Luke 8:55
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 8:55
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, salvation, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 8:55
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 11:44