During His ministry in Galilee, Jesus is approached by Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue. Overcome with urgency and grief, Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and pleads with Him to come to his house. His young daughter is gravely ill and near death. Jairus believes that if Jesus will come and lay His hands upon her, she will live.
Jesus agrees and begins traveling toward Jairus’ home while a large crowd follows Him. Along the way, messengers arrive from Jairus’ house with heartbreaking news: the child has died. They tell Jairus that there is no longer any reason to trouble the Teacher. Jesus immediately turns to the grieving father and speaks words of encouragement, telling him not to fear but only to believe.
When Jesus arrives at the house, He finds mourners weeping loudly. He tells them that the child is not lost forever but is only sleeping, words they misunderstand and mock. Jesus then enters the room where the girl lies, accompanied by her parents and a few disciples. Taking the child by the hand, He speaks gently, calling her to arise. Instantly life returns, and the girl stands up and begins to walk.
📖 Bible Verse – Mark 5:41–42 (KJV)
“And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked.”
The miracle reveals the power of Jesus even over death itself.
🔍 Original Greek – Mark 5:41
Mark preserves the Aramaic words “Ταλιθα κουμ” (Talitha koum), meaning “Little girl, arise.” The verb “ἔγειρε” (egeire) means “rise” or “get up.” Mark records that the girl “ἀνέστη”, meaning “stood up,” and immediately began walking, demonstrating the completeness of the restoration.
📜 Role in the Ministry Narrative
This miracle demonstrates that Jesus’ authority extends beyond sickness to the realm of death itself. Jairus’ faith is tested when he hears that his daughter has died, yet Jesus calls him to continue believing. The raising of the girl becomes a powerful testimony that Christ has power over life and death, strengthening the faith of those who witnessed the event.
✨ Interesting Facts About This Scene
Jairus was a respected ruler of the synagogue.
The girl was twelve years old when she was raised.
Jesus brought only a few disciples into the room.
The Aramaic phrase “Talitha cumi” is preserved in the Gospel.
The girl immediately stood and walked after being raised.
Jesus instructed that food be given to her after the miracle.