Devine Scripture

Mark 5:38

What does Mark 5:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 5:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 5:38 means

Upon arriving at Jairus's house, Jesus and His select disciples are met with chaos: a scene of loud lamentation and widespread wailing. This tumult indicates a traditional Jewish mourning practice, confirming the daughter's death and the family's profound grief. The intensity of the sorrow underscores the gravity of the situation, making the ensuing miracle even more dramatic.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they come to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he beholdeth a tumult, and many weeping and wailing greatly.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they come to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he beholdeth a tumult, and many weeping and wailing greatly.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they came to the house of the ruler of the Synagogue; and he saw people running this way and that, and weeping and crying loudly.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he cometh to the house of the chief of the synagogue, and seeth a tumult, much weeping and wailing;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they cone to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he seeth a tumult, and people weeping and wailing much.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he comes to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and sees the tumult, and people weeping and wailing greatly.

Context

This verse visually depicts the scene of profound grief at Jairus's house, reinforcing the reality of the child's death. The presence of professional mourners creates a sharp contrast with Jesus' calm assurance, setting the stage for His profound statement about the girl's condition.

v.37And he suffered no man to follow with him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

v.38This passage

v.39And when he was entered in, he saith unto them, Why make ye a tumult, and weep? the child is not dead, but sleepeth.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 5:22

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

  • Acts 9:39

    And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

  • 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:

  • Luke 8:52

    And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but he said, Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth.

  • Matthew 9:23

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

  • Matthew 11:17

    and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.

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