King James Version

What Does Mark 5:23 Mean?

Mark 5:23 in the King James Version says “And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.”

Mark 5:23 · KJV

Prayer

Context

21

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

22

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

23

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

24

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

25

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jairus begged earnestly: 'My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.' The phrase 'little daughter' (θυγάτριόν, diminutive form) expresses tender affection. 'At the point of death' (ἐσχάτως ἔχει) literally means 'has it extremely'—desperate situation. Jairus' request: 'come and lay thy hands on her'—he believed Jesus' physical presence and touch necessary for healing. His faith: 'she shall be healed and she shall live' (σωθῇ καὶ ζήσῃ) expresses confident expectation. The verb 'begged' (παρακαλεῖ, imperfect tense) indicates persistent, repeated pleading. Faith mixed with desperation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Touching for healing appears throughout Jesus' ministry—He touched lepers (Mark 1:41), blind (Mark 8:23), and deaf (Mark 7:33). Ancient world understood physical contact conveying power. Jairus' request reflects this belief, which Jesus affirmed through His healing touch. The verb 'healed' (σωθῇ, from σώζω) means saved/healed—same word used for salvation, indicating physical and spiritual deliverance connection. The father's faith, though imperfect (still thinks Jesus must be present physically), was genuine and Jesus responded. Early church learned that faith need not be perfect to be effective—weak faith in strong Christ accomplishes much.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jairus' desperate faith encourage you when your prayers feel inadequate?
  2. What does Jesus' response to imperfect but genuine faith teach about His compassion?
  3. How can you persist in prayer like Jairus when facing desperate circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

παρεκάλει2 of 21

“besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτῇ3 of 21

“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

πολλὰ4 of 21

“greatly”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

λέγων5 of 21

“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

ὅτι6 of 21
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Τὸ7 of 21
G3588

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

θυγάτριόν8 of 21

“little daughter”

G2365

a daughterling

μου9 of 21

“My”

G3450

of me

ἐσχάτως10 of 21

“lieth”

G2079

finally, i.e., (with g2192) at the extremity of life

ἔχει11 of 21

“at the point of death”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἵνα12 of 21

“and”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐλθὼν13 of 21

“I pray thee come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπιθῇς14 of 21

“lay”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

αὐτῇ15 of 21

“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

τὰς16 of 21
G3588

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

χεῖρας17 of 21

“thy hands”

G5495

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

ὅπως18 of 21

“that”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

σωθῇ19 of 21

“she may be healed”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

καὶ20 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ζήσεται21 of 21

“she shall live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 5:23 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 Mark 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 13:13Luke 4:40Mark 16:18Acts 28:8Luke 4:38Psalms 50:15

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