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Mark 5:36

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As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

As soon as {G1161}{G2112} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} the word {G3056} that was spoken {G2980}, he saith {G3004} unto the ruler of the synagogue {G752}, Be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}, only {G3440} believe {G4100}.

Ignoring what they had said, Yeshua told the synagogue official, "Don't be afraid, just keep trusting."

But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken, saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe.

Commentary

Mark 5:36 (KJV) delivers a powerful and concise command from Jesus in a moment of profound crisis, offering a timeless principle for all who face despair: "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, ‹Be not afraid, only believe.›"

Context

This verse is pivotal in the dramatic narrative of Jairus's daughter. Jairus, a respected ruler of the synagogue, had humbly approached Jesus, pleading for His help as his twelve-year-old daughter lay dying (Mark 5:22-23). As Jesus was on His way to Jairus's house, delayed by the healing of the woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), messengers arrived with the devastating news: "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?" It was at this precise moment, when all human hope seemed lost, that Jesus intervened with these words of profound encouragement to Jairus, challenging him to look beyond the dire circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Faith Over Fear: The primary message is an urgent call to prioritize trust in God over succumbing to panic or despair. Despite the crushing news of death, Jesus directly addresses Jairus's fear, commanding him to replace it with belief. This theme resonates deeply with other biblical calls to "fear not" in the face of daunting circumstances.
  • Jesus's Authority Over Death: By telling Jairus to "only believe," Jesus implicitly declares His power to transcend even death itself. This sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection that follows (Mark 5:41-42), showcasing His divine authority and sovereignty over life and death.
  • The Nature of Belief: The "believe" here is not mere intellectual assent but a profound, active trust and reliance on Jesus's ability and willingness to act, even when the situation appears hopeless. It is a belief that looks beyond visible circumstances to the invisible power of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Be not afraid" is mē phobou (μὴ φοβοῦ), a common imperative in the New Testament used to calm anxiety and encourage trust. The word for "believe" is pisteuō (πιστεύω), which signifies a deep-seated conviction, trust, and commitment. In this context, it is a call to maintain active faith in Jesus's power despite the seemingly finality of death, a concept also emphasized in Jesus's words to Martha before raising Lazarus (John 11:40).

Practical Application

Mark 5:36 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, devastating news, or situations that appear beyond human repair, Jesus's words echo: "Be not afraid, only believe." This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Even when our plans fail or tragedy strikes, God remains in control and has the power to intervene.
  • Cultivate Active Faith: Belief is not passive resignation but an active choice to trust in God's power and goodness, even when circumstances contradict our hopes.
  • Overcome Despair: Jesus's command empowers us to resist the temptation to give up, reminding us that with God, all things are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23).

This verse serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that Jesus's power extends beyond our limitations and that faith, even a small amount, can unlock divine intervention.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 8:50 (19 votes)

    But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

  • Matthew 9:28 (16 votes)

    And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

  • Matthew 9:29 (16 votes)

    Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

  • John 11:40 (14 votes)

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • Mark 9:23 (13 votes)

    Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

  • Romans 4:18 (11 votes)

    Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

  • Romans 4:24 (11 votes)

    But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;