Matthew 9 · a question people ask
In Matthew the ruler says his daughter "has just died" (9:18). Don't Mark and Luke tell it differently?
Here are the verses side by side. In Matthew the ruler's first words are "My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live" (9:18). In Mark, Jairus says, "My little daughter is at the point of death" (Mark 5:23), and later, "While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house", saying, "Your daughter is dead" (Mark 5:35). Luke says "she was dying" (Luke 8:42), and then one comes saying, "Your daughter is dead" (Luke 8:49). Matthew tells of no one coming from the house. Favor's Mark 5 sets the three side by side too, in Three Gospels, side by side. These notes quote each Gospel in its own words and don't explain the difference.
The verses
“While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.””
“and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.””
“While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house, saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?””
“for he had an only born daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as he went, the multitudes pressed against him.”