Luke 8:42
For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
Luke 8:42 (KJV)
Context
Luke 8:42 sits within a larger passage that intertwines two miracles: the healing of a woman with an issue of blood and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, comes to Jesus in desperation because his only daughter, about twelve years old, is dying. The verse captures both the urgency of his plea and the pressure of the crowd that throngs Jesus as He goes.
Meaning
The phrase “one only daughter” emphasizes the preciousness of the child to her father. Jairus had no other child to turn to; his hope rested entirely on Jesus. The detail that she was “about twelve years of age” marks her as a beloved child on the brink of womanhood, making the threat of her death all the more devastating. The second half of the verse, “But as he went the people thronged him,” shows the physical demands on Jesus and the delay caused by the crowd. This interruption tests Jairus’ patience and faith, as Jesus pauses to address the woman with the issue of blood before continuing to Jairus’ house.
Biblical connections
The account of Jairus’ daughter demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness and death, foreshadowing His own resurrection and the future resurrection of believers. The crowd’s thronging also highlights Jesus’ growing popularity and the pressing needs of the people, yet He remains attentive to each individual. This passage encourages believers to persist in faith even when circumstances seem hopeless or when delays occur, trusting that Jesus is able and willing to help.
Application
Jairus’ example teaches us to approach Jesus with humility and faith, even when we hold positions of responsibility. His persistence despite the crowd encourages us to seek Jesus diligently, not allowing distractions or delays to weaken our trust. The urgency of his daughter’s condition reminds us not to postpone coming to Jesus, especially in critical moments. Jesus’ compassion and power, shown in the following verses as He raises the girl, assure us that He can transform even the most dire circumstances. As we face our own trials, we can bring our needs to Jesus with unwavering faith, trusting in His timing and His ability to act.
Reflection
The KJV phrase “lay a‑dying” captures the critical state of Jairus’ daughter. Other translations render it as “was dying” (ESV, NIV), but the central message remains the same: Jesus is sovereign over life and death. This verse invites us to reflect on our own response when Jesus seems delayed. Will we, like Jairus, continue to trust and follow, or will we let the crowd and the waiting overwhelm our faith?
