Luke 8:50
What does Luke 8:50 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:50 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:50 means
Luke 8:50 gives Jesus’ reply: “Fear not; only believe, and she shall be made whole.” Rather than accepting the messenger’s report, Jesus calls for faith, not fear. His words reinterpret “made whole” to include restoration even from death, implying trust in God’s power beyond natural limits. The command to believe reassures Jairus and positions faith as the means by which God’s extraordinary intervention will be received. Jesus refuses to be deterred by death’s appearance and calls for confident dependence on God’s activity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Jesus at these words said to him, Have no fear, only have faith, and she will be made well.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus having heard, answered him, saying, `Be not afraid, only believe, and she shall be saved.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus hearing this word, answered the father of the maid: Fear not. Believe only: and she shall be safe.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Jesus, hearing it, answered him saying, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made well.
Context
This verse follows the grim news of the child’s death and reaffirms the chapter’s theme: believing hearing leads to miracle. It contrasts common despair with Jesus’ expectation that faith can transcend final appearances. The narrative now proceeds toward the house, where Jesus’ authority over death will be displayed.
v.49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.
v.50This passage
v.51And when he came to the house, he suffered not any man to enter in with him, save Peter, and John, and James, and the father of the maiden and her mother.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 4:20
yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,
- Mark 11:22
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
- John 11:40
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
- Isaiah 50:10
Who is among you that feareth Jehovah, that obeyeth the voice of his servant? he that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah, and rely upon his God.
- Romans 4:17
(as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.
- Mark 5:36
But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken, saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.