Mark 5:41 - Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!”

Generated Verse: Mark 5:41

What does "Mark 5:41" mean?


This verse from Mark 5:41 is a powerful and dramatic account of Jesus raising a young girl from the dead. Let's break it down:

Context: Jesus is in the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, whose daughter has just died. Jairus had pleaded with Jesus to heal her, but she passed away before Jesus arrived.

"Taking the child by the hand": This physical action is significant. It shows intimacy, compassion, and connection. Jesus isn't merely performing a miracle from afar; he's engaging directly with the girl. It's a symbol of his power reaching into death itself.

"Talitha cumi!" This is Aramaic, the common language spoken in Galilee at the time. The fact that Mark preserves the original Aramaic words suggests the eyewitnesses remembered this exact phrase. Using the original language adds authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

"which means, being interpreted, 'Girl, I tell you, get up!'" Mark provides the Greek translation for his audience who likely wouldn't have understood Aramaic. The translation is a direct command. Jesus is speaking directly to the girl, issuing an order for her to rise. It's a simple, yet powerful declaration of his authority over death.

Meaning and Significance:

Jesus' Power over Death: This verse is a clear demonstration of Jesus' divine power and authority over death. He doesn't just heal; he restores life to someone who has already died. This foreshadows his own resurrection and offers hope for eternal life to his followers.

Compassion and Intimacy: Jesus' actions, particularly taking the girl by the hand, highlight his compassion and personal connection with those he helps. He's not a distant, detached miracle worker; he's deeply concerned about the suffering of individuals.

Simplicity and Authority: The simple, direct command "Talitha cumi!" reflects Jesus' straightforward and authoritative approach. He speaks with a voice that transcends death.

Eyewitness Testimony: The inclusion of the Aramaic phrase suggests the importance of this event to those who witnessed it. They remembered the exact words Jesus spoke, and Mark felt it was essential to preserve them.

In short, this verse is a powerful and moving account of Jesus' miraculous power over death, conveyed through his compassion, direct action, and authoritative command. It's a testament to his ability to restore life and offer hope beyond the grave.