Luke 13:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 13:12
12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Chapter Context
Luke 13 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 13:12
12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Analysis
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. Jesus takes the initiative—He "saw her" (ἰδὼν αὐτὴν, idōn autēn) and "called her" (προσεφώνησεν, prosephōnēsen, summoned her publicly). The woman did not request healing; Christ's compassion moved Him to act. This illustrates divine grace: God seeks us before we seek Him (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19).
The declaration "thou art loosed" (ἀπολέλυσαι, apolelysai) uses the perfect passive indicative, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. The verb apolyō (ἀπολύω) means to release, set free, liberate—the same word used for releasing prisoners or forgiving debts. Jesus speaks with divine authority, and the word itself accomplishes the healing. This demonstrates His deity: only God can command sickness to depart with mere words.
The term "infirmity" (ἀσθενείας, astheneias) means weakness or illness. Verse 11 specifies she had "a spirit of infirmity eighteen years," indicating demonic oppression causing physical disability. Jesus' healing addresses both spiritual bondage and physical suffering simultaneously. The Sabbath setting is intentional—Jesus reveals that God's rest includes liberation from Satan's oppression. True Sabbath observance means setting captives free, not binding them with religious legalism.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, disability often carried social stigma and religious implications. Many believed suffering resulted from personal sin (John 9:2), leading to marginalization of the afflicted. Women especially occupied lower social status, and a disabled woman would face compounded discrimination. That Jesus publicly calls and heals her demonstrates His radical inclusivity and challenges cultural assumptions about who merits God's attention. The synagogue ruler's subsequent objection (v. 14) reveals the religious establishment's priorities: protecting Sabbath regulations mattered more than relieving human suffering.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' initiative in healing the woman before she asks demonstrate the nature of God's grace?
- What does the connection between spiritual bondage ("spirit of infirmity") and physical suffering teach about holistic redemption?
- How should Jesus' Sabbath healings inform Christian understanding of when and how to serve those in need?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 13:16, Psalms 107:20, Isaiah 65:1, Joel 3:10, Matthew 8:16