New International VersionThey laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
New Living TranslationBut the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.
English Standard VersionAnd they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
Berean Standard BibleAnd they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.
Berean Literal BibleAnd they were laughing at Him, knowing that she was dead.
King James BibleAnd they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
New King James VersionAnd they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
New American Standard BibleAnd they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.
NASB 1995And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.
NASB 1977 And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.
Legacy Standard Bible And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.
Amplified BibleThen they began laughing scornfully at Him and ridiculing Him, knowing [without any doubt] that she was dead.
Christian Standard BibleThey laughed at him, because they knew she was dead.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey started laughing at Him, because they knew she was dead.
American Standard VersionAnd they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Contemporary English VersionThe people laughed at him because they knew she was dead.
English Revised VersionAnd they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey laughed at him because they knew she was dead.
Good News TranslationThey all made fun of him, because they knew that she was dead.
International Standard VersionThey laughed and laughed at him, because they knew she was dead.
NET BibleAnd they began making fun of him, because they knew that she was dead.
New Heart English BibleThey were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they derided him, knowing that she was dead.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd they jeered at Him, knowing that she was dead. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.
World English BibleThey were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they were deriding Him, knowing that she died;
Berean Literal BibleAnd they were laughing at Him, knowing that she was dead.
Young's Literal Translation and they were deriding him, knowing that she did die;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they derided him, knowing that she was dead. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they derided him, knowing that she had died.
New American BibleAnd they ridiculed him, because they knew that she was dead.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they laughed at him, for they knew that she was dead.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they were laughing at him, for they knew that she had died. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd they derided him, knowing that she was dead.
Godbey New TestamentAnd they hooted at Him, knowing that she was dead.
Haweis New TestamentAnd they derided him, for they knew that she was dead.
Mace New Testamentupon which, they knowing she was really dead, treated him with derision.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd they jeered at Him, knowing that she was dead.
Worrell New TestamentAnd they were deriding Him, knowing that she died.
Worsley New TestamentAnd they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Healing Touch of Jesus… 52Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.” 53And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. 54But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!”…
Cross References Mark 5:39-40He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.” / And they laughed at Him. After He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child.
Matthew 9:24-25“Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him. / After the crowd had been put outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.
John 11:11-14After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” / His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.” / They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. ...
1 Kings 17:17-24Later, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill, and his sickness grew worse and worse, until no breath remained in him. / “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” / But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. ...
2 Kings 4:32-37When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. ...
Acts 9:39-41So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. / Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. / Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive.
Acts 20:9-12And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. / But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!” / Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. ...
John 11:25-26Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 5:28-29Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— / in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.
Revelation 1:17-18When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, / the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
Hebrews 11:35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
2 Corinthians 1:9-10Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. / He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
Job 14:14-15When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes. / You will call, and I will answer; You will desire the work of Your hands.
Luke 16:14
And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. Job 12:4
I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn. Job 17:2
Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? knowing. Mark 15:44,45
And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead… John 11:39
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. John 19:33-35
But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: … Jump to Previous Dead Derided Deriding Die Died Jeered Laughed Ridiculing ScornJump to Next Dead Derided Deriding Die Died Jeered Laughed Ridiculing ScornLuke 8 1. Women minister unto Jesus of their own means.4. Jesus, after he had preached from place to place,9. explains the parable of the sower,16. and the candle;19. declares who are his mother, and brothers;22. rebukes the winds;26. casts the legion of demons out of the man into the herd of pigs;37. is rejected by the Gadarenes;43. heals the woman of her bleeding;49. and raises Jairus's daughter from death.And they laughed at HimThis phrase highlights the skepticism and disbelief of the people present. In the cultural context of the time, professional mourners were often hired to lament the dead, and their laughter indicates a lack of faith in Jesus' power over death. This reaction is reminiscent of other instances in Scripture where Jesus was mocked or doubted, such as during His crucifixion ( Matthew 27:39-44). The laughter underscores the contrast between human understanding and divine power, as Jesus often performed miracles that defied natural expectations. knowing that she was dead
The certainty of the girl's death is emphasized here, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of Jesus' authority over life and death. In Jewish culture, death was a significant and final event, and the mourners' knowledge of her death reflects their experience and certainty. This situation parallels the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Jesus raises someone from the dead, further affirming His identity as the resurrection and the life. The phrase also highlights the theme of faith versus sight, as the mourners rely on their physical perception, while Jesus operates on a higher spiritual plane. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is demonstrating His divine authority and power over life and death. His actions and words challenge the disbelief of those around Him. 2. The MournersThese individuals are present at the house of Jairus, mourning the death of his daughter. Their laughter at Jesus' statement reveals their lack of faith and understanding of His power. 3. Jairus' DaughterThe young girl who is the subject of this miracle. Her death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus serve as a powerful testament to His divine authority. 4. JairusA synagogue leader who seeks Jesus' help for his dying daughter, demonstrating faith amidst desperation. 5. The House of JairusThe setting for this miracle, representing a place of sorrow transformed into a place of joy through Jesus' intervention. Teaching Points Faith in the Face of DoubtThe laughter of the mourners contrasts with the faith of Jairus. Believers are called to trust in Jesus' power even when circumstances seem impossible. Jesus' Authority Over DeathThis passage affirms Jesus' divine authority, encouraging believers to trust in His power over all aspects of life and death. Responding to SkepticismJesus' calm response to the laughter of the mourners teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith despite skepticism or ridicule from others. The Power of Jesus' WordJesus' declaration that the girl is not dead but asleep demonstrates the transformative power of His word, encouraging believers to rely on Scripture in times of doubt. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 8:53?
