What does Mark 5:39 mean?
"And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." - Mark 5:39

The verse Mark 5:39 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." This verse is part of the story of Jairus' daughter, where Jesus brings the young girl back to life.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, Jairus, a synagogue leader, comes to Jesus and begs him to come and heal his dying daughter. Jesus agrees, and as they are on their way to Jairus' house, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touches the hem of Jesus' garment and is instantly healed. This delays their journey, and by the time they reach Jairus' house, mourners are gathered, weeping for the girl's death. When Jesus arrives, he sees the commotion and questions why they are weeping, stating that the girl is not dead but only sleeping.
The statement made by Jesus in Mark 5:39 can be seen as both literal and symbolic. In the literal sense, Jesus may have been saying that the girl was not actually dead but in a state that appeared to be death. This is supported by what Jesus goes on to do, which is to take the girl by the hand and bring her back to life. However, in a symbolic sense, Jesus' words can be interpreted as a reference to the fact that through his power, even death is not final. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of resurrection and eternal life in Christianity.
The themes present in this verse are numerous and significant. One theme is the power of Jesus over death and the supernatural ability to bring people back to life. This is a central tenet of Christianity and is a testament to Jesus' divinity. Another theme is the idea of faith and belief in the face of seemingly impossible situations. Jairus initially sought out Jesus in faith, believing that he had the power to heal his daughter, and Jesus' words to the mourners were a reminder to have faith in his ability to perform miracles.
Additionally, the verse can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening. Just as Jesus brought the girl back from the dead, he has the power to awaken people from spiritual death and bring them into new life. This ties in with the broader theme of redemption and salvation in Christianity, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and actions.
The symbolism in this verse is also noteworthy. The image of sleep is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for death, and in this context, it serves as a foreshadowing of the resurrection to come. Additionally, the weeping mourners can symbolize the despair and hopelessness that people often experience when faced with death or loss. Jesus' words serve as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is hope and the possibility of new life through faith in Him.
In conclusion, Mark 5:39 is a powerful and multifaceted verse that holds deep significance within the broader message of the Bible. It speaks to the power of Jesus over death, the themes of faith and spiritual awakening, and the symbolism of hope in the face of despair. It serves as a reminder of the transformative and redemptive power of Jesus' teachings and actions, offering comfort and hope to believers throughout the ages.
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Mark 5:39 Artwork
Mark 5:39 - "And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth."
"And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." - Mark 5:39
Mark 12:39 - "And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:"
Mark 14:39 - "And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words."
Mark 1:39 - "And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils."
Mark 6:39 - "And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass."
Luke 5:39
Mark 4:39 - "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
"And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:" - Mark 12:39
Mark 6:39 – "Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass."
Mark 9:39 - "But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me."
Job 39:1 - "Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?"
Acts 15:39 - "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"
"And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words." - Mark 14:39
Isaiah 39:5 - "Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:"
"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39
"And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils." - Mark 1:39
Mark 15:39 - "¶ And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God."
Mark 2:5
Ezekiel 39:5 - "Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD."
Acts 5:39 - "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
John 5:39 - "¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Mark 10:39 - "And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:"
Mark 16:4-5
Mark 16:4-5
Mark 16:4-5
"And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass." - Mark 6:39
Luke 5:39 - "No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."
Job 39:5 - "Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?"
Mark 5:17 - "And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts."