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?

In the text

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.””
Matthew 9:18 · World English Bible
“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.””
Mark 5:23 · World English Bible
“While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house, saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?””
Mark 5:35 · World English Bible
“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.”
Luke 8:42 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 9

Matthew 9: According to your faith

In Matthew 9 Jesus says "cheer up" twice: "Son" to a paralyzed man (9:2) and "Daughter" to a woman (9:22). He says "Follow me" to Matthew, who "got up and followed him" (9:9), and a few verses later "Jesus got up and followed" a ruler (9:19). And of the three tellings of the meal, only Matthew's has "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice" (9:13).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Matthew 9

All questions about Matthew →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions