New Testament
Luke 8:51
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus arrives at a house where a girl is reported to be dead.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
When he arrived at the house, he didn't let anyone go inside with him except Peter, James, John, and the girl's father and mother.
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus arrives at a house where a girl is reported to be dead. He chooses to take only a small group of people with him: Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents. This selective approach highlights the importance of faith and intimacy in moments of crisis. By limiting the number of witnesses, Jesus creates a private space for the miracle he is about to perform. It also emphasizes the significance of having trusted companions during difficult times. The presence of the girl's parents indicates the personal nature of the situation, as they are directly affected by their daughter's condition. This moment sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over life and death, reinforcing the belief that he can bring hope and healing even in the most desperate circumstances. Explore related miracles.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 8:51 to your life
In our own lives, we may face situations that require us to lean on a close circle of trusted friends or family. Like Jesus, we should recognize the value of having supportive people around us during challenging times. This can help us maintain faith and find strength in difficult moments.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:51 mean?
Luke 8:51 describes Jesus arriving at a house where a girl is believed to be dead. He only allows Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents to enter, emphasizing the importance of faith and the intimate nature of the situation.
Why did Jesus only take Peter, James, and John in Luke 8:51?
Jesus took only Peter, James, and John to create a private environment for the miracle he was about to perform. This selective group highlights the significance of having trusted companions during critical moments.
What is the significance of the girl's parents in Luke 8:51?
The girl's parents are included in Luke 8:51 to show the personal impact of the situation. Their presence underscores the emotional weight of the moment and the intimate connection between Jesus and those affected by the girl's condition.
What themes are present in Luke 8:51?
Luke 8:51 touches on themes of faith, miracles, intimacy, and community support. It illustrates the authority of Jesus over life and death and the importance of having a close circle during crises.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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