He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

MATTHEW 9:24KJV
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Matthew 9:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:24 mean?

Matthew 9:24 describes Jesus telling the crowd to step aside because the girl they believe is dead is actually only sleeping, but the people respond by mocking him. The verse shows Jesus’ different perspective on death and the disbelief of those around him.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group gathered at the house of a synagogue leader whose daughter has just died. When Jesus says the girl is not dead but sleeping, he is challenging the crowd’s understanding of the situation. The people’s laughter and ridicule highlight their lack of faith and their certainty that the girl is truly dead, setting the stage for what Jesus is about to do.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:24

  • The word for "sleepeth" is καθεύδει (katheudei), which often means literal sleep but can also be used as a gentle way to refer to death. Here, Jesus uses it to suggest that death is not final for the girl.
  • The phrase "laughed him to scorn" comes from καταγελῶσιν (katagelōsin), meaning to ridicule or mock someone. This word choice emphasizes how strongly the crowd rejected Jesus’ statement and did not take him seriously.

Why Matthew 9:24 matters

  • Matthew 9:24 clears up that Jesus sees death differently than the people around him, using the language of sleep to point to the possibility of awakening or restoration.
  • The verse highlights the skepticism and lack of faith among the witnesses, which contrasts with Jesus’ authority and confidence.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, showing that Jesus’ power goes beyond what people expect or believe possible.

Where else these words appear

“laughed” Greek G2606 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 5:40 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.
  • Luke 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

“maid” Greek G2877 · used in 7 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 5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
  • Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

“place” Greek G402 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

“sleepeth” Greek G2518 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.