Luke 8:54 kjv

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

Luke 8:54 nkjv

But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise."

Luke 8:54 niv

But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!"

Luke 8:54 esv

But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise."

Luke 8:54 nlt

Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, "My child, get up!"

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 54 Meaning

Luke 8:54 vividly portrays Jesus' profound authority over death. Having entered the chamber where the deceased child of Jairus lay, Jesus approaches her with an act of physical contact—taking her hand—and issues a direct, authoritative command: "Child, arise!" This dual action of touch and word immediately restores the little girl to life, demonstrating His divine power, limitless compassion, and validation of the father's faith.

Luke 8 54 Context

Luke 8:54 is situated within the narrative of Jesus' journey to heal Jairus' dying daughter. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, humbly beseeches Jesus. On the way, a significant delay occurs due to the healing of the woman with a flow of blood. While Jesus is engaged, messengers arrive with the devastating news that the girl has died, making His continued presence seemingly unnecessary to them. Jesus, however, counters their despair with a command of faith: "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well." Upon reaching Jairus' house, Jesus encounters weeping mourners, whom He asks to depart, stating the child is not dead but sleeping, prompting their mocking laughter. This sets the immediate scene for verse 54, where Jesus, dismissing all but Peter, John, James, and the parents, enters the private chamber to perform the miracle, silencing the cynical laughter with a demonstration of divine life.

Luke 8 54 Word analysis

• But (Δὲ, De): This conjunction indicates a contrast or transition, separating Jesus' decisive action from the previous scene of mourning and mocking laughter by the crowd. It sets Jesus' authority in sharp opposition to human despair and unbelief.
• he took (ἐκρατήσας, ekratēsas): From the verb krateō, meaning to grasp, seize, take hold of. This implies a firm, resolute, and purposeful grip. It suggests a strong assertion of authority, not merely a gentle touch, but an active, empowering hold. It speaks to Jesus' deliberate engagement with death.
• her (αὐτῆς, autēs): Refers directly and personally to the little girl.
• by the hand (τῆς χειρός, tēs cheiros): This specifies the manner of contact. In ancient thought, touch could transmit power, purity, or defilement. Touching a dead body would traditionally make one ceremonially unclean (Num 19:11-13). Jesus' touch, however, transcends and reverses this; rather than Him becoming unclean, His touch conveys life and purity, highlighting His unique divine nature and authority over all earthly and religious laws.
• and called (ἐφώνησεν, ephōnēsen): From phōneō, to utter a sound, call out, or shout. This emphasizes an audible, clear, and commanding voice. It was not a whisper, but a proclamation of life.
• saying (λέγων, legōn): A common participle introducing direct speech.
• Child (Τὸ κοράσιον, To korasion): The Greek diminutive for "girl" (korē), signifying "little girl." This choice of word conveys tender affection and personal address, highlighting Jesus' deep compassion. It implies a personal relationship and acknowledgment of the individual, even in death. In Mark's account, Jesus uses the Aramaic "Talitha Cumi," an even more intimate and immediate address.
• arise! (Ἔγειρε, Egeire): This is a strong imperative form of the verb egeirō, which means to awaken, rise up, or be raised. It is commonly used for waking from sleep, but crucially, it is also frequently used for resurrection from death. Here, it is a powerful, authoritative command directly issued to the deceased, demanding an immediate reawakening of life, rather than a mere request or prayer.

Words-group analysis

• "But he took her by the hand": This phrase emphasizes Jesus' personal, active engagement and tender compassion. He physically connects with the deceased girl, demonstrating His will and power to intervene directly. This touch challenges societal and religious norms regarding impurity, showing His life-giving authority supersedes such laws. It's a tangible expression of His intimate involvement.
• "and called, saying": This highlights the vocalization and authoritative nature of Jesus' action. The miracle is not performed by magic or distant meditation, but by the direct, audible, and powerful word of Christ. This connects to the creation accounts where God speaks and it comes into being.
• "Child, arise!": This succinct command combines a deeply personal and compassionate address ("Child") with an irresistible, life-imparting command ("arise!"). The immediate resurrection proves that His word carries the very power of life. It demonstrates Jesus' absolute dominion over death, a power usually attributed only to God Himself.

Luke 8 54 Bonus section

It is significant that Jesus' action occurs within a controlled environment, with the general crowd excluded and only the parents and the core disciples present. This controlled witness emphasizes the sacredness of the event and prevents a chaotic spectacle, focusing instead on the glory of God's power through Jesus. Immediately after the girl rises, Jesus gives practical instructions for her physical nourishment (Lk 8:55), affirming her full return to life and focusing on human need even amidst the divine display. Mark's account records Jesus' specific Aramaic words, "Talitha Cumi," preserving an authentic linguistic detail from Jesus' original utterance, further underlining the personal and tender address to the little girl. This miracle serves as a clear precursor to Jesus' own resurrection, highlighting that death is but a temporary sleep for those in Christ, subject to His life-giving word.

Luke 8 54 Commentary

Luke 8:54 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention. Faced with a scene of death and despair, exacerbated by cynical laughter, Jesus dismisses those who lack faith and compassionately, yet authoritatively, acts. His taking the child's hand signifies not just a physical connection, but an embodiment of His life-giving power and tender care. This act reverses the expected outcome of ceremonial defilement, demonstrating His supremacy. The powerful, direct command, "Child, arise!" parallels God's creative word and immediately brings forth life. This miracle, performed quietly and witnessed by only a select few, underscores Jesus' true identity as the Lord of life, His authority over death, and His deep compassion, inviting all to unwavering faith in Him.