Luke 8:55

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

Luke 8:55 (KJV)

Context

Luke 8:55 concludes the account of Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, had pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter (Luke 8:41-42). On the way, Jesus healed a woman with an issue of blood, and then messengers reported that the girl had died. Jesus encouraged Jairus, saying, “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole” (Luke 8:50).

When Jesus arrived at the house, He took the child by the hand and called, “Maid, arise” (Luke 8:54). Verse 55 records the immediate result: her spirit returned, she rose at once, and Jesus commanded that she be given food.

Meaning

The phrase “her spirit came again” indicates the return of her soul to her body. This affirms the biblical teaching that the soul is immortal and exists separately from the body after death, and that at the resurrection it will be reunited with the body. The Greek text confirms that her spirit returned and she rose immediately, demonstrating Jesus’ authority over death itself.

Jesus’ command to give her meat (food) shows His genuine care for her physical needs and confirms the reality of her restored life. She was truly alive, not a ghost or illusion, and needed sustenance. This detail highlights Jesus’ practical compassion, attending to the girl’s immediate well-being.

Biblical connections

This raising of Jairus’s daughter is one of three resurrections Jesus performed during His earthly ministry, along with the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-15) and Lazarus (John 11:43-44). These miracles foreshadow Christ’s own resurrection and the future resurrection of all believers.

Application

Jesus’ power is not only spiritual but also touches the physical and practical aspects of life. He cares for the whole person—body and soul. His command to feed the girl reminds us that genuine restoration includes meeting everyday needs. As believers, we can trust that Jesus has authority over life and death, and we can follow His example by caring for the physical needs of others.

Reflection

This miracle reveals Jesus as the Son of God with power to conquer death. It also shows His tenderness: He took the child by the hand, spoke to her, and ensured she was fed. In our own lives, we can approach Jesus with confidence, knowing that He is both mighty and compassionate.