Luke 8:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:42 mean?

Luke 8:42 describes how Jesus was on his way to help a man whose only daughter, about twelve years old, was dying, but as he went, a large crowd pressed in around him. The verse highlights both the urgency of the father's need and the overwhelming attention Jesus was receiving from the people.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to Jairus, a synagogue leader, who has pleaded with him to come and heal his gravely ill daughter. The detail that she is his only daughter and about twelve years old adds emotional weight, showing the seriousness of the situation. The mention of the crowd "thronging" Jesus sets up the tension and difficulty of reaching the girl in time, as well as the interruption that follows in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 8:42

• "Only" (μονογενής, monogenēs): This word means "only" or "unique," emphasizing that the daughter was Jairus's sole child, which heightens the sense of desperation and loss.
• "Thronged" (συνέπνιγον, synepnigon): This word carries the idea of being pressed in on all sides, almost to the point of being choked or suffocated, showing just how crowded and chaotic the scene was around Jesus.

Why Luke 8:42 matters

• This verse sets up the urgency and emotional intensity of the story, making it clear why Jairus is so desperate for Jesus's help.
• The detail about the crowd pressing in on Jesus helps the reader understand the challenges and delays Jesus faces, which become important as the story unfolds.
• The verse connects to the larger theme in Luke of Jesus being sought out by many people, often in situations of great need, and shows how his compassion is tested in real-life, pressing circumstances.