### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2383 (Ἰάειρος, Iáeiros) is a proper noun, serving as a transliteration of the Hebrew name יָאִיר (Yair or Jair). Its base definition indicates its Hebrew origin, specifically from the root יָאִיר (yā’îr), which means "he enlightens" or "he gives light." This etymology is derived from the Hebrew root אוֹר (ʾôr), meaning "light." Thus, the name carries the inherent semantic range of illumination, revelation, or divine enlightenment. As a proper name, its semantic range in direct usage is limited to identifying a specific individual, but its underlying meaning contributes significantly to the narrative in which it appears.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jairus (G2383) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the accounts of Jesus raising his daughter from the dead. He is identified as an ἀρχισυνάγωγος (archisynagogos), a "ruler of the synagogue," a position of considerable standing and responsibility within the Jewish community.
The primary occurrences are:
* [[Mark 5:22]]: "Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet." This introduces him as a figure of authority who nonetheless humbles himself before Jesus.
* [[Mark 5:35]]: "While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, 'Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?'" This marks the moment of despair and apparent hopelessness.
* [[Mark 5:36]]: "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, 'Do not be afraid; only believe.'" This is Jesus's pivotal command, shifting the focus from despair to faith.
* [[Mark 5:38]]: "Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly."
* [[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 begged Him to come to his house." Luke's account parallels Mark's, emphasizing his desperate plea.
* [[Luke 8:49]]: "While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, 'Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher.'"
In these contexts, Jairus is portrayed as a man of status who, in the face of his daughter's imminent death, sets aside his social standing and public perception to seek Jesus's help. His faith, though tested by the news of his daughter's death, is encouraged and ultimately rewarded by Jesus's miraculous power over death. The narrative highlights Jesus's compassion, authority, and the power of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Jairus (G2383) is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, יָאִיר (Yair or Jair - `{{H2971}}`). Several figures in the Old Testament bear this name, including:
* Jair, a son of Manasseh, whose descendants settled in Gilead (e.g., [[Numbers 32:41]], [[Deuteronomy 3:14]]).
* Jair, one of the judges of Israel who judged Israel for twenty-three years (e.g., [[Judges 10:3-5]]).
* Jair, the father of Mordecai in the book of Esther (e.g., [[Esther 2:5]]).
The role of an ἀρχισυνάγωγος (archisynagogos - `{{G758}}`), or "ruler of the synagogue," is also crucial for understanding Jairus. This individual was responsible for the management of the synagogue, including its services, maintenance, and the selection of readers and speakers. For such a prominent figure to humbly prostrate himself before Jesus, a Galilean rabbi, speaks volumes about his desperation and burgeoning faith.
The narrative also connects to broader biblical themes:
* **Faith (πίστις - `{{G4102}}`):** Jesus's command to Jairus, "Do not fear, only believe," underscores faith as the necessary response to divine power.
* **Healing and Resurrection:** The miracle demonstrates Jesus's authority over sickness and death, a central aspect of His messianic identity.
* **Compassion (σπλαγχνίζομαι - `{{G4697}}`):** Jesus's response to Jairus's plea and the subsequent raising of his daughter exemplify divine compassion.
### Theological Significance
The story of Jairus and his daughter is replete with theological significance. The very name "Jairus," meaning "he enlightens" or "he gives light," resonates powerfully with the presence of Jesus, who is the "Light of the World" (`{{G5457}}`). In a moment of profound darkness—the death of a child—Jairus encounters the source of ultimate light, who brings not just healing, but resurrection. This can be seen as a symbolic encounter: the one whose name speaks of light meeting the One who embodies divine light and life.
The narrative highlights the transformative power of faith in the face of despair. Jairus's journey moves from desperate pleading to hearing the devastating news of his daughter's death, and then to a pivotal moment where Jesus challenges him to transcend fear through belief. This demonstrates that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust in God's power even when all hope seems lost.
Furthermore, this miracle underscores Jesus's unique authority over life and death. The raising of Jairus's daughter, along with other instances like the raising of the widow of Nain's son and Lazarus, serves as irrefutable evidence of Jesus's divine nature and His ultimate triumph over the final enemy, death. It foreshadows His own resurrection and offers a glimpse into the future hope of resurrection for all believers.
Jairus's willingness to humble himself, despite his high social standing, is also theologically significant. It illustrates that God's grace and miraculous power are accessible to all who seek Him with sincere hearts, regardless of their societal position or perceived righteousness. It is a powerful testament to the principle that God often meets us in our deepest moments of need and vulnerability.
### Summary
G2383 (Jairus) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יָאִיר, meaning "he enlightens" or "he gives light." He is known in the New Testament as a ruler of the synagogue whose daughter Jesus miraculously raised from the dead. This narrative, found in [[Mark 5]] and [[Luke 8]], powerfully illustrates several key theological truths: Jesus's supreme authority over sickness and death, the transformative power of faith over fear and despair, and God's compassionate response to human suffering. The very meaning of Jairus's name symbolically aligns with Jesus, the "Light of the World," who brought illumination and life into a situation of ultimate darkness. Jairus's story serves as an enduring testament to the hope and power available through faith in Christ.
TRV