King James Version

What Does Luke 7:15 Mean?

Luke 7:15 in the King James Version says “And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.”

Luke 7:15 · KJV

Salvation

Context

13

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. bier: or, coffin

15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

17

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. This verse records the climactic moment of Jesus' raising of the widow's son at Nain. The phrase "he that was dead" (ὁ νεκρός, ho nekros) emphasizes the reality of death—not coma or apparent death, but actual death. The verb "sat up" (ἀνεκάθισεν, anekathisen, aorist active) describes the immediate physical response to Jesus' command "Arise" (v. 14). The subsequent phrase "began to speak" (ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, ērxato lalein) proves genuine resurrection—the young man was fully restored to life and function, not merely animated.

The final clause "he delivered him to his mother" (ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, edōken auton tē mētri autou) echoes Elijah's restoration of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:23). The verb "delivered" (ἔδωκεν, edōken, "gave") presents the young man as a gift from Jesus to the bereaved mother. This act demonstrates Jesus' compassion (v. 13) translated into miraculous power—He not only feels for human suffering but acts decisively to reverse it. This miracle validates Jesus as greater than Elijah, displaying His authority over death itself, foreshadowing His own resurrection and His role as "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nain was a small village in Galilee, about six miles southeast of Nazareth. Funeral processions were immediate (same day as death) due to Palestine's hot climate and Jewish burial customs. The funeral of an only son would draw significant community participation—the widow had lost both her husband and now her sole support and family legacy. In a patriarchal society without social safety nets, a childless widow faced destitution. Jesus' intervention was not merely medical but economic, social, and theological—restoring the woman's future and demonstrating God's compassion for the vulnerable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority over death in this miracle authenticate His claim to be the Messiah and Son of God?
  2. What does Jesus' giving the son back to his mother reveal about His concern for both physical and social restoration?
  3. How should this miracle shape Christian confidence in Christ's power over death and His promise of resurrection for believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνεκάθισεν2 of 13

“sat up”

G339

properly, to set up, i.e., (reflexively) to sit up

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νεκρὸς4 of 13

“he that was dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ5 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤρξατο6 of 13

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λαλεῖν7 of 13

“to speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ8 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔδωκεν9 of 13

“he delivered”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ10 of 13

“him”

G846

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

τῇ11 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρὶ12 of 13

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτοῦ13 of 13

“him”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:212 Kings 4:32-371 Kings 17:23-24

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