Matthew 9:25

KJV

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G3753} the people {G3793} were put forth {G1544}, he went in {G1525}, and took {G2902} her {G846} by the hand {G5495}, and {G2532} the maid {G2877} arose {G1453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after the people had been put outside, he entered and took hold of the girl's hand, and she got up.

Berean Standard Bible

After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.

American Standard Version

But when the crowd was put forth, he entered in, and took her by the hand; and the damsel arose.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:25 marks the climactic moment of Jesus's miraculous resurrection of Jairus's daughter, immediately following His arrival at the synagogue ruler's home. After clearing the room of professional mourners and skeptics, Jesus enters the chamber, takes the deceased girl's hand, and with this simple, intimate gesture, demonstrates His absolute divine authority over death, causing her to instantly arise. This powerful display of compassion and sovereignty serves as a profound testament to Christ's life-giving power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:25 is the culmination of a narrative arc that begins with Jairus's desperate plea to Jesus in [Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea"). En route to Jairus's house, Jesus is interrupted by a woman suffering from a chronic hemorrhage, whom He heals (Matthew 9:20-22). This interlude not only highlights Jesus's accessibility and compassion but also serves to build suspense and underscore the power of faith, a theme crucial to the impending miracle. Upon receiving news of the girl's death, Jesus reassures Jairus, urging him, "Do not be afraid; only believe" (Matthew 9:23). When they arrive, Jesus finds a chaotic scene of wailing and flute-playing, typical of a Jewish funeral. His statement that the girl is "not dead but sleeping" (Matthew 9:24) is met with ridicule, setting the stage for His decisive action in verse 25 to remove the unbelieving crowd before performing the miracle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, death was marked by elaborate mourning rituals, often involving professional mourners (wailers) and musicians (flute players) who would create a loud, lamenting atmosphere. This practice is evident in [Matthew 9:23](/matthew/9-23 "Matthew 9:23 - Jesus Arrives at Jairus's House") where Jesus encounters the "minstrels and the people making a noise." The immediate expulsion of these individuals by Jesus in verse 25 is significant. Their presence, particularly their mocking laughter at Jesus's declaration that the girl was merely "sleeping," represented a spirit of unbelief and cynicism that Jesus deemed incompatible with the sacred act of resurrection He was about to perform. Furthermore, touching a dead body rendered one ritually unclean according to Mosaic Law (Numbers 19:11-13). Jesus's direct physical contact, "took her by the hand," demonstrates His transcendence of such ritualistic concerns, as His touch brought life, not defilement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores Jesus's **divine authority over death**, presenting Him as the ultimate source of life, capable of reversing the most final human condition. This miracle, alongside the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the exorcism of demons earlier in [Matthew 9](/matthew/9 "Matthew 9 - Jesus Heals and Cast Out Demons"), showcases Jesus's comprehensive power over all forms of human suffering and the forces of darkness. Secondly, the expulsion of the crowd highlights the theme of **faith versus unbelief**. Jesus consistently seeks an environment of faith for His miracles to unfold, demonstrating that while His power is absolute, its manifestation often requires a receptive heart, as seen in His earlier command to Jairus in [Matthew 9:23](/matthew/9-23 "Matthew 9:23 - Jesus's Reassurance to Jairus"). Lastly, Jesus's intimate gesture of taking the girl's hand emphasizes His **compassion and personal engagement** with human pain, revealing a Savior who draws near to those in their deepest distress.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put forth (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This word, derived from *ek* (out) and *ballō* (to throw), literally means "to cast out," "drive out," or "expel." It conveys a forceful, decisive action. In this context, it signifies Jesus's authoritative removal of the unbelieving and mocking crowd, creating an atmosphere conducive to faith and the demonstration of divine power. It is not a gentle dismissal but a firm expulsion, underscoring the incompatibility of unbelief with the sacred work Jesus was about to perform.
* **took (Greek, _kratéō'_):** Meaning "to use strength," "to seize," or "to hold fast," *kratéō* implies a firm, authoritative grasp. Jesus didn't merely touch her hand; He "took" it, indicating a deliberate and powerful action. This gesture is not one of tentative exploration but of confident, life-imparting authority, directly engaging with the state of death to bring about resurrection.
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken," "to rouse," or "to raise up," often from sleep, a lying position, or significantly, from death. Its use here emphatically conveys a true and complete resurrection, not a mere resuscitation or a waking from a coma. The girl was genuinely dead, and Jesus's touch brought her back to full life, demonstrating His power over the grave. The immediacy of her "arising" underscores the absolute efficacy of Jesus's divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the people were put forth":** This clause describes Jesus's initial action upon entering the house where the deceased girl lay. The "people" here refer primarily to the professional mourners and those who had scoffed at Jesus's claim that the girl was merely "sleeping." Jesus's act of "putting them forth" (expelling them) was a deliberate and authoritative move to clear the space of unbelief and mockery, establishing a sacred environment where faith could operate and divine power could be manifest without hindrance or ridicule. It highlights the principle that God's work often requires the removal of spiritual opposition.
* **"he went in, and took her by the hand":** Following the expulsion of the crowd, Jesus enters the private chamber where the girl's body lay. His action of "taking her by the hand" is profoundly significant. It is an intimate, personal, and compassionate gesture, demonstrating His direct engagement with human suffering. Unlike a distant command, this physical touch conveys a tender yet authoritative connection, signifying His personal involvement in bringing life. In a culture where touching the dead rendered one ritually unclean, Jesus's touch here purifies and brings life, reversing the expected outcome and demonstrating His superior authority over ritual law and death itself.
* **"and the maid arose":** This final clause presents the miraculous outcome with striking simplicity and immediacy. The "maid" (a young girl) instantly "arose," indicating a complete and immediate restoration to life. There is no struggle, no gradual recovery, but an instantaneous resurrection. This powerful demonstration confirms Jesus's divine power over death, fulfilling His earlier reassurance to Jairus and silencing the scoffers. It is a direct, undeniable testament to His identity as the Lord of life.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:25 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the chaotic, unbelieving crowd being "put forth" and the quiet, authoritative act of Jesus bringing life. This highlights the opposition between human skepticism and divine power. **Symbolism** is rich in Jesus's action of taking the girl's hand; the hand represents power, connection, and life-giving touch, transforming a symbol of death (a lifeless hand) into an instrument of resurrection. The phrase "the maid arose" is a concise and direct statement that functions as a **climax** to the narrative, providing the miraculous resolution to Jairus's desperate plea. The immediate and simple declaration of her rising enhances the sense of Jesus's absolute authority, demonstrating His power without elaborate explanation or struggle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:25 is a profound theological statement on Jesus's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating His divine nature and foreshadowing His own resurrection. This miracle is not merely a resuscitation but a true resurrection, where Jesus directly reverses the finality of death through His inherent power. It reveals that the same power that created life is present in Christ to restore it, offering a glimpse into His ultimate victory over the grave and His role as the giver of eternal life. This event underscores the truth that for Jesus, death is but a temporary state, akin to "sleep," from which He can awaken anyone.

