### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word κοῦμι (koûmi, `{{G2891}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic imperative verb קוּם (qum), meaning "Arise!", "Get up!", or "Stand up!". In its most fundamental sense, it denotes a command to rise from a prone or recumbent position, whether from sleep, sickness, or death. While its semantic range in the Greek New Testament is narrowly defined by its singular occurrence, its Aramaic root קוּם (qum) carries a broader spectrum of meanings, including to stand, to establish, to endure, or to fulfill. In the context of its New Testament usage, κοῦμι functions as an emphatic, life-restoring command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κοῦμι (koûmi) appears exclusively in the Gospel of Mark:
* [[Mark 5:41]]: "And taking the hand of the child, He said to her, 'Talitha koum!', which translated means, 'Little girl, I say to you, arise!'"
This is the only instance of κοῦμι in the Greek New Testament. It is part of the Aramaic phrase "Talitha koum," spoken by Jesus to Jairus's twelve-year-old daughter, who had died. The context is one of miraculous resurrection. Jesus enters the girl's room, takes her hand, and issues this powerful command. The immediate and profound effect is noted in the subsequent verse: "Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old" [[Mark 5:42]]. The preservation of the original Aramaic phrase, followed by its Greek translation, emphasizes the authenticity, directness, and unique power of Jesus' words. It underscores His divine authority over life and death, demonstrating that His command is inherently efficacious.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Aramaic קוּם (qum):** This is the direct linguistic ancestor of κοῦμι. The Hebrew equivalent קוּם (qum, `{{H6965}}`) is extensively used in the Old Testament, signifying a wide array of actions such as rising from a seat [[Genesis 19:14]], awakening from sleep [[Psalm 3:5]], rising from a state of death [[Isaiah 26:19]], or rising for battle [[Judges 4:14]]. The imperative form consistently functions as a call to action or a command to assume an upright position.
* **Greek ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`):** This is a prominent Greek verb meaning "to raise," "to awaken," or "to arise." It is frequently employed in the New Testament for physical rising, awakening from sleep, and most notably, for the resurrection of the dead, including Jesus' own resurrection.
* **Greek ἀνίστημι (anistēmi, `{{G450}}`):** As seen in the translation provided in [[Mark 5:41]] ("arise!"), this verb means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to raise up." It is closely related to ἐγείρω and also used for both physical rising and resurrection.
* **ζάω (zaō, `{{G2198}}`):** Meaning "to live" or "to be alive," this term represents the state of being that κοῦμι brings about in the context of resurrection.
* **Divine Command:** The very nature of κοῦμι as an imperative spoken by Jesus intrinsically links it to the concept of divine authority and the power to effect change through a spoken word.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet profoundly impactful occurrence of κοῦμι in [[Mark 5:41]] carries immense theological weight:
* **Jesus' Sovereign Authority Over Death:** The most immediate theological implication is Jesus' absolute and inherent authority over death. He does not pray for the girl's revival; He commands it with a direct imperative. This act powerfully demonstrates His unique status as the Lord of life, prefiguring His own resurrection and ultimate victory over the grave.
* **The Creative and Life-Giving Power of Jesus' Word:** The efficacy of κοῦμι highlights that Jesus' words are not merely descriptive but performative. Just as God spoke creation into existence, Jesus speaks life back into the dead. His words possess divine power to bring about what they declare.
* **Intimacy and Compassion in Divine Action:** The Aramaic phrase "Talitha koum" ("Little girl, arise") is tender and personal. It reveals Jesus' deep compassion and intimate engagement with those He ministers to. He addresses the child directly and personally, underscoring the relational aspect of God's powerful intervention.
* **Witness to Jesus' Divine Sonship:** This miracle, and the specific words employed, serve as a compelling witness to Jesus' divine identity. Only God possesses the power to command the dead to live. The preservation of the Aramaic phrase may also emphasize the authentic, immediate, and culturally resonant nature of Jesus' ministry.
### Summary
The Greek word κοῦμι (koûmi, `{{G2891}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic imperative קוּם (qum), meaning "Arise!" or "Get up!". Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Mark 5:41]], where Jesus speaks "Talitha koum" to Jairus's deceased daughter, miraculously restoring her to life. This powerful and direct command underscores Jesus' supreme authority over death, the inherent life-giving power of His spoken word, and His tender compassion. κοῦμι serves as a potent symbol of resurrection and divine power, closely related to Greek terms like ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`) and ἀνίστημι (anistēmi, `{{G450}}`), which also convey the concept of rising and awakening. Its preservation in the original Aramaic highlights the authenticity and dramatic impact of this pivotal miracle.
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