Luke 8:53

53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

Luke 8:53 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 8:53

And they laughed him to scorn
The servants, neighbours, and relations, the pipers, and mourning women: these, from weeping for the dead, fell to laughing at Christ, having him and his words in the utmost derision:

knowing that she was dead:
some of them having been employed in laying her out, and all of them having seen her, and were satisfied, and thoroughly assured, that she was actually dead, as ever any person was, as she doubtless was; but they were ignorant in what sense Christ meant she was not dead, but asleep; (See Gill on Matthew 9:24). (See Gill on Mark 5:39).

Luke 8:53 In-Context

51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.

52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, "Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping."

53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise."

55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.