* [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"): Jesus commands Lazarus to come forth from the tomb, demonstrating His vocal authority over death, similar to His physical touch in Matthew 9:25.
* [Luke 7:14-15](/luke/7-14-15 "Luke 7:14-15 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"): Jesus touches the coffin of the deceased young man and commands him to arise, showcasing His compassion and power over death in another context.
* [Acts 9:40-41](/acts/9-40-41 "Acts 9:40-41 - Peter Raises Dorcas"): Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commands Dorcas to "arise," echoing Jesus's life-giving power through His apostles.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:25 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. Firstly, it calls us to cultivate unwavering faith in Jesus's power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Just as Jairus was told to "only believe" and witnessed his daughter's resurrection, we are reminded that no circumstance, however dire or final it may appear, is beyond Christ's capacity to transform. This miracle encourages us to bring our deepest sorrows and most desperate needs to Him, trusting in His sovereign authority. Secondly, Jesus's action of removing the unbelieving crowd serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the spiritual atmosphere we cultivate around our faith. While God's power is not limited by human unbelief, an environment saturated with doubt, cynicism, or mockery can hinder our receptivity and expectation of His work. We are called to guard our hearts and minds, surrounding ourselves with influences that foster faith and hope, and actively removing those that breed negativity and skepticism. Finally, Jesus's tender act of taking the girl's hand speaks volumes about His compassionate and personal engagement with our suffering. He is not a distant, aloof deity but one who draws near, touches our pain, and brings life and comfort through His intimate presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crowds" of unbelief or cynicism do I need to "put forth" from my own life or circumstances to create an environment more conducive to faith?**
* **How does Jesus's intimate act of "taking her by the hand" speak to me about His personal care and involvement in my own struggles and sorrows?**
* **In what seemingly "dead" areas of my life or the lives of those I pray for do I need to exercise greater faith in Jesus's power to bring resurrection and new life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "put forth" the people before raising the girl?**

