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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, has pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus travels to the house, word arrives that the girl has died, prompting Jesus' response to Jairus.
What Does Mark 5:36 Mean?
Mark 5:36 is Jesus' word of courage to a grieving father -- in the face of devastating news, He calls Jairus to set aside fear and keep trusting. Jairus, a synagogue ruler, had begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and now messengers report that she has died.
The verse turns on timing: "As soon as Jesus heard" -- before despair could take hold, He spoke. The world had just told Jairus that hope was over. Jesus immediately offered a different word: "Be not afraid, only believe." Notice He does not deny the painful report or minimize the loss. Instead He addresses the fear that the news would naturally produce and points Jairus toward continued trust. The word "only" is striking -- in this moment, when there is nothing left for a father to do, the one thing asked of him is to keep believing. Faith here is not a feeling Jairus has to manufacture but a decision to keep his eyes on Jesus rather than on the report of death. What follows in the chapter shows that his trust was not misplaced. The verse stands as Jesus' steady invitation to all who face news that seems final: do not let fear have the last word; keep trusting Him.
In the Original Language
The Greek "phobeo" (be afraid) is here a command not to fear. "Pisteuo" (believe) means to trust and rely upon, the steady response Jesus calls for.
Cross References
“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
- John 11:40
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
- Isaiah 41:10
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
- Mark 9:23
Application
When circumstances declare that all hope is lost, Jesus invites us to keep trusting Him rather than surrendering to fear.