Mark 5:40
What does Mark 5:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 5:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 5:40 means
The mourners' response to Jesus' statement is scornful laughter, confirming their belief that the child was indeed dead and that Jesus' words were absurd. However, Jesus then asserts His authority by putting them all out of the house, taking only Jairus, his wife, and His three chosen disciples with Him to the child's chamber. This action emphasizes His control and prepares for the intimate, private miracle.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they were laughing at him. But he, having sent them all out, took the father of the child and her mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they were laughing at him. And he, having put all forth, doth take the father of the child, and the mother, and those with him, and goeth in where the child is lying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they laughed him to scorn. But he having put them all out, taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they derided him. But he, having put [them] all out, takes with [him] the father of the child, and the mother, and those that were with him, and enters in where the child was lying.
Context
This verse starkly contrasts the world's unbelief with Jesus' unwavering authority. The expulsion of the scornful crowd creates a sacred space for the miracle, narrowing the witnesses again to those who genuinely believe or are open to faith, leading directly to the intimate moment of resurrection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 17:32
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
- Psalms 22:7
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
- Matthew 9:24
he said, Give place: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
- Luke 16:14
And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.
- 2 Kings 4:33
He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah.
- Genesis 19:14
And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, who married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for Jehovah will destroy the city. But he seemed unto his sons-in-law as one that mocked.
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