King James Version

What Does Luke 8:55 Mean?

Luke 8:55 in the King James Version says “And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 8:55 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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 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).

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does the detail about 'her spirit came again' affirm both the reality of death and the truth of bodily resurrection?
  2. What does Jesus's command to feed the girl teach about the integration of spiritual and physical needs in Christian ministry?
  3. In what ways does this resurrection miracle point forward to Jesus's own resurrection and the believer's future resurrection?

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

ἐπέστρεψεν2 of 13

“came again”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

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

πνεῦμα4 of 13

“spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

αὐτῇ5 of 13

“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

καὶ6 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀνέστη7 of 13

“she arose”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

παραχρῆμα8 of 13

“straightway”

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

καὶ9 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

διέταξεν10 of 13

“he commanded”

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

αὐτῇ11 of 13

“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

δοθῆναι12 of 13

“to give”

G1325

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

φαγεῖν13 of 13

“meat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 8:55 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 8:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:441 Kings 17:21-23Mark 5:43Luke 24:41-43

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