Lexical Summary Iairos: Jairus Original Word: Ἰάϊρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jairus. Of Hebrew origin (Ya'iyr); Jairus (i.e. Jair), an Israelite -- Jairus. see HEBREW Ya'iyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Yair Definition Jairus, the ruler of a synagogue in Pal. NASB Translation Jairus (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2383: ἸάειροςἸάειρος, Ἰαειρου (cf. Buttmann, 18 (16)), ὁ (יָאִיר (i. e. whom Jehovah enlightens), Numbers 32:41), Jairus (pronoun, Ja-i'-rus), a ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter Jesus restored to life: Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41. (Cf. B. D. American edition, under the word.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Mark 5:22—“Then one of the synagogue leaders named Jairus came, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet.” Luke 8:41—“Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, begging Him to come to his house.” Historical and Cultural Background Jairus was an ἀρχisunagōgos, the presiding elder responsible for order, teaching arrangements, and care of the synagogue scrolls. Such leaders were respected, often affluent, and expected to uphold Pharisaic standards. For a figure of this rank to prostrate himself before Jesus in public shows striking humility and signals the growing recognition of Jesus’ messianic authority within Jewish religious structures. Role in the Ministry of Jesus Jairus’ plea draws Jesus to perform one of His most dramatic miracles before Jewish witnesses: raising a twelve-year-old girl from death (Mark 5:35-42; Luke 8:49-56). The narrative is deliberately interrupted by the healing of the hemorrhaging woman, linking two accounts of twelve years—twelve years of life suddenly cut off and twelve years of suffering suddenly ended. Jairus therefore becomes a narrative hinge, highlighting that Christ’s compassion is not restricted by social status (a prominent male leader) or ceremonial impurity (an ostracized woman). Theological Themes and Doctrinal Implications 1. Authority over Death. Jairus’ account testifies that the Son of God speaks and life returns (Mark 5:41). It foreshadows the empty tomb and affirms bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). Christological Significance By addressing the dead girl with tender Aramaic (“Talitha koum”), Jesus displays both His humanity and His divine prerogative to command life itself. Jairus’ synagogue status underlines that Jesus is not merely a marginal miracle-worker but the long-expected Shepherd drawing even Israel’s leaders to Himself (Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11). Connections with Other Biblical Narratives • Prefigures Elijah’s and Elisha’s restorations (1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37), establishing Jesus as the greater prophet foretold (Deuteronomy 18:15). Lessons for Believers • Humble Approach: Rank is no substitute for kneeling at Jesus’ feet (James 4:10). Implications for Church Ministry Today 1. Elders and pastors, like Jairus, must acknowledge their own dependence on Christ’s power, not institutional position. Summary Jairus stands as a memorable witness that Jesus Christ is Lord over disease, time, social boundaries, and death itself. His brief but poignant appearance confirms the reliability of the Gospel accounts, underscores key doctrines of faith and resurrection, and offers enduring guidance for individual disciples and church leaders. Forms and Transliterations Ιαειρος Ἰάειρος Ἰάϊρος Iairos IáïrosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:22 N-NMSGRK: ἀρχισυναγώγων ὀνόματι Ἰάϊρος καὶ ἰδὼν NAS: named Jairus came KJV: of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; INT: rulers of synagogue by name Jarius and having seen Luke 8:41 N-NMS |
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