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 5:40KJVWhat 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.