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Luke 8

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

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

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

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

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

What does Luke 8:41 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Luke recounts the moment when a man named Jairus approaches Jesus Christ in a state of desperation.

Jairus is described as a "ruler of the synagogue," which indicates that he was a leading figure within the local Jewish community, responsible for administrative duties and overseeing worship in the synagogue.

The act of Jairus falling at Jesus' feet signifies a profound act of humility and respect, highlighting the seriousness of his request and acknowledging Jesus' authority.

Jairus beseeches Jesus to visit his house because he needs help with a very personal issue, which, as the subsequent verses reveal, is that his only daughter is dying.

This verse sets the stage for what becomes a display of Jesus' power and compassion.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, synagogues were central to Jewish religious and community life, serving as places of worship, study, and assembly.

A ruler of the synagogue, such as Jairus, was generally a layman selected for his piety and standing in the community.

Luke 8:41 occurs within the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

The culture at the time placed significant importance on social hierarchy, and for a religious leader like Jairus to approach Jesus so earnestly would have been a notable act, especially in light of the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates several important concepts.

First, it displays the faith that Jairus, a Jewish leader, has in Jesus' ability to heal , a faith that crosses the boundaries of religious and societal expectations.

It also reveals the humility necessary to approach Jesus, suggesting that social status does not affect one's access to Christ.

Moreover, this interaction foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which reaches beyond the confines of Jewish leaders and institutions to all who show faith.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 8:41 can inspire individuals to exhibit humility regardless of their social or religious standing and to recognize their own need for assistance, spiritual or otherwise.

This verse encourages believers to approach Jesus in faith during times of crisis, emphasizes the importance of surrender and humility before God, and serves as a reminder that no one is above the need for divine help.

Cross-References

Mark 5:22-23: "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."
Matthew 9:18: "While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live."

Language Study

"Ruler of the synagogue" (Greek: ἀρχισυνάγωγος, archisynagogos): This term refers to the leader or head official of a synagogue, responsible for administrative duties and the conduct of services.
"Fell down at Jesus' feet" (Greek: προσέπιπτεν τοῖς ποσὶν): This gesture denotes a posture of reverence and supplication, illustrating the humility and earnestness of Jairus' approach.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, individuals seeking favors from deities or healers would often perform acts of reverence similar to Jairus'.

Such acts could include prostration before idols, offerings at temples, or the consultation of oracles.

Jairus’ actions parallel these practices but are directed toward Jesus, who is presented not merely as a healer, but as one with divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific understandings; however, in modern times, the act of seeking help for a sick child would typically involve medical intervention.

This account can foster dialogue on the relationship between faith, prayer, and the use of modern medicine.

commentaries

Numerous biblical scholars and commentators view Luke 8:41 as a key moment that displays the universality of Jesus' ministry.

Commentators like Matthew Henry note the significance of Jairus' position in society and his decision to publicly express his trust in Jesus.

Such an act demonstrates a shifting belief system among some Jewish leaders in response to witnessing Jesus' miraculous works.

Other experts highlight the cultural risk Jairus took in approaching Jesus, as the tension between Jesus' teachings and traditional Jewish practices was increasing.

Luke 8

Luke 8

What does Luke 8:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 8:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?