And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

MARK 5:40KJV
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Mark 5:40 (KJV)

What does Mark 5:40 mean?

Mark 5:40 describes how the people present reacted with ridicule when Jesus said the girl was not dead but sleeping, so Jesus sent them all out and took only the girl’s parents and a few disciples with him into the room where the girl was lying. This sets the stage for what Jesus was about to do privately, away from the doubting crowd.

The scene takes place in the house of Jairus, whose daughter had just died. Jesus had arrived and told those mourning that the girl was only sleeping, which led to their laughter and disbelief. By removing everyone except the parents and a few close followers, Jesus created a quiet, private setting, emphasizing both the seriousness of the moment and the lack of faith among the crowd.

The Greek behind Mark 5:40

  • The word for "laughed...to scorn" is καταγελάω (katagelaō), which means to ridicule or mock. This shows that the crowd was not just skeptical but openly dismissive of Jesus’ claim.
  • The verb ἐκβάλλω (ekballō), translated "put...out," means to send out or drive out. Jesus actively removed those who were mocking, highlighting the contrast between faith and disbelief in this moment.
  • The word παιδίον (paidion), meaning "damsel" or "child," is used here to refer to Jairus’s young daughter, underlining her vulnerability and the compassion of Jesus toward her family.

Why Mark 5:40 matters

  • Mark 5:40 highlights the sharp contrast between the disbelief of the crowd and the faith Jesus required for what was about to happen.
  • The verse shows Jesus’ deliberate choice to act away from public skepticism, focusing on a more intimate, faith-filled environment.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, emphasizing that Jesus’ power is not limited by the doubts of others.

Where else these words appear

“laughed” Greek G2606 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 9:24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
  • Luke 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

“lying” Greek G345 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Matthew 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
  • Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

“in” Greek G1531 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
  • Luke 19:30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;