In brief
Jairus is a leader of the synagogue who falls at the feet of Jesus for his dying child, a girl of about twelve. While Jesus is on his way, word comes that the little girl is dead. Jesus tells him not to fear but only to believe. He enters the house, takes the child by the hand and says Talitha koumi. She rises and walks. The first three Gospels tell this story. We remember the faith that holds when everything seems lost.
What does the name Jairus mean?
Jairus is the Greek form of a Hebrew name, Yair, generally linked to the verb to enlighten or to awaken. The Bible does not explain it for this man. Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41 name him, while Matthew 9:18 speaks only of a ruler.
The story of Jairus
A synagogue leader at the feet of Jesus
Mark 5:21-24On the other side of the lake, a great crowd gathers around Jesus. Jairus, one of the leaders of the synagogue, falls at his feet. He begs him to come and lay hands on his little daughter who is dying, so that she may be saved and live. Jesus goes with him.
An interruption on the road
Mark 5:25-34On the way, a woman who has suffered from bleeding for twelve years touches the garment of Jesus and is healed. Jesus stops to look for her and tells her that her faith has saved her. For Jairus, this delay must be a trial, because his child is at the point of death.
The bad news
Mark 5:35-36People from the house of Jairus arrive and say that his daughter is dead and ask why trouble the teacher any further. Jesus, ignoring these words, tells the leader of the synagogue not to fear but only to believe. He asks him to hold on to his faith despite the news.
In the house
Mark 5:37-40Jesus lets no one come with him except Peter, James and John. In the house, the crowd is weeping and wailing. He says the child is not dead but sleeping, and they laugh at him. He puts everyone out and takes the father, the mother and his companions with him.
Talitha koumi
Mark 5:41-43Jesus takes the child by the hand and says Talitha koumi, which means little girl, get up. At once she rises and walks, for she was twelve years old. The parents are completely astonished. Jesus orders that she be given something to eat.
What Jairus teaches us
- A father in distress can come to Jesus and fall at his feet, whatever his social position.
- When the news is bad, Jesus calls us not to fear and only to believe.
- Jesus's apparent delay is not lateness: he has all power, even over death.
- The faith of Jairus opens the door, but it is the word of Jesus that raises the child.
- Jesus pays attention to practical needs: he asks that the young girl be given something to eat.
Key verses
Jairus falls at the feet of Jesus and begs him for his little daughter. A man respected in his town humbles himself and asks for the help of Jesus with insistence.
Jesus answers the news of death with a simple, direct word telling Jairus not to fear but only to believe. It has become a verse of comfort for anyone going through a trial.
Jesus takes the child by the hand and says Talitha koumi. Mark keeps the Aramaic and its translation. She rises and walks, a sign that Jesus has authority over life and death.
Luke gives the man's name, his office as leader of the synagogue, and the fact that he had an only daughter of about twelve who was dying.
Sermons about Jairus
- Jesus Still Acts: Two Miracles from Mark 5JM Botteron rereads the two miracles of Mark 5. Faced with the negative word that announces death, Jesus pays it no attention and speaks his own word, telling Jairus not to fear but only to believe.
- "Do Not Be Afraid, Only Believe"This sermon takes up the word of Jesus to Jairus, not to fear but only to believe, as an invitation to hold on to faith in the face of fear.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jairus in the Bible?
Jairus was a leader of the synagogue whose only daughter, about twelve years old, was dying. He asked Jesus for help, and Jesus raised the child. His story is told in Matthew 9, Mark 5 and Luke 8.
What does the name Jairus mean?
Jairus is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yair, generally linked to the verb to enlighten or to awaken. The Bible does not explain this name, so we should be careful. What stands out is that the story is about a child who is raised up.
Where can I find the story of Jairus in the Bible?
It is in Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:40-56, with a shorter account in Matthew 9:18-26, where the man is not named. In all three Gospels, the story is interrupted by the healing of the woman with the flow of blood.