Matthew 9:23

KJV

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} into {G1519} the ruler's {G758} house {G3614}, and {G2532} saw {G1492} the minstrels {G834} and {G2532} the people {G3793} making a noise {G2350},

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua arrived at the official's house and saw the flute-players, and the crowd in an uproar,

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus entered the house of the synagogue leader, He saw the flute players and the noisy crowd.

American Standard Version

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:23 vividly depicts the scene Jesus encounters upon arriving at the ruler's house: a chaotic atmosphere filled with the mournful sounds of professional musicians and wailing people. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus's most profound demonstrations of authority, contrasting the human perception of irreversible death with His divine power to bring life, thereby highlighting His unique sovereignty over all creation, even over the finality of death itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in a narrative sequence that began with a desperate plea. Immediately prior, a synagogue ruler, Jairus, had approached Jesus, pleading for Him to come and heal his daughter who was at the point of death ([Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea to Jesus")). As Jesus was on His way, He was briefly interrupted by the faith-filled touch and subsequent healing of a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years ([Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - The Healing of the Woman with an Issue of Blood")). While Jesus was still speaking with the woman, a messenger arrived with the crushing news that Jairus's daughter had died ([Matthew 9:23](/matthew/9-23 "Matthew 9:23 - Jesus Arrives at Jairus's House")). Thus, when Jesus finally arrives at the house in verse 23, the scene of mourning is already in full swing, confirming the messenger's report and intensifying the apparent finality of the situation before Jesus's miraculous intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene described in Matthew 9:23 reflects deeply ingrained Jewish mourning customs of the first century. The "minstrels" (Greek: *aulētēs*) were professional flute players, indispensable at funerals, whose mournful melodies were believed to help guide the soul and express the community's grief. The "people making a noise" refers to the loud, tumultuous wailing and lamentation (Greek: *thorubeō*) characteristic of ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals, often led by professional wailing women. It was a societal expectation, even for the poorest families, to hire at least two flute players and one wailing woman to ensure a proper, public display of grief. The presence of such a commotion at Jairus's house unequivocally signaled that the girl was not merely ill, but irrevocably dead, and the customary, highly public mourning rites had already commenced, underscoring the perceived finality of her demise.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:23 contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew. First, it powerfully highlights the **reality and finality of death** from a human perspective, setting a stark contrast for Jesus's impending display of power. The chaotic noise of mourning vividly portrays human despair in the face of ultimate loss. Second, it underscores the **sovereignty and authority of Jesus** over all aspects of life, including sickness and death, a theme consistently demonstrated throughout [Matthew's narrative](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Jesus's Authority Over Sickness and Nature"). The scene of public lamentation also creates an **atmosphere of unbelief**, which Jesus directly confronts in the subsequent verse ([Matthew 9:24](/matthew/9-24 "Matthew 9:24 - Jesus Declares She is Asleep")), setting the stage for a dramatic revelation of His divine power that transcends human understanding and natural limitations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** A primary verb meaning to see, literally or figuratively. In this context, it implies Jesus's direct perception and understanding of the chaotic and sorrowful scene. It's not merely a glance but an apprehension of the full reality of the situation—the public declaration of death and the ensuing mourning.
* **minstrels (Greek, _aulētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to play the flute," this term specifically denotes a flute-player. Their presence was a professional and customary element of ancient Jewish funerals, providing mournful music that underscored the gravity and finality of death. Their inclusion here confirms the official commencement of mourning rites.
* **making a noise (Greek, _thorybéō'_):** From *thorybos*, meaning "tumult" or "clamor," this verb describes being in a state of commotion, disturbance, or uproar. It vividly captures the loud, boisterous, and often ritualistic wailing and lamentation that accompanied funerals in that culture, signifying deep grief and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jesus came into the ruler's house":** This clause marks Jesus's arrival at the destination He was summoned to by Jairus. It signifies His direct engagement with the scene of human suffering and despair. The "ruler's house" (Greek: *oikía* from *oikos*, meaning residence or household) indicates a place of prominence, yet one now overcome by grief, demonstrating that death spares no one, regardless of status.
* **"and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise":** This part describes Jesus's immediate observation of the scene. The "minstrels" (professional flute players) and "the people making a noise" (the loud, wailing mourners) confirm that the customary funeral rites were already underway. This visual and auditory description emphasizes the overwhelming atmosphere of death and despair that permeated the household, setting a poignant backdrop for the extraordinary miracle Jesus is about to perform.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:23 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Imagery** is powerfully used, painting a vivid picture for the reader through the mention of "minstrels" and "people making a noise," immediately conveying the sounds and sights of a full-blown funeral. This auditory and visual imagery establishes an atmosphere of profound grief and hopelessness. **Contrast** is also evident, as the chaotic, despairing noise of the mourners stands in stark opposition to the calm, authoritative presence of Jesus, who is about to demonstrate His power over the very death they lament. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension. The detailed description of the mourning rites underscores the perceived finality of the girl's death, thereby heightening the miraculous nature of Jesus's subsequent action and preparing the reader for the astonishing display of His life-giving power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a crucial theological setup, presenting the stark reality of death and human despair against which Jesus's divine authority will be powerfully displayed. The scene of loud, public mourning underscores the cultural and human understanding of death as an irreversible end. Jesus's entrance into this scene is not merely an observation but an intentional engagement with the ultimate human limitation. It highlights that His power extends even to the realm of death, setting the stage for His demonstration as the Lord of life. This event foreshadows His own victory over death and His ultimate role as the resurrection and the life, offering hope beyond the grave.

