Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:18

What does Matthew 9:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:18 means

While Jesus is still speaking, a ruler approaches Him, worshiping Him and desperately pleading for his daughter, who has just died. He expresses profound faith, believing that if Jesus will simply lay His hand on her, she will live again. This unexpected interruption highlights the universal human experience of grief and the bold faith that seeks miraculous intervention from Jesus even in the face of death's finality. This ruler's prayer immediately prompts Jesus to action.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

While he was saying these things to them, there came a ruler and gave him worship, saying, My daughter is even now dead; but come and put your hand on her, and she will come back to life.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

While he is speaking these things to them, lo, a ruler having come, was bowing to him, saying that `My daughter just now died, but, having come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As he was speaking these things unto them, behold a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

As he spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler coming in did homage to him, saying, My daughter has by this died; but come and lay thy hand upon her and she shall live.

Context

This verse transitions to a new narrative, interrupting Jesus' parables about new wine to introduce the urgent plea of a ruler. This sudden shift in focus highlights the real-world impact of Jesus' ministry, moving from theological discussion to immediate compassion and miraculous power. This appeal sets in motion the events that lead to two significant miracles: the raising of Jairus's daughter and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood.

v.17Neither do men put new wine into old wine-skins: else the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins perish: but they put new wine into fresh wine-skins, and both are preserved.

v.18This passage

v.19And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 15:25

    But she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

  • Matthew 8:8

    And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

  • Acts 13:15

    And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, answered and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the day of the sabbath.

  • Mark 5:22

    And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jaïrus by name; and seeing him, he falleth at his feet,

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