Devine Scripture

Mark 5:39

What does Mark 5:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 5:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 5:39 means

Entering the house amidst the commotion, Jesus confronts the mourners, asking why they are making such a disturbance and weeping. He then makes the astonishing statement, "the child is not dead, but sleepeth." This assertion redefines their understanding of death in the context of His divine power, implying that for Him, death is a temporary state from which He can awaken the departed. It hints at the deeper spiritual truth of resurrection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had gone in, he said to them, Why are you making such a noise and weeping? The child is not dead, but sleeping.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having gone in he saith to them, `Why do ye make a tumult, and weep? the child did not die, but doth sleep;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And going in, he saith to them Why make you this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And entering in he says to them, Why do ye make a tumult and weep? the child has not died, but sleeps.

Context

This verse presents Jesus' startling words that directly challenge the mourners' perception of death. His powerful declaration sets up the incredulous reaction of the crowd, further highlighting the unique nature of His authority and preparing for the direct act of resurrection.

v.38And they come to the house of the ruler of the synagogue; and he beholdeth a tumult, and many weeping and wailing greatly.

v.39This passage

v.40And they laughed him to scorn. But he, having put them all forth, taketh the father of the child and her mother and them that were with him, and goeth in where the child was.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 11:30

    For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.

  • John 11:11

    These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13

    But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

  • Daniel 12:2

    And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10

    who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

  • Acts 20:10

    And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Make ye no ado; for his life is in him.

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