Chapter

Luke 8:41

ESV And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus ' feet, he implored him to come to his house,
NIV Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house
NASB And a man named Jairus came, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began urging Him to come to his house;
CSB Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’s feet and pleaded with him to come to his house,
NLT Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him.
KJV And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
NKJV And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house,

What does Luke 8:41 mean?

Jesus has returned to Galilee after a quick trip to the other side of the sea (Luke 8:22–39). Once again (Luke 8:19), a crowd mobs Him, one so great they are "pressed around him" (Luke 8:42), most likely trying to touch Him so they can be healed (Luke 6:19). Jairus may be a respected leader of the local synagogue, but he is no less desperate. His young daughter is dying.

Synagogues were gathering places where Jews read Scriptures—the Old Testament—and discussed the text. They did not have a sole religious leader, like a typical modern church, but they did have an administrator. The ruler—or rulers (Mark 5:22)—was responsible for maintaining the facilities; ensuring the scrolls were in order; choosing who would read, pray, and teach; and making sure the teaching was not heretical.

As a synagogue leader, Jairus occupies a high social position. He must also know the issues other synagogue members have had with Jesus (Luke 6:6–11). When his child falls deathly ill, however, none of the controversy matters. Jairus isn't unique. People today may reject God for any number of reasons including pride or rejection of His authority. Sometimes it takes a situation we can't control to finally submit to the one who can.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: