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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek and other ancient words in Biblical studies provides insight into the cultural and linguistic context of the Scriptures. The word “κουμ” (koum), found in Mark 5:41, is significant because it is one of the few examples of a transliterated Aramaic word appearing in the New Testament. This word is part of the phrase “Talitha koum,” spoken by Jesus when raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead. Studying this word offers insights into the use of Aramaic language during the time of Jesus and its relevance in the Gospel narratives.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κουμ (koum) [koom].

Etymology: The word “κουμ” is a transliteration from the Aramaic word קוּם (qum), meaning “rise” or “stand up.” It is an imperative form in Aramaic, a command often used in the context of healing or resurrection narratives.

Part of Speech: Verb, Imperative. In its imperative form, “κουμ” serves as a direct command or instruction. It does not follow the typical Greek conjugation rules since it is a transliteration from Aramaic.

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Defining Meanings

1. Rise: The primary meaning of “κουμ” is “rise” or “get up.” In the context of Mark 5:41, it is a command given by Jesus to bring Jairus’s daughter back to life, highlighting both the literal and metaphorical concept of rising from death.
2. Stand Up: The word can also mean “stand up,” indicating a call to action or awakening from a state of rest or inactivity. This usage is common in Aramaic commands, particularly in healing contexts.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) [a-NEE-ste-mee]: A Greek word meaning “to rise” or “to stand up.” While similar in concept to “κουμ,” it is used more broadly in Greek literature to describe standing up, rising from a position, or even resurrection.
2. ἐγείρω (egeirō) [e-GEI-roh]: Another Greek verb meaning “to raise” or “to awaken.” This word is frequently used in the New Testament for resurrection, similar to “κουμ,” but is native to Greek rather than a transliteration from another language.
3. ἐξανίστημι (exanistēmi) [ex-a-NEE-ste-mee]: This Greek word means “to rise up” or “to awaken.” It can refer to both physical rising and metaphorical awakening, similar to “κουμ” but with a broader range of uses in classical Greek texts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a transliterated word from Aramaic, “κουμ” does not conform to standard Greek morphological rules. It is treated as a verb in the imperative form, with the Aramaic original being קוּם (qum). This word does not have Greek declension or conjugation tables, as it is a fixed form.

For further insights into understanding Greek and its interaction with other languages in the New Testament, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word “κουμ” in Mark 5:41 is particularly important in its use as a transliterated Aramaic phrase. Lexicons note that this occurrence reflects the authentic speech of Jesus, who likely spoke Aramaic in daily life. This transliteration suggests that the phrase “Talitha koum” was deemed significant enough to be preserved in its original linguistic form, pointing to its powerful impact on early Christian communities. Theological interpretations often emphasize the immediacy and authority of Jesus’ command, which directly resulted in a miracle. The lexical studies also highlight how the use of Aramaic phrases in the Gospels serves to root the text in its historical and cultural context. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Mark 5:41: “Taking her by the hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ (κουμ), which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

As “κουμ” is a transliteration from Aramaic rather than a native Greek word, it does not appear in classical Greek literature or the Septuagint. Its usage is specific to the New Testament, reflecting a unique context within the Gospel narrative where direct speech in Aramaic is preserved for emphasis.

Noteworthy Summary

The word “κουμ” is a powerful example of how the New Testament integrates Aramaic, the spoken language of Jesus and his contemporaries, within the Greek text. Appearing in Mark 5:41, this command by Jesus to Jairus’s daughter—“Talitha koum”—carries deep theological implications of resurrection, authority, and the authenticity of Jesus’ miracles. It reminds readers of the interconnectedness of language and culture in the early Christian narrative.

Did You Know?

1. “Koum” is one of the few Aramaic words directly quoted in the New Testament, highlighting the authenticity of Jesus’ spoken words.
2. The phrase “Talitha koum” has been preserved in its original language to emphasize the miracle’s immediacy and Jesus’ authority over life and death.
3. The use of Aramaic in the New Testament provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural setting of Jesus’ ministry, especially in a predominantly Greek-speaking world.