Mark 5:41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He instructed that she be given something to eat (cf. Luke 8:55) to demonstrate the restoration of her health along with her life; she was not like the invalids who gradually recover. Those who questioned the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:29) felt shame, and the resurrection of the maiden brought greater criticism and exposure to them than to those who witnessed her rising. The healing of the woman was private, whereas the restoration of her body was evident. Thus, what occurred in private was validated by what was made apparent.

In the Gospel of Mark, the Lord's statement is presented as "talitha kumi," followed by the words, "What is said, O virgin, I say unto thee, Arise" (Mark 5:41). Some might deem the Evangelist deceitful for including "I say unto thee," suggesting it differs from the Hebrew rendition, which simply conveys "virgin, Arise." However, the addition of "I say unto thee" serves to emphasize the message more forcefully and conveys a sense of authoritative declaration and command.

When the Lord had conveyed these words, a message reached Jairus that his daughter had passed away. However, Jesus reassured him by saying, Do not be afraid; just believe that I can restore her to life. Upon arriving at the house, He found it in an uproar. Such a scene could have posed a threat to faith. The Lord declared that the girl was not dead but merely sleeping, which prompted laughter from the onlookers. He then dismissed them and, joined only by the girl’s parents and a few disciples, He took her by the hand and called out, 'Little girl, arise,’ and the girl stood up: her astonished parents were instructed not to reveal what had happened. The reason for this silence stemmed from potential dangers posed by the Pharisees and the unpredictable reactions of the crowd.

Jesus approached the lifeless woman, took her hand, and declared, “Woman, I say to you, arise.” His command was sufficient, and she was restored to life. At His word, the departed soul rejoined its body, but not in the condition it had left—no longer worn by illness, weary and depleted, but rejuvenated and full of vigor. She stood up and began to walk, a feat impossible for her in her previous state of death. Those who witnessed this extraordinary event were filled with wonder. To further assure them, Jesus instructed that the resurrected woman be given something to eat, providing tangible evidence that she was indeed a living being in need of sustenance, not merely a specter of death.

Taking the lifeless hand of the young girl, He uttered two words: talifa kumi, meaning, ‘Child, I command you to rise.’ At that moment, her spirit returned, and she immediately stood up and began to walk. Her parents were filled with amazement, yet Christ gently instructed them to provide her with something to eat. He also advised them to keep silent about the miracle, as those who have received great blessings from God should cherish them in humble gratitude and guard them as a sacred secret within their hearts. Indeed, the news of this remarkable occurrence ‘spread throughout all that land’ (Matthew 9:26).

The healing of the woman with the issue of blood served to uplift Jairus and bolster his faith in the Lord's supernatural authority. While Jesus was offering His final words of comfort to her, news arrived from the synagogue ruler’s home bearing sorrowful tidings: “Thy daughter is dead; what further reason is there for the Master to act?” Christ aimed to ensure they knew the girl had truly passed away so that there would be no doubt regarding her resurrection later (St. John Chrysostom). Upon hearing about her death, the Lord reassured the father, saying: “Do not be afraid, but believe, and she will be saved” (St. Athanasius of Alexandria).