that no circumstance is too dire, no hope too lost, for the transformative power of Christ. In our own lives, we are often tempted to despair when confronted with what appears to be an irreversible situation—a terminal diagnosis, a broken relationship, a lost job, or a spiritual crisis. This passage calls us to lay aside our pride and self-sufficiency, humbling ourselves before Jesus, just as the ruler did. It teaches us that true help and divine intervention often begin with an act of radical dependence, acknowledging His supreme authority over all things, including those we deem impossible. Our faith, like the ruler's, should be audacious enough to believe that Jesus can bring life where there is death, hope where there is despair, and healing where there is brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dead" areas in your life or circumstances do you need to bring before Jesus with desperate faith?**
* **In what ways might pride or self-reliance prevent you from fully humbling yourself before Christ in your time of need?**
* **How does the ruler's belief in Jesus' power over death strengthen your own faith in His ability to overcome seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What does this passage teach you about Jesus' compassion and His willingness to meet you in your deepest pain?**

### FAQ
**Who was this ruler, and why is his approach significant?**

Answer: While Matthew's Gospel identifies him simply as "a certain ruler," parallel accounts in [Mark 5:22](/mark/5-22 "Mark 5:22 - Jairus's Plea") and [Luke 8:41](/luke/8-41 "Luke 8:41 - Jairus's Daughter") name him Jairus and specify that he was a synagogue ruler. This position was one of considerable respect and authority within the Jewish community. For such a prominent figure to humble himself publicly before Jesus, a traveling teacher who often challenged the religious establishment, underscores the depth of his desperation and his profound belief in Jesus' unique power. His willingness to set aside social standing and religious convention to seek help from Jesus highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' ministry and the radical faith it inspired.

**What does the ruler's request to "lay thy hand upon her" signify?**

Answer: The act of laying on hands was a common gesture in ancient Israel associated with blessing, commissioning, and healing. Prophets and spiritual leaders would often lay hands on individuals to impart a blessing or to facilitate a miraculous healing. In this context, the ruler's request for Jesus to "lay thy hand upon her" signifies his absolute conviction that Jesus possesses a unique, life-giving power. He believes that a mere touch from Jesus is sufficient to reverse the finality of death and restore his daughter to life. This request demonstrates not only his understanding of a traditional practice but also his extraordinary faith in Jesus' unparalleled authority over even the most profound human condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:18, though a narrative of a specific miracle, profoundly points to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's life-giving power. The ruler's desperate plea for his dead daughter to "live" through Jesus' touch foreshadows Jesus' own triumph over death and His identity as the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). This event is a microcosm of the larger redemptive narrative, where humanity, dead in trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")), is brought to spiritual life through Christ's divine intervention. Jesus' power to raise the physically dead demonstrates His absolute authority over all creation, including the domain of death itself, which He ultimately conquered through His crucifixion and resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, the ruler's faith in Jesus' ability to grant physical life anticipates the greater spiritual life and eternal hope offered to all who believe in Him, making Him the source of all true life, both temporal and eternal ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, 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

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,

Mark 5:43

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Luke 8:41

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

Luke 8:56

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Matthew 8:2

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

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.

Matthew 9:24

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.