King James Version

What Does Luke 13:12 Mean?

Luke 13:12 in the King James Version says “And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 13:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does Jesus' initiative in healing the woman before she asks demonstrate the nature of God's grace?
  2. What does the connection between spiritual bondage ("spirit of infirmity") and physical suffering teach about holistic redemption?
  3. How should Jesus' Sabbath healings inform Christian understanding of when and how to serve those in need?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἰδὼν1 of 14

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῇ3 of 14

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ4 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 14

“when Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

προσεφώνησεν6 of 14

“he called”

G4377

to sound towards, i.e., address, exclaim, summon

καὶ7 of 14

“her to him and”

G2532

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

εἶπεν8 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ9 of 14

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Γύναι10 of 14

“Woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀπολέλυσαι11 of 14

“thou art loosed”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

τῆς12 of 14
G3588

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

ἀσθενείας13 of 14

“infirmity”

G769

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

σου14 of 14

“from thine”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:20Matthew 8:16Joel 3:10Luke 6:8-10Luke 13:16Isaiah 65:1

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 13 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes