Mark 5:39-40

Jesus meant that she was asleep in death. He used the word "sleep" figuratively (cf. Matthew 9:24; John 11:11-14). He meant that though she was dead, her death would be no more permanent than sleep. [Note: Cranfield, p. 189.] The observers present, however, took Jesus’ words literally and mocked the Great Physician for His superficial diagnosis. Their reaction proves that she was dead. Jesus excluded them and allowed only those whom He wanted to witness the miracle to stay.