What does "Talitha Cumi" mean in English?

Definition and Scriptural Location

“Talitha Cumi” is an Aramaic phrase found in the Gospel of Mark when Jesus raises a young girl from the dead. Specifically, Mark 5:41 states: “Taking her by the hand, He said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’).” These words appear in the original text as a direct quotation from Jesus. Although English translations vary slightly (“Little girl, arise,” “Little girl, get up,” “Child, get up,” etc.), they all capture the core meaning of calling someone to rise to life.

Etymology and Meaning

“Talitha” is an Aramaic term referring to a young girl or maiden, often with a sense of tenderness or affection. “Cumi” (sometimes spelled “koum,” “kum,” or “kumi”) is a command form of the Aramaic verb “to arise” or “to get up.” Together, “Talitha Cumi” can be literally understood as “Little girl, arise” or “Little girl, get up.” The phrase reflects both the gentle tone Jesus uses in addressing the child and His commanding authority over life and death.

Context in Mark Chapter 5

The broader context of Mark 5 describes a series of miracles demonstrating Jesus’ power over the physical and spiritual realms. In this specific incident, a synagogue ruler named Jairus pleads for Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Before they can return to Jairus’s home, people arrive with news of the girl’s death. Jesus continues undeterred, insisting that she is merely “asleep” and not beyond hope. Taking Peter, James, and John (along with the parents) into the child’s room, Jesus tenderly speaks the words “Talitha Cumi,” and the girl immediately gets up and walks.

These verses present a dramatic display of divine power. It shows a miracle of resurrection foreshadowing Christ’s own resurrection, reinforcing the scriptural teaching that He has authority even over the grave. Such miracles are recorded consistently across multiple biblical narratives as attested by numerous manuscripts.

Significance in Theme and Theology

1. Authority Over Death: “Talitha Cumi” demonstrates the divine authority of Jesus to restore life. The immediate response of the girl to Christ’s command underscores His power over death—a theme central to the larger Christian claim of the resurrection of Christ as the ultimate victory over death (1 Corinthians 15).

2. Compassionate Character of Jesus: The intimate way in which Jesus addresses the girl, using “Talitha” (“little girl”), highlights His gentleness. It matches His consistent love and compassion throughout the Gospels (Mark 10:14).

3. Strengthening Faith: Jairus’s faith was tested when he received the news of his daughter’s death. Yet Jesus invited him to “Just believe” (Mark 5:36). The miracle, sealed by the words “Talitha Cumi,” emphasizes faith in Jesus even when circumstances appear hopeless.

Manuscript and Linguistic Evidence

Existing early manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel, such as parts found in the Chester Beatty Papyri (P45) and other ancient codices, preserve the Aramaic words within the Greek text, reflecting the careful tradition of transmitting Jesus’ very utterances. Scholarly research points out that retaining the Aramaic is consistent with eyewitness accounts, as Mark often preserves Semitic terms (e.g., “Ephphatha” in Mark 7:34) to emphasize the authenticity of the events.

Archaeological discoveries and textual analyses have overwhelmingly shown that the Gospel accounts circulated widely among early Christian communities, and the consistency of these Aramaic words across manuscripts supports the reliability of Mark’s text.

Aramaic as Spoken Language

First-century Judea was a multilingual region where Aramaic served as the common language. Preserving words like “Talitha Cumi” directly portrays how Jesus would have spoken in everyday life. This authentic detail bolsters the historicity of the passage and confirms that the narrative is rooted in real cultural linguistics of the time.

Historical and Archaeological Corroborations

• Synagogue and Village Life: Excavations in places like Capernaum and other Galilean sites from the first century confirm the presence of Jewish synagogues, family homes, and daily life practices consistent with biblical descriptions of where these events took place.

• Cultural Practices Surrounding Death: Burial and mourning customs of the era, attested by archaeological finds, align with people’s reaction to Jairus’s daughter’s death (Mark 5:38–40). The historical context helps illustrate the gravity of Jesus’ raising a supposedly deceased child.

Relevance and Reflection

For readers today, “Talitha Cumi” stands as a powerful example of hope and restoration. It demonstrates a moment when sorrow was swiftly turned into joy through divine intervention. It encourages trust that no situation is beyond possible redemption. In congregational and personal devotion, these words often serve as a reminder of life’s fragility and the compassionate sovereignty of the One who overcomes death.

Moreover, the phrase invites all believers and seekers alike to consider the deeper implications of Jesus’ identity and authority—He who spoke these words to a little girl is the same One who rose from the dead, pointing to ultimate salvation and eternal life.

Conclusion

“Talitha Cumi” in English means, “Little girl, arise” or “Little girl, get up.” Encountered in Mark 5:41, this simple yet profound phrase illuminates Jesus’ compassionate heart, His supreme power to give life, and the authenticity of the Gospel accounts that preserve real words spoken in a first-century Aramaic context. The miracle of raising Jairus’s daughter affirms that hope does not end at life’s darkest moments. It shows that Jesus’ command transcends natural boundaries—just as His very resurrection later demonstrates the promise of new life for all who believe.