Luke 14:2
And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Ancient medical understanding attributed dropsy to various causes, sometimes viewing it as divine judgment for sin. The condition's visible swelling made sufferers objects of public attention and speculation about their spiritual state. That this man was present at a Pharisee's meal indicates either he was placed there deliberately as a test, or Jesus' reputation for compassion attracted the sick wherever He went. The incident parallels other Sabbath healings (Luke 6:6-11, 13:10-17, John 5:1-18, 9:1-41) where religious leaders opposed Jesus' mercy ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the man's strategic positioning reveal about the Pharisees' hardness of heart?
- How does Jesus' response to obvious entrapment model wisdom and courage?
- In what ways might contemporary opponents of the gospel similarly manipulate situations to discredit Christian witness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke notes: 'And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.' The man's presence 'before him' (ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ, emprosthen autou) suggests he was positioned where Jesus couldn't avoid seeing him. 'Dropsy' (ὑδρωπικός, hydrōpikos) refers to edema, abnormal fluid accumulation causing swelling. This painful condition was often associated with heart, liver, or kidney disease. The man's presence at a Pharisee's house was unusual—such gatherings typically excluded the sick and disabled. His strategic positioning suggests the Pharisees placed him there to test Jesus: would He heal on the Sabbath and thus violate their traditions?