King James Version

What Does Mark 5:24 Mean?

Mark 5:24 in the King James Version says “And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 5:24 · KJV


Context

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,

26

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse ,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus 'went with him'—immediate response to faith's cry. The phrase shows compassion and willingness despite crowds and demands. 'Much people followed him, and thronged him'—the crowd pressed close, creating difficulty for movement and providing context for hemorrhaging woman's approach (vv. 25-34). The verb 'thronged' (συνέθλιβον) means pressed, crushed together—almost suffocating closeness. Jesus' journey to Jairus' house gets interrupted by another faith-crisis. The delay tests Jairus' faith—would he trust Jesus despite apparent slowness? The crowd's presence provides witnesses to coming miracle.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Palestinian culture lacked personal space concepts—crowds pressed close to teachers and celebrities. The throng made movement slow and difficult. This setting explains hemorrhaging woman's strategy—approaching secretly through crowd, touching garment's fringe (Mark 5:27-28). The crowd's presence provided both obstacle (delaying Jesus) and opportunity (allowing woman's unnoticed approach). The delay intensified crisis—while Jesus walked, Jairus' daughter died (Mark 5:35). This timing tested faith and set stage for greater miracle—not just healing dying girl but raising dead daughter. Early church saw this as Christological proof—authority over death itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' willingness to be interrupted demonstrate compassionate availability?
  2. What does Jairus' patience during delay teach about trusting God's timing in crisis?
  3. How do you respond when God seems slow to answer desperate prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

ἀπῆλθεν2 of 12

Jesus went

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

μετ'3 of 12

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτόν4 of 12

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

καὶ5 of 12

And

G2532

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

ἠκολούθει6 of 12

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτόν7 of 12

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

ὄχλος8 of 12

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολύς9 of 12

much

G4183

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

καὶ10 of 12

And

G2532

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

συνέθλιβον11 of 12

thronged

G4918

to compress, i.e., crowd on all sides

αὐτόν12 of 12

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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study