Bible Dictionary
Jairus
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue whose daughter Jesus restored to life. Jesus took her by the hand and commanded her to arise.
Definition
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum and the father of an only daughter whom Jesus restored to life. Jesus entered the room with the child’s parents and three disciples, took command of the situation, and ordered the girl to arise and be given food.
Biblical Usage
Jairus’s daughter was restored when Jesus said, “Maid, arise.” The event demonstrates Jesus’ authority over death and the return of the child to ordinary life.
Historical Background
Jairus held the position of ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum. The supplied material gives no further biographical information about him.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum, whose only daughter Jesus restored to life (Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41). Entering into the chamber of death, accompanied by Peter and James and John and the father and mother of the maiden, he went forward to the bed whereon the corpse lay, and said, Talitha cumi, i.e., “Maid, arise,” and immediately the spirit of the maiden came to her again, and she arose straightway; and “at once to strengthen that life which had come back to her, and to prove that she was indeed no ghost, but had returned to the realities of a mortal existence, he commanded to give her something to eat” (Mark 5:43).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(whom God enlightens).