King James Version

What Does Luke 7:12 Mean?

Luke 7:12 in the King James Version says “Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, an... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Luke 7:12 · KJV


Context

10

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

11

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

13

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. bier: or, coffin


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. The collision of two crowds—Jesus' disciples and mourners carrying a corpse—sets the stage for divine intervention. The Greek idou (ἰδού, behold) alerts readers to something extraordinary. The dead man was monogenēs (μονογενής, only-begotten/only son)—the same term describing Christ as God's only Son (John 3:16), creating poignant irony.

The widow's triple tragedy compounds: chēra (χήρα, widow) already bereaved of her husband, now losing her monogenēs, leaving her utterly destitute and alone. Ancient widows without sons faced economic ruin and social vulnerability. The large crowd (ὄχλος...ἱκανός) signifies community compassion but offers no real help. Only Christ can reverse death's finality and restore this woman's hope.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish widows without male relatives faced desperate poverty, having no inheritance rights or means of support. The Torah commanded care for widows (Deuteronomy 24:19-21), but reality often fell short. This widow's only son represented her sole security, making his death economically catastrophic as well as emotionally devastating.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the widow's utter helplessness illustrate humanity's condition before Christ—spiritually dead and without hope?
  2. What does Jesus' intervention in this uninvited, unasked situation teach about His sovereign compassion?
  3. How should Christ's concern for the most vulnerable (widows, orphans) shape your ministry priorities and social ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὡς1 of 28

when

G5613

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

δὲ2 of 28

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἤγγισεν3 of 28

he came nigh

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

τῇ4 of 28
G3588

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

πύλῃ5 of 28

to the gate

G4439

a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)

τῆς6 of 28
G3588

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

πόλεως7 of 28

of the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ8 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἰδού,9 of 28
G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐξεκομίζετο10 of 28

carried out

G1580

to bear forth (to burial)

τεθνηκὼς11 of 28

a dead man

G2348

to die (literally or figuratively)

υἱὸς12 of 28

son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μονογενὴς13 of 28

the only

G3439

only-born, i.e., sole

τῇ14 of 28
G3588

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

μητρὶ15 of 28

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτῇ16 of 28

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

καὶ17 of 28

and

G2532

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

αὐτῇ18 of 28

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

ἦν19 of 28

was

G2258

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

χήρα20 of 28

a widow

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

καὶ21 of 28

and

G2532

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

ὄχλος22 of 28

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

τῆς23 of 28
G3588

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

πόλεως24 of 28

of the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἱκανὸς25 of 28

much

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ἦν26 of 28

was

G2258

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

σὺν27 of 28

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῇ28 of 28

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


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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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