Luke Chapter 8 · Verse 50

Authorized King James Version

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But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 13
but, and, etc
Ἰησοῦς when Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦς when Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 3 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀκούσας heard G191
ἀκούσας heard
Strong's: G191
Word #: 4 of 13
to hear (in various senses)
ἀπεκρίθη it he answered G611
ἀπεκρίθη it he answered
Strong's: G611
Word #: 5 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ him G846
αὐτῷ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 6 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων, saying G3004
λέγων, saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μὴ not G3361
Μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβοῦ Fear G5399
φοβοῦ Fear
Strong's: G5399
Word #: 9 of 13
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
μόνον only G3440
μόνον only
Strong's: G3440
Word #: 10 of 13
merely
πίστευε, believe G4100
πίστευε, believe
Strong's: G4100
Word #: 11 of 13
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 12 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σωθήσεται she shall be made whole G4982
σωθήσεται she shall be made whole
Strong's: G4982
Word #: 13 of 13
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus encourages Jairus: 'Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.' This command came after news arrived that Jairus' daughter had died (v. 49). The dual imperative—'fear not' and 'believe only'—addresses natural fear with supernatural faith. The Greek 'monon pisteue' (μόνον πίστευε, only believe) demands exclusive trust in Jesus despite impossible circumstances. The promise 'she shall be made whole' (Greek 'sōthēsetai,' σωθήσεται, will be saved/made whole) assures resurrection. Faith and fear cannot coexist—Jesus calls for faith that conquers fear even when facing death.

Historical Context

Jairus, a synagogue ruler, fell at Jesus' feet begging Him to heal his dying twelve-year-old daughter (v. 41-42). En route, Jesus stopped to address the hemorrhaging woman (v. 43-48), during which Jairus' daughter died. News of death would normally end hope—but Jesus commands continued faith. His resurrection of the girl (v. 54-55) validated this faith-call. The phrase 'fear not, believe only' became a foundational Christian principle—faith displaces fear, trust in Christ overcomes impossible circumstances. Jairus' faith despite his daughter's death illustrates trusting Jesus even when situations seem hopeless.

Questions for Reflection