Mark 5:36 - Exposition

The words of the narrative, as they stand in the Authorized Version, are: As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. But there is good authority for the reading παρακούσας instead of εὐθέως ἀκούσας which requires the rendering, but Jesus , not heeding , or overhearing. This word ( παρακούω ) occurs in one other place in the Gospels, namely, in Matthew 18:17 , "And if he refuse to hear them ( ἐὰν δὲ παρακούσῃ αὐτῶν ) . " Here the word can only have th e meaning of "not heeding," or " refusing to hear." This seems to be a strong reason for giving the word a somewhat similar meaning in this passage. And therefore, on the whole, "not heeding" seems to be the best rendering. Indeed, it seems to cover both meanings. Our Lord would overhear, and yet not heed, the word spoken.