* [Mark 5:39](/mark/5-39 "Mark 5:39 - Jesus Declares She is Asleep")
* [Luke 8:52](/luke/8-52 "Luke 8:52 - Jesus's Words to the Mourners")
* [John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Jesus Speaks of Lazarus's Sleep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:23 offers a profound lesson on how Jesus encounters our deepest sorrows and the apparent finality of our situations. Just as He stepped into a house filled with the sounds of death and hopelessness, He often enters our lives at moments of peak chaos, despair, or loss. The "minstrels and people making a noise" represent the world's declaration of an irreversible end, the overwhelming evidence that a situation is beyond repair. Yet, Jesus's presence in such a scene transforms the atmosphere. It reminds us that no matter how loud the wailing of despair, how final the diagnosis, or how hopeless the circumstance appears from a human perspective, Jesus brings a divine possibility. He is not intimidated by death or despair; rather, He confronts it with life. This passage encourages us to invite Jesus into our "houses of mourning," trusting that even where human hope has ceased, His power can bring resurrection and peace, turning lamentation into rejoicing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "noise" or despair in your life or the world around you seems to declare a situation hopeless or final?**
* **How does Jesus's calm entrance into this chaotic scene challenge your perception of His power in your own moments of crisis?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need Jesus to transform an atmosphere of despair into one of divine possibility?**
* **How can you, like Jairus, invite Jesus into the seemingly "dead" areas of your life with persistent faith?**

### FAQ

**Why were there "minstrels" at the ruler's house, and what was their role?**

Answer: The "minstrels" (Greek: *aulētēs*) were professional flute players. In ancient Jewish culture, it was a common and expected custom to hire professional mourners, including flute players and wailing women, to lament loudly at funerals. Their mournful music and the general clamor were integral parts of the public mourning ritual, signifying the finality of death and expressing the community's grief. Their presence at Jairus's house indicated that the girl was indeed considered dead, and the formal mourning had begun.

**What does "making a noise" imply about the people's actions?**

Answer: The phrase "making a noise" comes from the Greek word *thorybéō*, which means to be in tumult, to disturb, or to clamor. It implies a loud, tumultuous, and often ritualistic wailing, crying, and lamentation. This was characteristic of ancient Near Eastern mourning practices, where grief was expressed publicly and vociferously, often with professional mourners leading the lamentations to amplify the display of sorrow. It underscores the intense and chaotic atmosphere of grief that Jesus encountered.

**How does this scene set the stage for Jesus's power over death?**

Answer: This scene is crucial because it establishes the undeniable reality of the girl's death from a human, cultural perspective. The presence of professional mourners and the loud lamentation were clear signals that all hope was lost. By entering this scene of absolute finality and then declaring the girl merely "sleeping" ([Matthew 9:24](/matthew/9-24 "Matthew 9:24 - Jesus Declares She is Asleep")), Jesus deliberately challenges the human perception of death. It sets up a dramatic contrast between human despair and His divine authority, making His subsequent act of raising her from the dead an even more profound and undeniable demonstration of His unique power over life and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:23, though seemingly a simple descriptive verse, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. It presents Jesus entering a scene of ultimate human despair—a home where death has claimed a young life, and the sounds of professional lamentation fill the air. This chaotic tableau sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself not merely as a healer of sickness, but as the very Lord of life, the One who holds ultimate authority over death itself. His calm presence amidst the clamor foreshadows His own triumph over the grave. Just as He silenced the loud wailing of the mourners with His declaration that the girl was merely "sleeping" ([Matthew 9:24](/matthew/9-24 "Matthew 9:24 - Jesus Declares She is Asleep")), He ultimately conquered death through His own resurrection, transforming the universal human experience of fear and finality into one of hope and eternal life. This miracle at Jairus's house is a tangible preview of the ultimate victory of Christ, who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), having disarmed the power of death and offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy to be Destroyed"); [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")).

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

2 Chronicles 35:25

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations.

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 5:40

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

Luke 8:49

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Luke 8:51

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

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.

Matthew 9:19

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and [so did] his disciples.