And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

LUKE 7:15KJV
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Luke 7:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:15 mean?

Luke 7:15 describes how the man who had died sat up and started speaking, and Jesus then gave him back to his mother. This verse shows the moment when Jesus brings a dead man back to life in front of a crowd, restoring him to his grieving family.

In this scene, Jesus is in the town of Nain, where he encounters a funeral procession for a widow’s only son. Moved with compassion, Jesus speaks to the dead man, who immediately sits up and talks. The verse highlights not only the miracle itself but also Jesus’ personal care, as he physically returns the son to his mother, reuniting a broken family.

The Greek behind Luke 7:15

  • νεκρός (nekros, “dead”): This word refers to someone who is physically dead, emphasizing the reality of the situation and the power of what Jesus did.
  • ἐκάθισεν (ekathisen, “sat up”): This verb often describes someone rising from a lying position, making it clear that the man was truly lifeless before this moment.
  • παρέδωκεν (paredōken, “delivered” or “gave”): The Greek here carries the sense of handing someone over personally, highlighting Jesus’ direct involvement in restoring the son to his mother.

Why Luke 7:15 matters

  • Luke 7:15 makes clear that the miracle was immediate and public, leaving no doubt that the man was truly dead and then alive again.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and personal touch, not just performing a miracle but also caring for the grieving mother.
  • This event connects to the wider theme in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus bringing hope and restoration to those who are suffering and marginalized.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G339 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: