Luke 18:43
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 18:43
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Chapter Context
Luke 18 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, hope, worship. 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 21-43: 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 18:43
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Analysis
And immediately he received his sight (καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνέβλεψεν, kai parachrēma aneblepsen)—Parachrēma (immediately, instantly, on the spot) emphasizes the miracle's instantaneous nature. The aorist tense aneblepsen (he saw) denotes completed action: darkness to sight in a moment. No gradual adjustment, no recovery period—immediate, total restoration demonstrating divine power over creation.
And followed him, glorifying God (καὶ ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ δοξάζων τὸν θεόν, kai ēkolouthei autō doxazōn ton theon)—the imperfect tense ēkolouthei (he was following) suggests continuous action. Akoloutheō is discipleship language; he becomes a follower, not just a healed spectator. Doxazō (to glorify, praise) in present participle form shows ongoing worship accompanying his following. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God (καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἰδὼν ἔδωκεν αἶνον τῷ θεῷ, kai pas ho laos idōn edōken ainon tō theō)—the healing becomes public testimony, turning the rebuking crowd into a praising congregation. Luke brackets his Gospel with temple worship (1:9) and ends with disciples 'continually in the temple, praising and blessing God' (24:53).
Historical Context
This miracle occurs just before Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (19:28-40). The healed man likely joined the Palm Sunday crowd crying 'Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord!' (19:38). His physical and spiritual sight prepared him to recognize Messiah's kingship, while Jerusalem's leaders remained blind despite seeing.
Reflection
- How does the progression from begging to following to glorifying model the Christian life's trajectory?
- What does the crowd's shift from rebuking to praising teach about how God's work changes communities, not just individuals?
- How should every experience of God's mercy lead naturally to both discipleship (following) and worship (glorifying)?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 146:8