King James Version

What Does Luke 13:13 Mean?

Luke 13:13 in the King James Version says “And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 13:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Jesus' laying on of hands (ἐπέθηκεν αὐτῇ τὰς χεῖρας, epethēken autē tas cheiras) was a common healing gesture, signifying impartation of power and personal touch. This physical contact with a disabled woman in public would be culturally shocking, demonstrating Jesus' willingness to break social barriers for compassion's sake.

The word "immediately" (παραχρῆμα, parachrēma) emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the miracle. After eighteen years of disability, restoration came in a moment—showcasing divine power that transcends natural processes. She "was made straight" (ἀνωρθώθη, anōrthōthē), from anorthoō (ἀνορθόω), meaning to set upright, restore to erectness. The verb appears in Hebrews 12:12, "lift up the hands which hang down," suggesting both physical and spiritual restoration.

Her response—"glorified God" (ἐδόξαζεν τὸν θεόν, edoxazen ton theon)—models proper reaction to divine mercy. The imperfect tense indicates she kept on glorifying God, offering continuous praise. True miracles produce worship. Unlike the synagogue ruler who complained (v. 14), this woman recognized God's goodness and responded with gratitude. Her praise testified that Jesus' healing was God's work, validating His messianic claim.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The laying on of hands had Old Testament precedent for blessing (Genesis 48:14) and consecration (Numbers 27:18-23). In Jesus' ministry, it frequently accompanied healing (Luke 4:40, Mark 6:5). The woman's immediate glorifying of God would resonate with Jewish piety—proper response to divine intervention was public thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:12, Psalm 50:23). Her praise contrasts sharply with the synagogue ruler's indignation (v. 14), exposing whose heart truly honored God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' physical touch of the woman teach about God's personal, compassionate engagement with human suffering?
  2. How does the woman's immediate glorifying of God model the proper response to divine grace and healing?
  3. Why is it significant that the healing was instantaneous rather than gradual, and what does this reveal about Jesus' authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπέθηκεν2 of 12

“he laid”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

αὐτῇ3 of 12

“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

τὰς4 of 12
G3588

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

χεῖρας·5 of 12

“his hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

καὶ6 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

παραχρῆμα7 of 12

“immediately”

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

ἀνωρθώθη8 of 12

“she was made straight”

G461

to straighten up

καὶ9 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἐδόξαζεν10 of 12

“glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν11 of 12
G3588

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

θεόν12 of 12

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 13:13 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 13:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:20-22Mark 16:18Mark 5:23Mark 8:25Psalms 116:16-17Psalms 103:1-5

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