2. How does Luke 8:53 challenge our understanding of Jesus' power over death?
3. Why did the crowd "laugh at Him" in Luke 8:53?
4. What does Luke 8:53 teach about faith in seemingly impossible situations?
5. How can we apply Jesus' response to doubt in our daily lives?
6. What other Bible stories illustrate overcoming disbelief through faith?
7. Why did the mourners laugh at Jesus in Luke 8:53?
8. How does Luke 8:53 challenge the concept of faith in miracles?
9. What cultural context explains the mourners' reaction in Luke 8:53?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 8?
11. What is the significance of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice?
12. (Luke 8:40–56) What evidence supports the claim that Jairus’s daughter was literally raised from the dead, and why isn’t there corroborating historical documentation?
13. Mark 5:35-42: Was Jairus's daughter truly dead, or could she have been in a coma, making her 'resurrection' more of a misdiagnosis?
14. Who do you say I am?What Does Luke 8:53 Mean And- The story flows seamlessly from Jesus’ earlier words to Jairus: “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:50). - This tiny connector reminds us that what follows is tied to a larger narrative of faith versus fear. See also Mark 5:35-36 and Matthew 9:23, where the same moment is linked by a simple “and,” underscoring continuity and urgency. - In Scripture, “and” often signals that God’s work is ongoing; it is not a new scene but the next beat in the same divine rhythm.
they laughed- Their laughter is scornful, displaying unbelief in the face of divine promise. - Similar mockery greets God’s messengers elsewhere: Genesis 19:14 (Lot’s sons-in-law “thought he was joking”), Psalm 22:7 (they “laugh me to scorn”), Luke 16:14 (the Pharisees “scoffed at Him”), Mark 5:40 (parallel account), Acts 17:32 (the crowd “sneered” at the resurrection message). - Such ridicule exposes hearts hardened by hopelessness; it contrasts sharply with Jesus’ call to simple trust.
at Him- The object of the ridicule is Jesus Himself, the very One who holds power over life and death (John 11:25-26). - Psalm 2:4 notes that God “laughs” at human rebellion; here, humans laugh at God incarnate—an ironic reversal showing spiritual blindness. - Yet Jesus remains undeterred, just as in Luke 7:14 when He spoke life to the widow’s son, proving that mockery never limits His authority.
knowing- The mourners are certain of their assessment. Their “knowledge” is rooted in visible evidence, but it is incomplete. - Proverbs 3:5-7 warns against leaning on our own understanding; 1 Corinthians 1:25 reminds us that “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.” - What they “know” sets the stage for Jesus to reveal a greater, truer knowledge.
that she was dead- Luke, a physician, affirms the literal reality: the girl was truly dead, not merely unconscious (Luke 8:52). - Death’s finality is clear throughout Scripture: Hebrews 9:27 speaks of the certainty of death, and Ecclesiastes 9:5 says “the dead know nothing.” - Yet Jesus consistently reframes death: John 11:11-14, Revelation 1:18. He calls it “sleep” (Luke 8:52) because, in His presence, death is only temporary.
summaryLuke 8:53 captures the clash between human impossibility and divine capability. The mourners’ scorn shows how quickly sight-driven certainty dismisses faith. Jesus receives their laughter without rebuke, then overturns their “knowledge” by raising the girl, proving that His word outranks every earthly assessment. Where the crowd ended with a period—death—Jesus inserts a comma, demonstrating that in His hands even finality is only a pause awaiting resurrection life. Verse 53. - They laughed him to scorn. These were, no doubt, the hired mourners. Familiar as they were with death, they ridiculed the idea of one whom they knew had passed away, awaking again as from a sleep. These public mourners were customary figures in all Jewish homes, even in the poorest where a death had occurred. They are still usual throughout the Levant. The expression, "laughed him to scorn," is found in Shakespeare - "Our castle's strength
Will laugh a siege to scorn."
(Macbeth,' act 5. sc. 5.) The Aramaic words, Talitha, kumi! "Maid, arise!" were just homely words, spoken in the language which the little girl was in the habit of hearing and using. The Master's tender care for the child was shown not merely in the choice of the language and the words, but in his loving thought after her resurrection, for we read how -
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AndΚαὶ (Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. they laughed atκατεγέλων (kategelōn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2606: To laugh at, ridicule. To laugh down, i.e. Deride.Him,αὐτοῦ (autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.knowingεἰδότες (eidotes)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. thatὅτι (hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.she was dead.ἀπέθανεν (apethanen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.
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NT Gospels: Luke 8:53 They were ridiculing him knowing that she (Luke Lu Lk) |
