Luke 8:55
And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέστρεψεν
came again
G1994
ἐπέστρεψεν
came again
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
2 of 13
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνέστη
she arose
G450
ἀνέστη
she arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
7 of 13
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διέταξεν
he commanded
G1299
διέταξεν
he commanded
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
10 of 13
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 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
Historical Context
In Jewish anthropology, the spirit departing confirmed death, and its return meant resurrection—not resuscitation. Luke's emphasis on the spirit's return and the girl's immediate eating served apologetic purposes for his Gentile audience, many of whom were influenced by Greek dualism that denied bodily resurrection. This miracle validates Jewish-Christian resurrection hope against Hellenistic skepticism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the detail about 'her spirit came again' affirm both the reality of death and the truth of bodily resurrection?
- What does Jesus's command to feed the girl teach about the integration of spiritual and physical needs in Christian ministry?
- In what ways does this resurrection miracle point forward to Jesus's own resurrection and the believer's future resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And her spirit came again (καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτῆς)—Luke's medical vocabulary is precise: the verb epistrephō (returned, came back) confirms that her pneuma (spirit) had departed, validating her actual death. This verse refutes natural explanations (coma, catalepsy) and affirms bodily resurrection—spirit reunited with body. Luke's anthropology distinguishes spirit from body, anticipating Christian teaching about intermediate state and bodily resurrection.
And she arose straightway (καὶ ἀνέστη παραχρῆμα)—the adverb parachrēma emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the miracle. No gradual recovery, no convalescence—immediate restoration of life and vitality. And he commanded to give her meat (καὶ διέταξεν αὐτῇ δοθῆναι φαγεῖν)—Jesus's practical concern that she be fed demonstrates the physicality of resurrection (not a ghost or vision) and his pastoral care for human needs. This detail anticipates the post-resurrection Jesus eating fish with his disciples to prove his bodily resurrection (Luke 24:41-43).