Luke 8:54
And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 15
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρατήσας
took
G2902
κρατήσας
took
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
7 of 15
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὸς
by the hand
G5495
χειρὸς
by the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
9 of 15
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
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
ἐφώνησεν
and called
G5455
ἐφώνησεν
and called
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
11 of 15
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 31:32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:Acts 9:40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.Mark 8:23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.Mark 1:31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.Mark 9:27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.Matthew 9:25But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.John 11:43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.John 5:21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.Luke 8:51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Historical Context
Touching a corpse incurred seven days of uncleanness in Jewish law, requiring purification rituals. Jesus's willingness to touch the dead girl demonstrated that his purity was not passive (defiled by contact with impurity) but active (transmitting life and cleansing). This foreshadows the gospel principle that Christ's righteousness is not corrupted by contact with sinners but rather transforms them.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does unbelief disqualify people from witnessing miracles—what does this teach about the relationship between faith and revelation?
- How does Jesus's touch of the dead girl challenge religious systems that emphasize separation from 'unclean' people or situations?
- What 'dead' areas of your life need Jesus's personal touch and the command 'Arise'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he put them all out (αὐτὸς δὲ ἐκβαλὼν ἔξω πάντας)—the forceful verb ekballō (cast out, expel) indicates Jesus physically removed the scoffers. Unbelief disqualifies people from witnessing divine power; mockery forfeits the privilege of observing miracles. This expulsion anticipates Jesus's teaching that 'the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof' (Matthew 21:43).
And took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise (κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῆς ἐφώνησεν λέγων· Ἡ παῖς, ἔγειρε)—Jesus's physical touch (the verb krateō means 'to grasp firmly') would render him ceremonially unclean under Levitical law (Numbers 19:11-22), yet divine authority transcends ritual purity regulations. The word pais (maid, child) is tender, and egeirō (arise) is the same verb used of Jesus's own resurrection—he commands death to release its victim as one having authority over the grave itself.