Luke Chapter 13 · Verse 2
And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 20
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Δοκεῖτε
Suppose ye
G1380
Δοκεῖτε
Suppose ye
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
7 of 20
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
παρὰ
above
G3844
παρὰ
above
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγένοντο
were
G1096
ἐγένοντο
were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
17 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
John 9:2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Acts 28:4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.Luke 13:4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish theology, influenced by Deuteronomic covenant blessings and curses, often interpreted suffering as punishment for sin and prosperity as reward for righteousness. The book of Job challenges this simplistic theology, as does Jesus here. The Pharisees particularly emphasized the equation of suffering with guilt, which led them to avoid sinners lest they share their punishment. Jesus' teaching here undermines this entire worldview, establishing that all humanity stands equally guilty before God (Romans 3:23) and that God's grace, not human merit, determines salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching here relate to His statement that God 'makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good' (Matthew 5:45)?
- What false comfort might people derive from believing that suffering always indicates personal guilt?
- How should Christians respond to tragedy without either blaming victims or denying sin's reality?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus challenges the assumption that these murdered Galileans were worse sinners than others. The Greek phrase 'hamartōloi para pantas' (ἁμαρτωλοὶ παρὰ πάντας, 'sinners above all') indicates the people's belief that exceptional suffering proves exceptional guilt. This reflects the common ancient view (still prevalent today) that tragedy signals divine judgment for particular sins. Jesus categorically rejects this theology, which His disciples also held (John 9:2). The question expects a negative answer—'No, these Galileans were not greater sinners.' Universal human sinfulness means all equally deserve judgment; suffering does not correlate directly with individual guilt. This teaching prepares for the gospel truth that Christ suffered not for His own sins but as substitute for all.