But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Jesus speaks to the young girl, he uses the word "Child," a tender term that underscores her vulnerability and innocence, rather than a more formal or distant address. This personal touch, along with taking her by the hand, reveals his gentle intimacy even in the face of death.
But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just arrived at the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose young daughter is dying. Despite the noisy, professional mourners already present and the people's excitement at Jesus' return, he gently tells the crowd to leave. He then takes the girl by the hand and speaks directly to her, commanding her to rise.
In the midst of overwhelming grief and noisy mourning, Jesus steps in with a tender gesture and a simple command that cuts through death itself. How does His touch reveal His heart?
When Jesus arrives at Jairus' house, the atmosphere is thick with despair. Professional mourners are wailing, and the reality of death is undeniable. Yet, Jesus doesn't join the chaos.
A Quiet Entrance
He first clears the room, asking everyone to leave except for the closest witnesses – the parents and a few disciples. This wasn't to exclude people, but to create a space of focused faith and to avoid the noise and misplaced emotions of the crowd.
The Gentle Command
Then, Jesus takes the lifeless girl by the hand. This physical touch is incredibly intimate and tender, showing His deep compassion. It's not a forceful grab, but a gentle taking of her hand. And with that touch, He speaks the words: 'Child, arise.' The Greek word used here ('pais') can mean 'child' or 'young girl,' carrying a tone of endearment. It’s a personal and loving call, not a commanding roar.
Death had claimed this young girl, silencing her life and crushing her family. But Jesus' words possess a power that transcends even the grave. What does this reveal about the nature of His commands?
The stark contrast in this passage is the power of Jesus' word against the finality of death. While the mourners see only an end, Jesus sees a temporary sleep.
Not Dead, But Sleeping
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Jesus famously says, 'Do not weep, she is not dead but sleeping.' This wasn't a denial of her physical death, but a declaration of His authority over it. For Jesus, death is like sleep – something He can overcome.
The Life-Giving Command
When He says, 'Child, arise,' it's not just a suggestion. It's a divine utterance that carries creative power. The original languages used by Matthew and Mark, 'Talitha cumi,' mean 'Little girl, get up.' Luke's choice of the Greek 'pais' (child) and 'egerthe' (arise) still carries this potent, life-restoring force. His command bypasses the natural processes of death and commands life itself to return.
Understand the original words
egeiro · Greek Verb
To arise is to stand up or be raised, physically or metaphorically. In the context of Jesus' miracles, it signifies the restoration of life and the exercise of His divine authority over death and the grave.
This event unfolds during a period of growing crowds and popularity for Jesus. The intense grief and elaborate mourning rituals of the time stand in stark contrast to Jesus' quiet, authoritative command that brings life, highlighting His unique power over death itself.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period sees His popularity grow significantly.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jairus Seeks Jesus' Help
Jairus, a leader of a local synagogue, finds Jesus and desperately pleads with Him to come and heal his dying daughter.
c. AD 28
Daughter Dies
While Jesus is on His way to Jairus' house, news arrives that the 12-year-old girl has died.
c. AD 28
Jesus Enters the House
Jesus arrives at Jairus' home, where mourners are already lamenting loudly. He dismisses them, stating the girl is only sleeping.
c. AD 28
The Resurrection
Jesus takes the girl by the hand, speaks to her, and her spirit returns, bringing her back to life.
c. AD 28
Command for Food and Silence
Jesus instructs the parents to give her food and to tell no one what has happened, indicating a desire for a more discreet approach to His miracles at this time.
Mark records Jesus speaking the original Aramaic words, 'Talitha cumi!' to the girl, highlighting the intimate and direct way Jesus addressed her.
John 11:43This passage shows Jesus using a similar direct command, 'Lazarus, come forth,' to raise a man from the dead, demonstrating His authority over life and death.
1 Kings 17:21This verse shows Elijah praying, 'O LORD my God, let this child's soul come into him again,' in a similar miracle, illustrating a pattern of God's power to restore life through His servants.
Acts 9:40Peter takes Tabitha by the hand and says, 'Tabitha, get up,' mirroring Jesus' gentle action and command, showing the continuation of Jesus' power through His apostles.
vincentLuke 8:54: "And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise."
Maid (ἡ παῖς)Instead of the unclassical κορασίον, damsel, of Matthew and Mark.
bengelLuke 8:54: "And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise."
Luke 8:54 . Ἡ παῖς , maid ) Luke has least of all employed Hebrew idioms.
When Jesus speaks to the young girl, he uses the word "Child," a tender term that underscores her vulnerability and innocence, rather than a more formal or distant address. This personal touch, along with taking her by the hand, reveals his gentle intimacy even in the face of death.
Jesus has just arrived at the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose young daughter is dying. Despite the noisy, professional mourners already present and the people's excitement at Jesus' return, he gently tells the crowd to leave. He then takes the girl by the hand and speaks directly to her, commanding her to rise.
Jesus has just arrived at the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose young daughter is dying. Despite the noisy, professional mourners already present and the people's excitement at Jesus' return, he gently tells the crowd to leave. He then takes the girl by the hand and speaks directly to her, commanding her to rise.
"But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”" — When Jesus speaks to the young girl, he uses the word "Child," a tender term that underscores her vulnerability and innocence, rather than a more formal or distant address. This personal touch, along…
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Last reviewed October 2026