Luke 6:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:10
10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, holiness, grace. 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 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 6:10
10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Analysis
And looking round about upon them all (περιβλεψάμενος πάντας αὐτούς, periblepsamenos pantas autous)—Jesus' penetrating gaze surveyed every face, reading hearts. Mark 3:5 adds he looked with anger and grief at their hardness. Then the command: Stretch forth thy hand (Ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου, Ekteinon tēn cheira sou). This required faith—stretching forth a withered, atrophied hand seems impossible. Yet he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other (ἀπεκατεστάθη ἡ χεὶρ αὐτοῦ, apekatestathē hē cheir autou).
The verb apokathistēmi (ἀποκαθίστημι) means complete restoration to original condition. The healing was instantaneous and total—the same word describes the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). No medicine, no ritual, just Christ's word and the man's obedient faith. This demonstrates Jesus' authority and the kingdom principle: obedience to Christ's command releases his power.
Historical Context
Public healing in the synagogue constituted a direct challenge to religious authority. The religious leaders couldn't deny the miracle—all witnessed it—but refused to acknowledge its implications about Jesus' identity. The man's restored hand enabled him to work again, earn a living, and participate fully in society. First-century Palestinian economy required manual labor; a withered hand meant poverty and dependence. Jesus' compassion addressed both spiritual and socioeconomic realities.
Reflection
- What impossible command is Jesus giving you that requires obedient faith before you see how he'll accomplish it?
- How does Jesus' complete restoration of the withered hand picture the gospel's power to restore what sin has atrophied in our lives?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Mark 3:5