And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

LUKE 8:54KJV
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Luke 8:54 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:54 mean?

Luke 8:54 describes Jesus sending everyone else out of the room, taking the dead girl by the hand, and telling her to get up. This verse shows Jesus acting with authority and compassion as he prepares to bring the girl back to life.

In this scene, Jesus is inside the house of Jairus, whose daughter has just died. Only a few people are allowed to stay with him as he approaches the girl. The verse highlights Jesus’ personal touch—he physically takes her hand and speaks directly to her, showing both his power over death and his gentle care for the child.

The Greek behind Luke 8:54

  • The word for "put...out" (ἐκβάλλω, ekballō) is often used for forcefully sending someone away. Here, it suggests Jesus deliberately removed the crowd to create a private, focused setting.
  • The word for "took" (κρατέω, krateō) means to grasp firmly or hold tightly. This emphasizes that Jesus did not just touch the girl lightly; he took her hand with intention and strength.
  • The word for "maid" (παιδίον, paidion) refers to a young child, highlighting the girl's youth and innocence in this moment.

Why Luke 8:54 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus performed miracles in front of large crowds for show; instead, he often acted privately and personally.
  • The details about Jesus taking her hand and speaking directly to her emphasize his compassion and the physical reality of the miracle.
  • Luke 8:54 connects to the larger story by showing Jesus’ authority over death and his willingness to respond to faith, as seen in Jairus’ plea for help.

Where else these words appear

“Maid” Greek G3816 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

“called” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

“took” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“out” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.