5:36a

But: In Greek this verse begins with a conjunction that often shows contrast. Though the words of 5:35b–c were spoken to Jairus, Jesus heard them. To show this, the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions begin this verse with “But.” Connect these verses in a way that is natural in your language.

Jesus overheard their conversation: There are two ways to interpret the meaning of the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as overheard:

(1) It means to “overhear.” Jesus heard the words spoken in 5:35b–c although they were not spoken to him. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible says:

Jesus overheard what they said

(Berean Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

(2) It means to “ignore” something that is said. Here Jesus did not agree that he should not go to Jairus’ house because his daughter was dead. For example, the Good News Bible says:

Jesus paid no attention to what they said

(Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Bible, NET Bible, New Living Translation, 1996 edition, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The Greek word can mean both (1) and (2), and both are true in this context. But interpretation (2) implies interpretation (1).

5:36b

and said to Jairus: Here the Greek describes Jairus by his title. Consider again if it would be more natural in your language to refer to him by name (“Jairus”), as the Berean Standard Bible does, or by his title/function (“the synagogue leader”).

5:36c

Do not be afraid; just believe: These two expressions of encouragement contrast with each other. The first says what Jairus should not do; the second says what he should do. In some languages it may be natural to connect them with a word of contrast. For example:

Do not be afraid. Instead just believe.

Do not be afraid: Consider if “afraid” is the way people in your culture would describe the emotion that Jairus would have felt in this context. In some languages it may be better to use a different expression. For example:

Do not be distressed/troubled
-or-
Do not despair

just believe: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as believe means to be confident of something or to trust someone. In this verse, Jesus did not say explicitly what or who Jairus should believe. In this context, it probably means that Jairus should continue to believe that Jesus could help his daughter.

In some languages a verb like “believe” or “trust” requires an object. If that is true in your language, here are some examples for this context:

only keep trusting me
-or-
just continue to believe that I can save your daughter

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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