King James Version

What Does Luke 8:54 Mean?

Luke 8:54 in the King James Version says “And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.”

Luke 8:54 · KJV

Context

52

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

53

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

54

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

55

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

56

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he put them all out (αὐτὸς δὲ ἐκβαλὼν ἔξω πάντας)—the forceful verb ekballō (cast out, expel) indicates Jesus physically removed the scoffers. Unbelief disqualifies people from witnessing divine power; mockery forfeits the privilege of observing miracles. This expulsion anticipates Jesus's teaching that 'the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof' (Matthew 21:43).

And took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise (κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῆς ἐφώνησεν λέγων· Ἡ παῖς, ἔγειρε)—Jesus's physical touch (the verb krateō means 'to grasp firmly') would render him ceremonially unclean under Levitical law (Numbers 19:11-22), yet divine authority transcends ritual purity regulations. The word pais (maid, child) is tender, and egeirō (arise) is the same verb used of Jesus's own resurrection—he commands death to release its victim as one having authority over the grave itself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Touching a corpse incurred seven days of uncleanness in Jewish law, requiring purification rituals. Jesus's willingness to touch the dead girl demonstrated that his purity was not passive (defiled by contact with impurity) but active (transmitting life and cleansing). This foreshadows the gospel principle that Christ's righteousness is not corrupted by contact with sinners but rather transforms them.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does unbelief disqualify people from witnessing miracles—what does this teach about the relationship between faith and revelation?
  2. How does Jesus's touch of the dead girl challenge religious systems that emphasize separation from 'unclean' people or situations?
  3. What 'dead' areas of your life need Jesus's personal touch and the command 'Arise'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
αὐτῆς1 of 15

“her”

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκβαλὼν3 of 15

“he put”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἔξω4 of 15

“out”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

πάντας,5 of 15

“them all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

κρατήσας7 of 15

“took”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τῆς8 of 15
G3588

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

χειρὸς9 of 15

“by the hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῆς10 of 15

“her”

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

ἐφώνησεν11 of 15

“and called”

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

λέγων,12 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἡ13 of 15
G3588

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

παῖς14 of 15

“Maid”

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

ἔγειρου15 of 15

“arise”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

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 8:54 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 8:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:32Mark 8:23Luke 7:14-15John 5:21John 5:28-29Mark 9:27

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