What does Mark 5:38 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:38 recounts an event from the life of Jesus Christ, where He arrives at the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. Jairus had sought Jesus' help because his daughter was ill and close to death.

However, upon Jesus' arrival, the scene is one of distress and mourning.

The verse indicates that there is already a commotion, with people weeping and wailing loudly.

This tumultuous scene suggests that the girl has died or is presumed dead.

The presence of such emotional display would be customary at that time as a demonstration of sorrow for the deceased and solidarity with the bereaved family.

Historical Context

During the 1st century in Jewish culture, when death occurred, it was common to have professional mourners who would cry and wail to express the community's grief.

This verse takes place in a cultural context where death would prompt immediate and expressive mourning. The fact that Jesus encounters such a scene would indicate that word of the girl's death had spread, and these mourning practices had commenced.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse sets the stage for the subsequent miracle Jesus performs, which is the raising of Jairus's daughter from death.

The contrast between the belief in death's finality and the power of Jesus to overcome it is highlighted in this moment.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize Jesus' sovereignty over life and death or see this story as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection.

Practical Applications

The practical applications that can be drawn from this verse include the compassion in times of loss and the encouragement to maintain faith even in seemingly hopeless situations.

It prompts believers to trust in God's power beyond human limitations and to find comfort in the belief that Jesus can bring hope and renewal in the midst of sorrow and death.

Cross-References

• John 11:33: "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled."
• Luke 8:52: "And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth."
• Acts 9:39: "Then Peter arose and went with them.

When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."

Language Study

The key words in this verse are:

• "Cometh" (Greek: ἔρχομαι, erchomai): to come or arrive.
• "Seeth" (Greek: θεωρέω, theōreō): to behold, notice, or perceive.
• "Tumult" (Greek: θόρυβος, thorubos): a disturbance or uproar, often indicating confusion or chaos.
• "Wept" (Greek: κλαίω, klaio): to cry or weep.
• "Wailed" (Greek: ἀλαλάζω, alalazō): a loud cry or lament, typically associated with mourning.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman societies, public mourning was also a common practice.

These cultures had similar demonstrations of grief.

The Jewish customs of mourning as depicted in this passage were a common and expected part of the societal response to death and are not unique only to Jewish culture.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the communal expression of grief observed in this verse can be viewed through the lens of psychology and sociology.

Mourning behaviors have been studied in terms of their role in the grieving process and the social support they provide to the bereaved.

Emotionally expressive mourning like that described in Mark 5:38 can be seen as therapeutic and part of the collective healing process.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse often focuses on how Mark, the Evangelist, is building anticipation for the miracle to come, using the mournful scene for dramatic effect.

Experts point out that the Greek words used to describe the scene are vivid and convey a sense of chaos and intense sorrow, emphasizing the gravity of the situation that Jesus is about to transform.

They note the faith of Jairus in Jesus' ability to heal his daughter, contrasting that with the assumption of the crowd that all hope is lost.