Interpretation of Luke 8:50

Bible Verse: "But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."

This verse occurs at a critical moment in the narrative, as it pertains to the healing of Jairus' daughter. Jesus's response reflects both His divine authority and His compassionate nature. Below, we delve into the insights from various public domain commentaries to provide a comprehensive understanding of this verse.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of faith in this passage. He notes that Jesus reassured Jairus not to fear, but to believe. The emphasis is placed on the necessity of faith in receiving God’s promises, especially in desperate times.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes suggests that the command to fear not reflects Jesus' recognition of the deep distress Jairus was experiencing. Barnes points out that Jesus often instructed people to maintain faith even in the midst of sorrow, indicating that faith is a powerful force against despair.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke adds that this statement underscores the continuity of belief and healing. He interprets Jesus’ words as a reminder that belief precedes the miraculous. Clarke suggests that this interaction illustrates the relationship between faith and divine intervention.

Key Themes

The predominant themes in Luke 8:50 include:

• Faith: The act of believing is foundational in experiencing divine healing.
• Divine Assurance: Jesus provides comfort in times of fear, encouraging believers to trust in His power.
• Healing: The promise of restoration reflects God's intimate concern for human suffering.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse can be cross-referenced with the following scriptures that offer additional insights into its themes:

• Mark 5:36: "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe." - Similar assurances of faith amid fear.
• Matthew 9:22: "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." - Recognition of faith leading to healing.
• John 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" - Emphasizing belief in miraculous events.
• Luke 17:19: "And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." - Further illustration of faith’s role in healing.
• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Definition of faith as it relates to belief and trust in God.
• James 5:15: "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up..." - Connection between faith, prayer, and healing.
• Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Faith arises from engagement with God’s Word, linking scripture with faith in action.

Connections Between Bible Verses

Luke 8:50 illustrates key principles that resonate throughout scripture:

• Faith amid fear is a recurring theme; believers are reminded to remain steadfast during trials.
• The connection between healing and faith is often highlighted, echoing the series of miracles performed by Jesus.
• Jesus’s assurance not to fear can be likened to numerous affirmations throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's presence in times of distress.

Comparative Bible Verse Analysis

In conducting a comparative Bible verse analysis, one can observe how themes in Luke 8:50 are mirrored in other passages within the Gospels:

• Both the stories of Jairus’ daughter and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) highlight the faith of individuals seeking Jesus’s intervention.
• Matthew 14:31 offers a parallel instance where Jesus tells Peter, who is sinking in the water, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This showcases the critical nature of unwavering belief.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those seeking deeper understanding through cross-referencing, various tools can aid in exploring scripture:

• Bible Concordance: A valuable resource for finding keywords and themes across the Bible.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A systematized method to follow thematic elements and similar verses.
• Cross-reference Bible Study: Involves systematic study using linked verses to uncover deeper meanings.

Conclusion

Luke 8:50 stands as a powerful reminder of the interplay between fear and faith, assurance and healing. By utilizing cross-referenced scriptures, believers can enrich their understanding and deepen their faith in God's promise of restoration. Engaging with the Bible through these insights offers a pathway for spiritual growth and understanding the profound connections within God’s Word.