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Damsel

Who was the Damsel?

The “damsel” in Mark 5 refers to the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, whose miraculous healing and resurrection by Jesus Christ is one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels. The term “damsel” is translated from the Greek word κοράσιον (korásion), meaning “little girl” or “young maiden.” Though her personal name is never mentioned, her story is deeply significant as it reveals the authority of Jesus over death and the compassionate nature of His ministry.

This account is primarily found in Mark 5:21-43, with parallel accounts in Matthew 9:18-26 and Luke 8:40–56. The damsel was around twelve years old (Mark 5:42), and her father Jairus, a respected Jewish leader, pleaded with Jesus to come and heal her when she was on the verge of death. By the time Jesus arrived, she had died. However, Jesus spoke the Aramaic words “Talitha koum,” meaning “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41), and she immediately rose from the dead.

Biblical Narrative and Key Events

Jairus’s Plea and the Delay

Jairus approached Jesus with desperation and faith, bowing before Him and begging for the healing of his daughter (Mark 5:22-23). As Jesus went with him, a large crowd followed, during which time the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus’ garment and was healed. This delay emphasized that Jesus was not bound by time or urgency.

While they were still on the way, Jairus received news that his daughter had died (Mark 5:35). Yet Jesus encouraged him, saying, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36).

Jesus Raises the Damsel

Jesus allowed only Peter, James, and John to go with Him, along with the girl’s parents. Upon arrival, He found the house filled with mourning and declared, “The child is not dead but asleep” (Mark 5:39), which prompted ridicule from the mourners. Jesus then took the girl by the hand and said, “Talitha koum.” Immediately, the girl stood up and began to walk around (Mark 5:42). All were completely astonished, and Jesus instructed them to give her something to eat and not to tell anyone what had happened.

Theological Significance

This miracle reveals several key truths:

  • Jesus‘ power over death: By raising the girl from the dead, Jesus demonstrated divine authority that only God possesses (cf. John 11:25-26).

  • Faith is essential: Jairus was told, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Faith was the means by which this miracle unfolded (Hebrews 11:6).

  • Christ’s compassion: Jesus responded tenderly to Jairus‘s plea and personally addressed the girl with care and gentleness.

  • The uniqueness of Jesus: Only Christ can interrupt the power of death with just a word. His command brought life where there had been sorrow.

Literary Analysis

Mark’s account is detailed, vivid, and rich in emotional contrast—fear, grief, hope, faith, and astonishment. The structure of the story, interrupted by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, ties both miracles together with the theme of faith overcoming fear and desperation. The Aramaic phrase “Talitha koum” is one of the rare direct quotes of Jesus‘ speech preserved in its original language, emphasizing its historical and spiritual gravity.

Cross-References

What This Means for Today’s Christians

This account speaks directly to the fears, losses, and desperate moments of human life. Christians are reminded that:

  • Jesus cares about personal, individual suffering—even of a nameless girl.

  • No situation is beyond the reach of Christ’s power, not even death.

  • Faith in Jesus is the anchor in hopeless situations.

  • Jesus is not only concerned with healing but with full restoration—emotional, physical, and spiritual.

The resurrection of the damsel points ahead to the final resurrection of all believers and assures Christians of Jesus’ authority over life and death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The raising of the damsel is a foreshadowing of Christ’s own resurrection and the future resurrection of all who trust in Him. Just as He spoke life into this young girl, He offers eternal life to all who believe (John 5:28-29). The miracle reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), the One who brings the dead to life by His word.

This moment also illustrates the heart of the gospel—Jesus entering a world filled with death and sorrow, responding in compassion, and bringing hope, healing, and life through His power and presence. In Christ, death does not have the final word.

Broader Biblical Themes

  • Life from death: Central to Scripture is God‘s ability to bring life from death—both physically and spiritually (Romans 6:4).

  • God’s concern for the lowly: The “damsel” is unnamed, young, and vulnerable, yet Christ prioritized her with dignity and care.

  • The power of Christ’s word: Whether calming storms or raising the dead, Jesus‘ spoken word is effective and powerful (Isaiah 55:11).

  • Faith over fear: Believers are repeatedly called to trust Jesus despite circumstances (Psalm 56:3, Mark 5:36).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus’ response to Jairus encourage you in moments of fear and uncertainty?

  2. What does the story of the damsel teach about Jesus’ authority over death?

  3. Are there areas in your life where Jesus is asking you to “just believe”?

  4. How does this miracle strengthen your confidence in the resurrection to come?

  5. What does this story reveal about the heart and character of Jesus?

This story reminds believers that even in our darkest, most hopeless moments, Jesus is near, powerful, and full of compassion. He is not limited by time, circumstance, or death. The voice that called, “Talitha koum!”, is the same voice that still calls sinners to life today.

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