Answer: Jesus "put forth" the people, specifically the professional mourners and those who were mocking His declaration that the girl was merely "sleeping," for several key reasons. Firstly, their loud wailing and cynical laughter created an atmosphere of unbelief and chaos that was antithetical to the sacred and solemn act of resurrection He was about to perform. Jesus often sought an environment of faith and quiet reverence for His miracles, as seen in other instances where He limited who witnessed His most profound works (e.g., the Transfiguration in [Matthew 17:1-2](/matthew/17-1-2 "Matthew 17:1-2 - The Transfiguration")). Secondly, their expulsion demonstrated Jesus's authority not only over death but also over human skepticism and opposition. He was not performing for an audience but acting in divine power, and He would not allow their unbelief to detract from or ridicule the miracle. It underscored that His power operates independently of human approval or understanding.

**Was the girl truly dead, or was she just in a coma or deep sleep, as Jesus suggested?**

Answer: The narrative strongly indicates that the girl was truly dead. Jairus initially reported her as "dying" ([Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus's Plea")), and while Jesus was on His way, messengers arrived to inform Jairus, "Your daughter is dead" ([Matthew 9:23](/matthew/9-23 "Matthew 9:23 - News of the Daughter's Death")). The presence of professional mourners and flute players, who were hired only for confirmed deaths, further confirms her demise. Jesus's statement, "She is not dead but sleeping" ([Matthew 9:24](/matthew/9-24 "Matthew 9:24 - Jesus's Words About the Girl")), was a theological statement, not a medical diagnosis. For Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life, death is merely a temporary state, akin to sleep, from which He can awaken anyone. This perspective highlights His ultimate authority over death, viewing it as a transient condition rather than a final end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:25 powerfully anticipates and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's promise to conquer death. Jesus's act of raising Jairus's daughter is not merely a benevolent miracle but a direct manifestation of His inherent divine nature as the "Resurrection and the Life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). By taking the hand of the deceased girl and causing her to arise, Jesus demonstrates His ultimate authority over the grave, foreshadowing His own glorious resurrection. This event serves as a tangible pledge of the new life offered to all who believe in Him, for just as He commanded the maid to arise, so too does He promise that those who are spiritually dead in sin can be raised to new life in Him ([Ephesians 2:5](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5 - Made Alive with Christ")). His victory over death on the cross and in the empty tomb means that death has lost its sting for believers ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory Over Death")), and through Him, we too will experience a bodily resurrection to eternal life, mirroring the power displayed in this intimate, life-giving touch ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New 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 9:27

But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

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.

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 8:54

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

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.

Acts 9:41

And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

2 Kings 4:32

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.