Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say "Talitha cumi" – he gently takes the girl's hand as he speaks. This physical touch, combined with the tender Aramaic words meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise," emphasizes his personal connection and authority, showing that his power is both intimate and absolute.
Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just encountered a desperate father, Jairus, whose daughter is dying, and amidst the thronging crowd, a woman with a chronic ailment touches His garment and is healed. As Jesus is on his way to Jairus's house, messengers arrive with the devastating news that the little girl has died, but Jesus, dismissing the panicked mourners, reassures Jairus and proceeds to the house with a few select disciples and the parents.
Jesus didn't just heal; He spoke with authority, even in the language of the people. What does this tell us about His connection to us?
In this powerful moment, Jesus speaks directly to a dead child in Aramaic, the common language of the people in Galilee. He doesn't use Greek, the language of scholars and empire, but a familiar, tender tongue. The specific phrase, 'Talitha cumi,' is more than just words; it's an act of power.
By speaking in their language and using such intimate terms, Jesus shows His deep compassion and His authority over death itself. It wasn't just a formula, but a personal command that bypassed the silence of death and brought life.
Jesus didn't just repeat the Aramaic; he added a phrase that amplifies His divine authority. What makes His words different?
The Gospel writer adds that Jesus said, 'I say to you.' This phrase isn't part of the original Aramaic 'Talitha cumi,' but it's crucial for understanding the depth of Jesus' action. It emphasizes that the power comes directly from Him.
Ask a follow-up
Before the command, Jesus makes a physical gesture. What does this combination of touch and word reveal about God's love?
The miracle begins not just with words, but with a physical action: 'Taking her by the hand.' This gesture is significant, especially in the context of raising the dead.
Understand the original words
egeirō · Greek Verb
A verb meaning to rise or stand up, often used in the New Testament to describe resurrection from the dead or waking from sleep. It signifies God's power over death and the restoration of life.
The use of Aramaic ('Talitha cumi') emphasizes Jesus's connection to the common people and the intimate, personal nature of His power over death, even amidst the public spectacle of His ministry.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and performing miracles. His fame spreads rapidly, drawing large crowds.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jairus's Daughter Falls Ill
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, learns his twelve-year-old daughter is critically ill. He seeks out Jesus, believing He can save her.
Early 1st century AD
The Woman with an Issue of Blood
While Jesus is on the way to Jairus's home, a woman secretly touches His garment and is instantly healed. This event occurs just before the news of the daughter's death arrives.
Early 1st century AD
News of the Daughter's Death
Messengers arrive from Jairus's house with the devastating news that his daughter has died. This tests Jairus's faith and Jesus's resolve.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Raises the Daughter
Jesus dismisses the mourners, takes the child's hand, and speaks the Aramaic words 'Talitha cumi,' raising her from death. This is the core event of the verse.
Early 1st century AD
The Miracle is Kept Quiet
Jesus instructs Jairus and his wife not to spread the news of the resurrection, likely to avoid sensationalism and further persecution.
This passage shows Jesus using a similar direct command to raise a dead person, demonstrating His authority over death.
John 11:43Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb with a powerful command, illustrating the direct and authoritative nature of His life-giving words.
1 Kings 17:21-22Elijah also raised a child from death, showing a parallel in calling back life with a divine utterance, though Jesus's power is inherent and absolute.
Acts 9:40Peter, in raising Tabitha, also uses a gentle touch and a command, echoing Jesus's method and demonstrating the power flowing through His followers.
bengelMark 5:41: "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."
Mark 5:41 . Ταλιθὰ κοῦμι , Talitha Cumi ) Peter had remembered the precise words used by the Saviour; and it was from his mouth [dictation] that Mark is said to have written. Talitha was used but once; for Jesus, in raising the dead, did not employ Epizeuxis [repetition of the same word; see Append.], Luke 7:14 ; John 11:43 . For His power was always ins…
gillMark 5:41: "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 he took the damsel by the hand,.... See Gill on Matthew 9:25 . And said unto her; in the Syriac language, which was then commonly spoken by the Jews, and well understood: hence the Syriac version expresses the following words without an interpretation, Talitha Cumi. The Ethiopic version reads it, "Tabitha Cumi"; and so do some Greek copies, and Lati…
Jesus doesn't just say "Talitha cumi" – he gently takes the girl's hand as he speaks. This physical touch, combined with the tender Aramaic words meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise," emphasizes his personal connection and authority, showing that his power is both intimate and absolute.
Jesus has just encountered a desperate father, Jairus, whose daughter is dying, and amidst the thronging crowd, a woman with a chronic ailment touches His garment and is healed. As Jesus is on his way to Jairus's house, messengers arrive with the devastating news that the little girl has died, but Jesus, dismissing the panicked mourners, reassures Jairus and proceeds to the house with a few select disciples and the parents.
Jesus has just encountered a desperate father, Jairus, whose daughter is dying, and amidst the thronging crowd, a woman with a chronic ailment touches His garment and is healed. As Jesus is on his way to Jairus's house, messengers arrive with the devastating news that the little girl has died, but Jesus, dismissing the panicked mourners, reassures Jairus and proceeds to the house with a few select disciples and the parents.
"Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”" — Jesus doesn't just say "Talitha cumi" – he gently takes the girl's hand as he speaks. This physical touch, combined with the tender Aramaic words meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise," emphasize…
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Last reviewed October 2026