Luke 8:48
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 8:48
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, hope. 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 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 8:48
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Analysis
Jesus tells the healed woman: 'Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.' The address 'daughter' (Greek 'thygatēr,' θυγάτηρ) expresses tender affection—Jesus doesn't shame her for touching Him but welcomes her into family relationship. 'Thy faith hath made thee whole' (Greek 'hē pistis sou sesōken se,' ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε) credits faith as the means of healing. She was healed physically before Jesus spoke (v. 44), but Jesus publicly affirms her faith, gives her peace, and removes the stigma of her disease. Faith touches Jesus and receives healing.
Historical Context
The woman had suffered 12 years with chronic bleeding, probably uterine hemorrhaging. This made her ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), socially isolated, unable to marry or participate in worship, and religiously stigmatized. She had spent all her money on physicians who couldn't help (v. 43). Her desperate faith led her to touch Jesus' garment hem, believing even that contact would heal. Her touch in a crowd (v. 45) required courage—touching someone while unclean transmitted impurity. Yet instead of being defiled, Jesus' purity and power healed her. Jesus' public affirmation restored her social and religious standing, not just her health.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' tender address 'Daughter' teach about His heart toward those coming to Him in desperate faith?
- How does Jesus' public affirmation of the woman's faith restore not just her health but her social and religious standing?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Luke 7:50, 17:19, 18:42, Matthew 8:13, 9:22, Mark 5:34
- Peace: Exodus 4:18
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 6:18