King James Version

What Does Mark 5:38 Mean?

Mark 5:38 in the King James Version says “And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.”

Mark 5:38 · KJV

Context

36

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

37

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

38

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

39

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

40

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. The scene at Jairus's house contrasts sharply with Jesus' calm authority. 'The tumult' (τὸν θόρυβον, ton thorybon) describes chaotic confusion—loud noises, disorder, and commotion characteristic of ancient mourning practices. 'Them that wept and wailed greatly' (κλαίοντας καὶ ἀλαλάζοντας πολλά, klaiontas kai alalazontas polla) depicts intense public grief display. The verb ἀλαλάζω (alalalazō) means to wail loudly, shriek, or make loud lamentation—customary mourning demonstration.

First-century Mediterranean culture expressed grief publicly and dramatically, unlike modern Western restraint. Professional mourners were hired to ensure proper social display befitting the deceased's status. For a synagogue ruler's daughter, extensive mourning was expected. Yet Jesus' response (v. 39) reveals this outward display lacked genuine faith-filled hope. The dramatic mourning actually hindered rather than helped—their certainty of death's finality created atmosphere of unbelief. This scene illustrates how cultural customs, even religious ones, can become obstacles to experiencing God's power when they embody unbelief rather than faith. Jesus would silence the tumult before performing the miracle, teaching that faith requires quieting faithless noise to hear and receive God's word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish mourning customs, described in Mishnah and other sources, involved specific practices: tearing garments, hiring professional mourners (mostly women), playing flutes, loud wailing, and gathering crowds to demonstrate proper grief. Larger crowds indicated greater honor to the deceased. For a prominent family like a synagogue ruler's, extensive mourning would be expected—failure to provide adequate mourning would bring shame. Professional mourners were paid to wail loudly and lead others in lamentation. This cultural context explains the scene's chaos—it wasn't spontaneous grief but organized mourning ritual. The speed with which mourners assembled (the girl just died) reflects cultural efficiency—professional mourners maintained readiness for quick deployment. Archaeologists have found tomb inscriptions and art depicting mourning scenes with multiple figures in exaggerated grief postures. Early church fathers contrasted pagan-style desperate mourning with Christian hope-filled grief (1 Thessalonians 4:13). This passage illustrates pre-resurrection mourning—after Christ's victory over death, Christian funerals reflected hope, not hopelessness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do cultural religious customs or traditions sometimes become obstacles to experiencing God's power rather than expressions of genuine faith?
  2. What 'tumult'—noise, chaos, or faithless assumptions—needs to be silenced in your life before you can hear Christ's voice and receive His work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἔρχεται2 of 14

“he cometh”

G2064

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

εἰς3 of 14

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν4 of 14
G3588

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

οἶκον5 of 14

“the house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἀρχισυναγώγου7 of 14

“of the ruler of the synagogue”

G752

director of the synagogue services

καὶ8 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

θεωρεῖ9 of 14

“seeth”

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

θόρυβον10 of 14

“the tumult”

G2351

a disturbance

κλαίοντας11 of 14

“and them that wept”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ12 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἀλαλάζοντας13 of 14

“wailed”

G214

to vociferate, i.e., (by implication) to wail; figuratively, to clang

πολλά14 of 14

“greatly”

G4183

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

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 5:38 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 5:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:52-53Matthew 9:23-24Mark 5:22Matthew 11:17Acts 9:39Jeremiah 9:17-20

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