And 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? Jesus escalates the kal v'chomer argument with devastating force. The phrase "daughter of Abraham" (θυγατέρα Ἀβραὰμ, thygatera Abraam) emphasizes her covenant status—she belongs to God's people, heir to the promises. Jesus affirms her full standing in Israel despite her affliction, contradicting assumptions that disability indicated divine disfavor.
The clause "whom Satan hath bound" (ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ Σατανᾶς, hēn edēsen ho Satanas) reveals the spiritual dimension. The verb deō (δέω) means to bind, tie, imprison—the opposite of lyō (λύω, to loose) used in verses 12, 15, and 16. This woman's suffering resulted from demonic oppression, making her condition not merely medical but spiritual warfare. Satan binds; Jesus looses. The Sabbath, God's gift of rest and liberation, is the perfect day to break Satan's chains.
The time reference—"eighteen years" (δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη)—underscores the urgency. Nearly two decades of suffering! Yet the ruler demanded she wait another day. Jesus' rhetorical question expects the answer "Yes, of course she should be loosed!" The argument is irresistible: if you loose animals from mere physical need, how much more should this covenant daughter be loosed from Satanic bondage? The Sabbath celebrates liberation from slavery (Deuteronomy 5:15)—what better day to free a captive?
Historical Context
The title "daughter of Abraham" affirmed Jewish identity and covenant membership. Romans 9:4-5 lists the privileges of Israelites: adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, promises, patriarchs, and Messiah. Jesus asserts that this woman, despite physical disability, fully belongs to the covenant community. His appeal to Abraham resonates with Jewish honor for their patriarch and counters any suggestion that her condition disqualified her from God's favor. The Sabbath itself commemorated deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15), making liberation from Satan's bondage perfectly appropriate for the Sabbath.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' defense of the woman as a 'daughter of Abraham' teach about the full inclusion of all believers regardless of physical condition?
How does recognizing spiritual warfare behind some physical suffering affect our approach to prayer and ministry?
Why is the Sabbath (commemorating liberation from slavery) the perfect day to break Satan's chains?
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Analysis & Commentary
And 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? Jesus escalates the kal v'chomer argument with devastating force. The phrase "daughter of Abraham" (θυγατέρα Ἀβραὰμ, thygatera Abraam) emphasizes her covenant status—she belongs to God's people, heir to the promises. Jesus affirms her full standing in Israel despite her affliction, contradicting assumptions that disability indicated divine disfavor.
The clause "whom Satan hath bound" (ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ Σατανᾶς, hēn edēsen ho Satanas) reveals the spiritual dimension. The verb deō (δέω) means to bind, tie, imprison—the opposite of lyō (λύω, to loose) used in verses 12, 15, and 16. This woman's suffering resulted from demonic oppression, making her condition not merely medical but spiritual warfare. Satan binds; Jesus looses. The Sabbath, God's gift of rest and liberation, is the perfect day to break Satan's chains.
The time reference—"eighteen years" (δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη)—underscores the urgency. Nearly two decades of suffering! Yet the ruler demanded she wait another day. Jesus' rhetorical question expects the answer "Yes, of course she should be loosed!" The argument is irresistible: if you loose animals from mere physical need, how much more should this covenant daughter be loosed from Satanic bondage? The Sabbath celebrates liberation from slavery (Deuteronomy 5:15)—what better day to free a captive?