Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 25
But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the people
G3793
ὄχλος
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 14
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐκράτησεν
and took
G2902
ἐκράτησεν
and took
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
7 of 14
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
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 14
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 14
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 #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠγέρθη
arose
G1453
ἠγέρθη
arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
12 of 14
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
Cross References
Mark 9:27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.Mark 5:41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.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.Luke 8:54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.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.
Historical Context
The parents would have prepared the body for burial according to Jewish custom—washing, anointing, wrapping. The professional mourners' presence indicated the death was official. For Jesus to touch the corpse violated purity laws but reflected His consistent prioritization of compassion over ceremonial cleanness. Early church fathers saw this miracle as prefiguring Jesus' resurrection and the general resurrection. The church's confidence in resurrection stems from Jesus' demonstrated power over death. Historical testimony to this miracle helped establish Jesus' credentials as Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' gentle touch of the dead child reveal His character?
- What does this miracle teach about Jesus' power over death and preview about resurrection?
- How should Jesus' authority over death comfort Christians facing loss and grief?
Analysis & Commentary
After clearing the room, 'he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose' (εισελθων εκρατησεν της χειρος αυτης και ηγερθη το κορασιον). The simple gesture—taking her hand—demonstrates Jesus' tender compassion even in miracle-working. He doesn't shout commands or perform elaborate rituals; He gently takes the dead child's hand. Touching a corpse made one ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11-13), but Jesus' holiness overcomes uncleanness rather than being contaminated by it. 'The maid arose' (ηγερθη, from εγειρω) uses the resurrection verb, anticipating Jesus' own rising. The miracle is immediate and complete. Jesus demonstrates authority over death itself, previewing His ultimate victory. This intimate, gentle raising of a child reveals Jesus' heart: power without harshness, authority without distance, divinity without detachment.