Luke 7:13
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
when the Lord
G2962
κύριος
when the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐσπλαγχνίσθη
he had compassion
G4697
ἐσπλαγχνίσθη
he had compassion
Strong's:
G4697
Word #:
6 of 13
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Psalms 103:13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Jeremiah 31:20Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.Luke 8:52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.Psalms 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Mark 8:2I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:John 20:15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Historical Context
Widows in ancient society were economically and socially vulnerable, lacking male protection and provision. A widow's only son was her sole means of support and continuity. His death meant destitution and the end of her family line. The funeral procession from Nain to the burial site outside the city walls encountered Jesus entering the city—divine life meeting human death. Jesus' touching the coffin (bier) made Him ceremonially unclean by Jewish law, yet He prioritized human need over ritual purity. His power over death foreshadowed His own resurrection and ultimate victory over death itself.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' compassion toward the widow teach about God's heart for the vulnerable and suffering?
- How does Jesus' raising the widow's son demonstrate His power over death and foreshadow His own resurrection?
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Analysis & Commentary
Seeing the widow, Jesus 'had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.' The Greek 'splagchnizomai' (σπλαγχνίζομαι, have compassion) denotes deep, visceral mercy—moved in one's inner being. Jesus' compassion prompted action—He raised her son. The command 'Weep not' wasn't callous dismissal but compassionate promise—He would end her grief. This scene reveals Jesus' heart toward human suffering, particularly the vulnerable (widows, orphans). His compassion leads to redemptive action, demonstrating God's character as defender of the helpless.