Luke 13:11
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεῦμα
a spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
a spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἔχουσα
which had
G2192
ἔχουσα
which had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀσθενείας
of infirmity
G769
ἀσθενείας
of infirmity
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
7 of 21
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συγκύπτουσα
bowed together
G4794
συγκύπτουσα
bowed together
Strong's:
G4794
Word #:
14 of 21
to stoop altogether, i.e., be completely overcome by
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 8:2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,Luke 13:16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?Psalms 6:2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.Mark 9:21And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.Luke 8:27And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.Acts 4:22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.Luke 8:43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,Psalms 146:8The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:Psalms 145:14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.Psalms 38:6I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
Historical Context
Jewish Sabbath restrictions had multiplied through oral tradition (Mishnah tractate Shabbat lists 39 prohibited activities). While emergency medical care was permitted, Jesus' critics viewed this chronic condition as non-emergency. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy—they untie animals for water on Sabbath (v.15) but object to liberating humans from Satan's bondage. His argument from lesser to greater (animals vs. humans) follows rabbinic logic while subverting their conclusions. This confrontation exemplifies Jesus' Sabbath controversies throughout His ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' healing on the Sabbath reveal that religious rules must serve human flourishing rather than become ends in themselves?
- What does calling this afflicted woman 'daughter of Abraham' teach about God's covenant faithfulness even in suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus heals on the Sabbath: 'And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself' (καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας ἔτη δεκαοκτώ, καὶ ἦν συγκύπτουσα καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακύψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές). This woman had suffered 18 years under demonic bondage ('spirit of infirmity,' πνεῦμα ἀσθενείας), bent double, unable to straighten. Jesus' compassion overcomes Sabbath regulations—He calls her 'daughter of Abraham' (v.16), affirming her covenant status despite physical affliction. His healing demonstrates that the Sabbath's true purpose is liberation from bondage, foreshadowing gospel freedom from sin's slavery.