King James Version
What Does Mark 5:42 Mean?
“And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.”
Mark 5:42 · KJV
Context
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.
41
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43
And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. The miracle's immediate verification follows Jesus' command. 'Straightway' (εὐθὺς, euthys)—Mark's characteristic word—stresses instant response: no gradual recovery but immediate, complete restoration. 'The damsel arose, and walked' (ἀνέστη τὸ κοράσιον καὶ περιεπάτει, anestē to korasion kai periepatei) demonstrates total healing—not merely revived but fully functional. The verb περιπατέω (peripateō) means to walk around, indicating active movement, not weak stumbling. She wasn't merely not-dead; she was vibrantly alive.
'She was of the age of twelve years' notes her age, probably indicating she was on the threshold of womanhood (bat mitzvah age). The detail's theological significance: the woman with hemorrhaging suffered twelve years; this girl lived twelve years. The number connects the two healings—both received complete restoration through Christ's power. 'They were astonished with a great astonishment' (ἐξέστησαν ἐκστάσει μεγάλῃ, exestēsan ekstasei megalē) uses emphatic repetition (cognate accusative: astonished with astonishment)—they were utterly amazed, overwhelmed with wonder. Even these believers who witnessed Jesus' miracles stood in awe before resurrection power. This foreshadows the greater astonishment at Jesus' own resurrection.
'She was of the age of twelve years' notes her age, probably indicating she was on the threshold of womanhood (bat mitzvah age). The detail's theological significance: the woman with hemorrhaging suffered twelve years; this girl lived twelve years. The number connects the two healings—both received complete restoration through Christ's power. 'They were astonished with a great astonishment' (ἐξέστησαν ἐκστάσει μεγάλῃ, exestēsan ekstasei megalē) uses emphatic repetition (cognate accusative: astonished with astonishment)—they were utterly amazed, overwhelmed with wonder. Even these believers who witnessed Jesus' miracles stood in awe before resurrection power. This foreshadows the greater astonishment at Jesus' own resurrection.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Twelve years old marked significant transition in Jewish culture—girls approaching bat mitzvah age, eligible for betrothal, entering womanhood. Her death at this threshold made it especially poignant—life's promise cut short. The detail that she walked proved this wasn't resuscitation requiring recovery period but complete, instantaneous restoration to full health and strength. Ancient medical understanding recognized that near-death experiences or serious illness required convalescence; her immediate walking defied natural patterns. The witnesses' extreme astonishment was warranted—while Jesus had healed many diseases, this was likely the first resurrection they witnessed (chronologically, this and the raising of the widow of Nain's son, Luke 7:11-17, were Jesus' first resurrection miracles). Later, Lazarus would be raised after four days dead (John 11), even more dramatic. Early church tradition held that this girl (named Jaira in some apocryphal sources) lived into old age as testimony to Christ's power, though Scripture doesn't confirm this. The miracle established Jesus' authority over death itself, previewing His ultimate resurrection victory.
Reflection Questions
- How does the immediate and complete nature of this resurrection prefigure the instant, total transformation believers will experience in the final resurrection?
- What 'dead' areas of your life—hope, relationships, faith, purpose—need to hear Christ's command 'Arise' for resurrection and restoration?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 15 wordsκαὶ1 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ6 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιεπάτει·7 of 15
“walked”
G4043to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
γὰρ9 of 15
“for”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ12 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξέστησαν13 of 15
“they were astonished”
G1839to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane
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 5:42 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 5:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge