Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:23

What does Matthew 9:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:23 means

Upon arriving at the ruler's house, Jesus encounters a scene of customary mourning with flute-players and a distressed crowd. This indicates that the daughter's death was confirmed and the funeral rites had already begun, reinforcing the grim reality of the situation. The presence of these professional mourners sets a somber atmosphere, immediately preceding Jesus' powerful declaration that will challenge their perception of death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house and saw the players with their instruments and the people making a noise,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having come to the house of the ruler, and having seen the minstrels and the multitude making tumult,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when Jesus was come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a rout,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when Jesus was come to the house of the ruler, and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a tumult,

Context

This verse places Jesus directly into the scene of grief at the ruler's house, immediately after the interlude of the woman's healing. His arrival to a loud spectacle of mourning sets the dramatic emotional context for the miracle to come. This verse highlights the finality of death from a human perspective, preparing for Jesus to demonstrate His authority over it.

v.22But Jesus turning and seeing her said, Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

v.23This passage

v.24he said, Give place: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 5:35

    While he yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Teacher any further?

  • Matthew 9:18

    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.

  • Luke 8:49

    While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.

  • Luke 7:32

    They are like unto children that sit in the marketplace, and call one to another; who say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not weep.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:25

    And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations unto this day; and they made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

  • Jeremiah 9:17

    Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for the skilful women, that they may come:

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