And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
Jairus begged earnestly: 'My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.' The phrase 'little daughter' (θυγάτριόν, diminutive form) expresses tender affection. 'At the point of death' (ἐσχάτως ἔχει) literally means 'has it extremely'—desperate situation. Jairus' request: 'come and lay thy hands on her'—he believed Jesus' physical presence and touch necessary for healing. His faith: 'she shall be healed and she shall live' (σωθῇ καὶ ζήσῃ) expresses confident expectation. The verb 'begged' (παρακαλεῖ, imperfect tense) indicates persistent, repeated pleading. Faith mixed with desperation.
Historical Context
Touching for healing appears throughout Jesus' ministry—He touched lepers (Mark 1:41), blind (Mark 8:23), and deaf (Mark 7:33). Ancient world understood physical contact conveying power. Jairus' request reflects this belief, which Jesus affirmed through His healing touch. The verb 'healed' (σωθῇ, from σώζω) means saved/healed—same word used for salvation, indicating physical and spiritual deliverance connection. The father's faith, though imperfect (still thinks Jesus must be present physically), was genuine and Jesus responded. Early church learned that faith need not be perfect to be effective—weak faith in strong Christ accomplishes much.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jairus' desperate faith encourage you when your prayers feel inadequate?
What does Jesus' response to imperfect but genuine faith teach about His compassion?
How can you persist in prayer like Jairus when facing desperate circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jairus begged earnestly: 'My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.' The phrase 'little daughter' (θυγάτριόν, diminutive form) expresses tender affection. 'At the point of death' (ἐσχάτως ἔχει) literally means 'has it extremely'—desperate situation. Jairus' request: 'come and lay thy hands on her'—he believed Jesus' physical presence and touch necessary for healing. His faith: 'she shall be healed and she shall live' (σωθῇ καὶ ζήσῃ) expresses confident expectation. The verb 'begged' (παρακαλεῖ, imperfect tense) indicates persistent, repeated pleading. Faith mixed with desperation.