King James Version

What Does Luke 14:2 Mean?

Luke 14:2 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.”

Luke 14:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

2

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

3

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

4

And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Luke notes: 'And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.' The man's presence 'before him' (ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ, emprosthen autou) suggests he was positioned where Jesus couldn't avoid seeing him. 'Dropsy' (ὑδρωπικός, hydrōpikos) refers to edema, abnormal fluid accumulation causing swelling. This painful condition was often associated with heart, liver, or kidney disease. The man's presence at a Pharisee's house was unusual—such gatherings typically excluded the sick and disabled. His strategic positioning suggests the Pharisees placed him there to test Jesus: would He heal on the Sabbath and thus violate their traditions?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient medical understanding attributed dropsy to various causes, sometimes viewing it as divine judgment for sin. The condition's visible swelling made sufferers objects of public attention and speculation about their spiritual state. That this man was present at a Pharisee's meal indicates either he was placed there deliberately as a test, or Jesus' reputation for compassion attracted the sick wherever He went. The incident parallels other Sabbath healings (Luke 6:6-11, 13:10-17, John 5:1-18, 9:1-41) where religious leaders opposed Jesus' mercy ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the man's strategic positioning reveal about the Pharisees' hardness of heart?
  2. How does Jesus' response to obvious entrapment model wisdom and courage?
  3. In what ways might contemporary opponents of the gospel similarly manipulate situations to discredit Christian witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 8

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄνθρωπός3 of 8

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τις4 of 8

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἦν5 of 8

“there was”

G2258

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

ὑδρωπικὸς6 of 8

“which had the dropsy”

G5203

to be "dropsical"

ἔμπροσθεν7 of 8

“before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

αὐτοῦ8 of 8

“him”

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

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 14:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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