{"id":48904,"date":"2024-04-25T01:25:29","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T22:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=48904"},"modified":"2025-06-02T17:22:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T14:22:40","slug":"does-the-bible-contradict-itself-in-the-story-of-jairus-daughter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2024\/04\/25\/does-the-bible-contradict-itself-in-the-story-of-jairus-daughter\/","title":{"rendered":"Does the Bible contradict itself in the story of Jairus\u2019 daughter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some people claim the Bible contradicts itself in the story of Jairus\u2019 daughter. In Mark 5:23 and Luke 8:42, it says the daughter was at the point of death<\/em>, but in Matthew 9:18, it says she was already dead<\/em>. Which account is correct?<\/p>\n

Answer:<\/strong>
\nThe Bible does not contradict itself. The difference is due to where each Gospel writer begins the narrative. Understanding the context and the inspired nature of Scripture helps clarify this.<\/p>\n

What the texts say:<\/h3>\n

Mark 5:23\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMy little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.\u201d<\/em>
\nJairus approaches Jesus while his daughter is still alive but critically ill.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mark 5:35-36<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYour daughter is dead,\u201d they said. \u201cWhy bother the teacher anymore?\u201d
\nOverhearing what they said, Jesus told him, \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid; just believe.\u201d<\/em>
\nHere, the daughter\u2019s death is reported after Jairus seeks Jesus\u2019 help.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Matthew 9:18<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYour daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Matthew begins his account after the news of her death.<\/p>\n

The Gospels are inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore do not contradict each other. Each writer emphasizes different aspects of the story for their audience.<\/p>\n