Mark 5

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

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.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

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

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

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

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

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; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

What does Mark 5:41 mean?

Explanation

Mark 5:41 recounts a miracle performed by Jesus Christ in the New Testament of the Bible.

The verse describes the moment Jesus revives a young girl who is believed to be dead.

Jesus addresses the girl directly, taking her by the hand, and commands her to arise using the phrase "Talitha cumi." This phrase is Aramaic and is translated in the verse as "Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." The literal meaning of the passage is clear: Jesus speaks and the girl rises from her death-like state.

On a deeper level, the verse exemplifies the power and authority of Jesus over life and death, as well as his compassion and willingness to intervene in human suffering.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

The verse is part of a narrative set in the early first century, during the ministry of Jesus.

It occurs within the larger context of the Gospel of Mark, which is believed to have been written between AD 60 and 70.

The girl who Jesus raises from the dead is the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue.

The event takes place in a private setting, inside Jairus's house, away from the public eye.

At the time, Jewish culture was heavily influenced by the belief in the power and presence of the divine in everyday life, and miracles were signs that validated a spiritual leader's authority.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reinforces the belief in Jesus' divinity and his mastery over life and death, which is a central theme of Christian faith.

From the viewpoint of Christian theology, the miracle is not only a demonstration of divine power but also a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Jesus himself.

It provides a glimpse of the future resurrection of the faithful, promising life beyond physical death.

In addition, the use of Aramaic, the common language of the people at the time, emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of Jesus' miracles.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life in several ways.

It invites individuals to reach out to others with compassion, just as Jesus did.

It also exemplifies the belief in hope and restoration, encouraging people to believe in positive outcomes even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Additionally, Christians may interpret this passage as a call to faith, recognizing that spiritual power and solace can be found in times of distress.

Cross-References

Luke 8:54: And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
John 11:43: And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Matthew 9:25: But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Language Study

The key phrase "Talitha cumi" (Ταλιθὰ κούμι) is of particular interest.

"Talitha" is the Aramaic word for "little girl" or "damsel." "Cumi" (from "koumi," κούμι) means "to rise" or "get up." The direct and commanding nature of the words reflects the authoritative tone often attributed to Jesus in the New Testament.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient culture, resurrection stories are not unique to Christianity.

Similar motifs can be found in various myths, such as the Egyptian myth of Osiris or the Greek myth of Asclepius raising Hippolytus from the dead.

These comparisons, however, often lead to complex debates on influence and common archetypal patterns in human spirituality and myth.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of resurrection as described in this verse contradicts known biological principles, as death is understood to be the final cessation of life functions.

Some may argue that the girl was not truly dead but in a state that resembled death (such as a coma), which may be subject to medical intervention.

However, the text presents this event as a supernatural miracle, and most believers accept it as a matter of faith rather than a subject for scientific scrutiny.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various interpretations of Mark 5:41.

William Lane, in his commentary on Mark, emphasizes the tenderness of Jesus' approach, which contrasts with the finality of death.

John Calvin speaks of this miracle as an illustration of Jesus' divine power to grant life.

Matthew Henry notes that this event is a testament to Jesus' compassion, as he responds to Jairus's faith and desperation.

These and other commentaries consistently affirm the significance of this verse in demonstrating Jesus' unique authority and the compassionate nature of his ministry.

Mark 5

Mark 5

What does Mark 5:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 5:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?