Talitha Cumi

Aramaic words spoken by Jesus and retained by Mark in his Gospel (Mk 5:41). Jairus, a synagogue official in the Galilean region, called on Jesus to heal his sick daughter; however, she died before Jesus arrived. Coming to the girl, Jesus took her hand and said, “Talitha cumi,” meaning “Little girl, arise.” “Talitha” is a term of affection meaning “lamb” or “youth.” “Cumi” is a command to rise up, translated by Mark as “I say to you, arise!”

In his Gospel, Mark includes other Aramaic phrases attributed to Jesus (Mk 3:17; 5:41; 7:11, 34; 11:9-10; 14:36; 15:22, 34). Matthew retains only two Aramaic phrases (Mt 27:33, 46), and Luke keeps none.