Nain

Nain is a city in Galilee, mentioned only in connection with one event: the raising of a widow's only son at its gate.

The City and the Funeral Procession

The setting is named in passing as Jesus arrives: "And it came to pass soon afterward, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude" (Lu 7:11). At the gate the two crowds meet: "Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, look, there was carried out one who was dead, the only begotten son of his mother, and she was a widow: and many people of the city were with her" (Lu 7:12).

The Restoration

Compassion comes first, and then a word: "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, Do not weep. And he came near and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say to you, Arise" (Lu 7:13-14). The result is immediate: "And he who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother" (Lu 7:15).

The Aftermath

The crowd's response frames the place forever after: "And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet has arisen among us: and, God has visited his people. And this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judea, and all the surrounding region" (Lu 7:16-17).