Did Jesus raise Jairus' daughter from the dead?

Another answer from our community:

According to Matthew, the daughter of Jairus is already dead. Matthew 9:18.

According to Mark 5:23 & Luke 8:41-42, Jesus merely healed the sick.

Another answer

This incident is recorded in the three synoptic Gospels, Matthew Mark and Luke.

These accounts listed above are from the first request for help to the end. In between, while on the way to Jairus' home there was an incident where Jesus performed another healing which delayed Him slightly. This is also mentioned in all three accounts.

Was She Dead?

Probably the first thing which needs to be established is whether in fact she was dead. The verses below can be read regarding this:

Matthew 9:18: (King James Version)

18While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Mark 5:35:

35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

Luke 8:49:

49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Matthew 9:23-24:

23And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

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

Mark has 2 verses almost identical here to Matthew. see Mark 5:38-40

Luke 8:52-53

52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

53And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

In relation to this second group of verses which describe the scene immediately before the raising of Jairus' daughter it may help to understand that in those days (and this is still done in some cultures today) there were people who would be paid mourners, to express grief on behalf of the family. Since the girl had evidently died before Jesus arrived these were already 'on the job.' Such people would not and could not (this would have been the height of insults) begin unless the person was actually dead.

Thus they all knew she was dead, which may explain why they 'laughed Him to scorn.'

In regard to the death, we must remember that death was a first-hand experience for people in those days with little medical treatments that we have today - but they knew it when they saw it. There is not one dissenting voice in this regard, although we may have expected this if there was any doubt.

Jesus most certainly raised Jairus' daughter from the dead. The Biblical record is unanimous in stating that she was dead. It is also unanimous in stating that Jesus raised her from death.