New Testament
Luke 8:53
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, we see a moment of disbelief and mockery from the people surrounding Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead.
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment of disbelief and mockery from the people surrounding Jesus. They had witnessed the death of a girl and were convinced that there was no hope for her. When Jesus arrived and spoke of her being only asleep, they laughed at him, showing their skepticism and lack of faith. This reaction highlights a common human tendency to dismiss the possibility of miracles or divine intervention when faced with dire circumstances. The laughter signifies not just disbelief but also a rejection of the hope that Jesus offered. It serves as a reminder that faith often requires us to look beyond our immediate understanding and circumstances. Jesus, however, was undeterred by their scorn, demonstrating his authority over life and death. This moment sets the stage for a powerful miracle that would soon follow, illustrating the contrast between human doubt and divine power.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 8:53 to your life
When faced with situations that seem hopeless, we may encounter skepticism from others or even within ourselves. This verse encourages us to hold onto faith and trust in God's power, even when circumstances appear bleak. Remember that what seems impossible to us is possible for God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:53 mean?
Luke 8:53 illustrates the disbelief of those around Jesus when he claimed a girl who had died was merely asleep. Their laughter reflects a lack of faith and understanding of Jesus' power over life and death.
What is the significance of laughter in Luke 8:53?
The laughter in Luke 8:53 signifies skepticism and mockery from the crowd, highlighting their inability to accept the possibility of a miracle. It contrasts human doubt with the divine authority of Jesus.
How does Luke 8:53 relate to faith?
Luke 8:53 relates to faith by showing how easily people can dismiss hope in dire situations. It encourages believers to maintain faith in God's power, even when faced with overwhelming doubt.
What can we learn from Luke 8:53?
From Luke 8:53, we learn that skepticism can arise in challenging times, but it is important to trust in God's ability to perform miracles. This verse reminds us to look beyond our immediate circumstances.

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.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.