New Testament
Luke 8:51
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 8:51 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Luke 8:40–56)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 8:51
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 8:51
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.