King James Version

What Does Luke 13:11 Mean?

Luke 13:11 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no w... — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Luke 13:11 · KJV


Context

9

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

10

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12

And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13

And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus heals on the Sabbath: 'And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself' (καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας ἔτη δεκαοκτώ, καὶ ἦν συγκύπτουσα καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακύψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές). This woman had suffered 18 years under demonic bondage ('spirit of infirmity,' πνεῦμα ἀσθενείας), bent double, unable to straighten. Jesus' compassion overcomes Sabbath regulations—He calls her 'daughter of Abraham' (v.16), affirming her covenant status despite physical affliction. His healing demonstrates that the Sabbath's true purpose is liberation from bondage, foreshadowing gospel freedom from sin's slavery.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Sabbath restrictions had multiplied through oral tradition (Mishnah tractate Shabbat lists 39 prohibited activities). While emergency medical care was permitted, Jesus' critics viewed this chronic condition as non-emergency. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy—they untie animals for water on Sabbath (v.15) but object to liberating humans from Satan's bondage. His argument from lesser to greater (animals vs. humans) follows rabbinic logic while subverting their conclusions. This confrontation exemplifies Jesus' Sabbath controversies throughout His ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' healing on the Sabbath reveal that religious rules must serve human flourishing rather than become ends in themselves?
  2. What does calling this afflicted woman 'daughter of Abraham' teach about God's covenant faithfulness even in suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 21

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

γυνὴ3 of 21

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἦν4 of 21

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πνεῦμα5 of 21

a spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἔχουσα6 of 21

which had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀσθενείας7 of 21

of infirmity

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

ἔτη8 of 21

years

G2094

a year

δέκα9 of 21

eighteen

G1176

ten

καὶ10 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὀκτὼ,11 of 21
G3638

"eight"

καὶ12 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν13 of 21

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

συγκύπτουσα14 of 21

bowed together

G4794

to stoop altogether, i.e., be completely overcome by

καὶ15 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ16 of 21

no

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δυναμένη17 of 21

could

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀνακύψαι18 of 21

lift up

G352

to unbend, i.e., rise; figuratively, be elated

εἰς19 of 21

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παντελές21 of 21

wise

G3838

full-ended, i.e., entire (neuter as noun, completion)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 13:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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