But when Jesus heard it
The message that was brought to the ruler, and the hint that was given, that it was needless to give him any further trouble:
he answered him;
not the messenger, but the father of the child, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read:
saying, fear not:
do not be dismayed at this message, nor despair of help, notwithstanding such is the case:
believe only, and she shall be made whole;
exercise faith in me, that I am able to raise her from the dead, and I will do it; and she shall be restored to life, and to perfect health and strength again.