Luke 8:40-56

Restoration and Healing

40 Now when Jesus returned,
This is a temporal infinitival clause in contrast to Mark’s genitive absolute (Mark 5:21).
Here the author notes that Jesus returned to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee after his brief excursion into Gentile territory (8:26–39; cf. also Mark 5:21).
the crowd welcomed him, because they were all waiting for him.
41Then
Grk “And behold.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
a man named Jairus, who was a ruler
Jairus is described as ἄρχων τῆς συναγωγῆς (archōn tēs sunagōgēs), the main elder at the synagogue who was in charge of organizing the services.
of the synagogue,
See the note on synagogues in 4:15.
came up. Falling
Grk “and falling.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started in the translation at this point.
at Jesus’ feet, he pleaded
This verb is an imperfect tense, commonly used by Luke for vividness.
with him to come to his house,
42because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying.
This imperfect verb could be understood ingressively: “she was beginning to die” or “was approaching death.”


As Jesus was on his way, the crowds pressed
Pressed is a very emphatic term - the crowds were pressing in so hard that one could hardly breathe (L&N 19.48).
around him.
43Now
Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
a woman was there who had been suffering from a hemorrhage
Grk “a flow of blood.”
for twelve years
‡ Most mss, including the majority of later mss (א[* C] A L W Θ Ξ [Ψ] f1, 13 33 [1424] Maj. [lat syc,p,h]) read here, “having spent all her money on doctors.” Uncertainty over its authenticity is due primarily to the fact that certain important witnesses do not have the phrase (e.g., Ƥ75 B [D] 0279 sys sa Or). This evidence alone renders its authenticity unlikely. It may have been intentionally added by later scribes in order to harmonize Luke’s account with similar material in Mark 5:26 (see TCGNT 121). NA27 includes the words in brackets, indicating doubt as to their authenticity.
but could not be healed by anyone.
44She
Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
came up behind Jesus
Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
and touched the edge
The edge of his cloak refers to the kraspedon, the blue tassel on the garment that symbolized a Jewish man’s obedience to the law (cf. Num 15:37–41). The woman thus touched the very part of Jesus’ clothing that indicated his ritual purity.
of his cloak,
Grk “garment,” but here ἱμάτιον (himation) denotes the outer garment in particular.
and at once the bleeding
Grk “the flow of her blood.”
The woman was most likely suffering from a vaginal hemorrhage, in which case her bleeding would make her ritually unclean.
stopped.
45Then
Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
Jesus asked,
Grk “said.”
“Who was it who touched me?” When they all denied it, Peter
Most mss, especially the later ones (א A C*,3 D L W Θ Ξ Ψ f1, 13 33 Maj. latt), also have “and those together with him” (with two different Greek constructions for the phrase “with him”), while several important witnesses omit this phrase (Ƥ75 B Π 700* al sa). The singular verb εἶπεν (eipen, “he said”) could possibly suggest that only Peter was originally mentioned, but, if the longer reading is authentic, then εἶπεν would focus on Peter as the spokesman for the group, highlighting his prominence (cf. ExSyn 401–2). Nevertheless, the longer reading looks like a clarifying note, harmonizing this account with Mark 5:31.
said, “Master, the crowds are surrounding you and pressing
Pressing is a graphic term used in everyday Greek of pressing grapes. Peter says in effect, “How could you ask this? Everyone is touching you!”
against you!”
46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I know that power has gone out
This is a consummative perfect. Jesus sensed that someone had approached him to be healed, as his reference to power makes clear. The perception underlies Jesus’ prophetic sense as well.
from me.”
47When
Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
the woman saw that she could not escape notice,
Or “could not remain unnoticed” (see L&N 28.83).
she came trembling and fell down before him. In
Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. The order of the clauses in the remainder of the verse has been rearranged to reflect contemporary English style.
the presence of all the people, she explained why
Grk “told for what reason.”
she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed.
48Then
Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Or “has delivered you”; Grk “has saved you.” This should not be understood as an expression for full salvation in the immediate context; it refers only to the woman’s healing.
Go in peace.”

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the synagogue ruler’s
That is, “the official in charge of the synagogue”; ἀρχισυνάγωγος (archisunagōgos) refers to the “president of a synagogue” (so BDAG 139 s.v. and L&N 53.93). In this case the referent is Jairus (v. 41).
house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.”
50But when Jesus heard this, he told
Grk “answered.”
him, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
Or “will be delivered”; Grk “will be saved.” This should not be understood as an expression for full salvation in the immediate context; it refers only to the girl’s healing.
51Now when he came to the house, Jesus
Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John,
Grk “and John,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
and James, and the child’s father and mother.
52Now they were all
This group probably includes outside or even professional mourners, not just family, because a large group seems to be present.
wailing and mourning
Grk “beating the breasts” (in mourning); see L&N 52.1.
for her, but he said, “Stop your weeping; she is not dead but asleep.”
53And they began making fun
This imperfect verb has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.
of him, because they knew
The participle εἰδότες (eidotes) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
that she was dead.
Or “had died.”
54But Jesus
Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
gently took her by the hand and said,
Grk “and called, saying.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified in the translation to “and said.”
“Child, get up.”
55Her
Grk “And her.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
spirit returned,
In other words, she came back to life; see Acts 20:10.
and she got up immediately. Then
Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
he told them to give her something to eat.
56Her
Grk “And her.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
parents were astonished, but he ordered them to tell no one
Jesus ordered them to tell no one because he desired that miracles not become the center of his ministry.
what had happened.

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