He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
MATTHEW 9:24KJVWhat 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.