Luke 8:50

Luke 8:50, in plain English

Jesus heard the news and immediately told Jairus, 'Do not be afraid. Just believe, and she will be healed.' In the face of death, Jesus asked for only one thing: faith.

Why it's here

When the world says it is over, Jesus says believe. He did not dismiss Jairus' grief. He gave him something to hold on to when everything seemed lost.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks directly to the grieving Jairus with calm authority.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus overheard the death announcement and immediately turned to Jairus: do not be afraid, just believe. In the darkest moment, Jesus offered the lifeline of faith.

The scholarly reading

Jesus, having akousas ('overheard'), responds to Jairus with mē phobou ('do not fear'), monon pisteuson ('only believe'), and the promise sōthēsetai ('she will be healed/saved'). The aorist imperative pisteuson demands a decisive act of faith in the face of apparent hopelessness.

Language and setting

Jesus' words echo His earlier declaration to the hemorrhaging woman about faith and salvation (sōzō). The verb sōzō again carries dual meaning: physical healing and spiritual salvation. Jesus reframes the situation from despair to faith opportunity.

Voice

Jesus speaks directly to Jairus, countering the messenger's hopeless report.

Significance

Overhearing the devastating message, Jesus immediately turned to Jairus and spoke directly against his fear: stop being afraid, only believe, and your daughter will be saved. Faith was the only requirement.

48“Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

49While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore.”

50But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

51When He entered the house, He did not allow anyone to go in with Him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother.

52Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.”

Read all of Luke 8 — A storm, a legion of demons, a bleeding woman, and a dead girl — Jesus moves through a world of chaos and brings order with a word or a touch.