King James Version

What Does Luke 6:10 Mean?

Luke 6:10 in the King James Version says “And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was res...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.”

Luke 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

9

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

10

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

11

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

12

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And looking round about upon them all (περιβλεψάμενος πάντας αὐτούς, periblepsamenos pantas autous)—Jesus' penetrating gaze surveyed every face, reading hearts. Mark 3:5 adds he looked with anger and grief at their hardness. Then the command: Stretch forth thy hand (Ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου, Ekteinon tēn cheira sou). This required faith—stretching forth a withered, atrophied hand seems impossible. Yet he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other (ἀπεκατεστάθη ἡ χεὶρ αὐτοῦ, apekatestathē hē cheir autou).

The verb apokathistēmi (ἀποκαθίστημι) means complete restoration to original condition. The healing was instantaneous and total—the same word describes the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). No medicine, no ritual, just Christ's word and the man's obedient faith. This demonstrates Jesus' authority and the kingdom principle: obedience to Christ's command releases his power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Public healing in the synagogue constituted a direct challenge to religious authority. The religious leaders couldn't deny the miracle—all witnessed it—but refused to acknowledge its implications about Jesus' identity. The man's restored hand enabled him to work again, earn a living, and participate fully in society. First-century Palestinian economy required manual labor; a withered hand meant poverty and dependence. Jesus' compassion addressed both spiritual and socioeconomic realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. What impossible command is Jesus giving you that requires obedient faith before you see how he'll accomplish it?
  2. How does Jesus' complete restoration of the withered hand picture the gospel's power to restore what sin has atrophied in our lives?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

περιβλεψάμενος2 of 24

“looking round about upon”

G4017

to look all around

πάντας3 of 24

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

αὐτοῦ4 of 24

“his”

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

εἶπεν5 of 24

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ6 of 24
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπῳ,7 of 24

“unto the man”

G444

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

Ἔκτεινον8 of 24

“Stretch forth”

G1614

to extend

τὴν9 of 24
G3588

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

χεὶρ10 of 24

“hand”

G5495

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

σου11 of 24

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὁ12 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ13 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐποίησεν14 of 24

“he did”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οὕτως15 of 24

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ16 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποκατεστάθη17 of 24

“was restored”

G600

to reconstitute (in health, home or organization)

ἡ18 of 24
G3588

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

χεὶρ19 of 24

“hand”

G5495

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

αὐτοῦ20 of 24

“his”

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

ὑγιὴς21 of 24

“whole”

G5199

healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)

ὡς22 of 24

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἡ23 of 24
G3588

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

ἄλλη24 of 24

“the other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 4:6-7Mark 3:5John 5:8Psalms 107:201 Kings 13:6

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 6 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes