King James Version

What Does Luke 8:3 Mean?

Luke 8:3 in the King James Version says “And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”

Luke 8:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass afterward , that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

4

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

5

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward—Luke provides precise biographical detail, identifying Joanna (Iōanna, Ἰωάννα, Hebrew Hannah, "Yahweh is gracious") through her husband Chuza (Chouzas, Χουζᾶς), described as epitropos Hērōdou (ἐπίτροπος Ἡρῴδου, "steward/manager of Herod"). This term indicates high administrative position managing Herod Antipas' household finances and estates. Joanna's presence among Jesus' followers reveals the gospel penetrated even Herod's court, despite Herod's later hostility (Luke 9:9, 23:8-12). Her inclusion demonstrates Christianity's social diversity—from demon-possessed outcasts to aristocratic court officials.

And Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance—Susanna (Sousanna, Σουσάννα, "lily") appears only here, suggesting she was well-known to Luke's original audience. The phrase diēkonoun autois ek tōn hyparchontōn autais (διηκόνουν αὐτοῖς ἐκ τῶν ὑπαρχόντων αὐταῖς, "were ministering to them from their possessions") uses diakoneō (διακονέω), the verb from which "deacon" derives, indicating practical service. These women financially supported Jesus' itinerant ministry from personal resources, making possible His full-time kingdom proclamation without earning income.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law allowed women to own property and conduct business, unlike classical Greek practice. Wealthy widows especially possessed financial independence. Joanna's connection to Herod's court is historically significant—Herod Antipas (who beheaded John the Baptist) ruled Galilee and Perea (4 BC-AD 39). That his steward's wife followed Jesus indicates the gospel's reach into political circles and suggests potential intelligence about Herod's activities reached Jesus' circle. The women's financial support established precedent for Christian patronage. Paul later received support from Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) and others. In Jewish culture, supporting Torah scholars was considered meritorious; these women applied this principle to supporting the ultimate Rabbi. Their service fulfilled prophetic expectation that in Messiah's kingdom, women would participate fully (Joel 2:28-29, quoted in Acts 2:17-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joanna's position as wife of Herod's steward yet follower of Jesus demonstrate that the gospel creates divided loyalties between earthly powers and kingdom allegiance?
  2. What does the women's financial support of Jesus' ministry from their own resources teach about Christian stewardship and the use of personal wealth for kingdom purposes?
  3. In what ways does Luke's careful identification of these women by name combat the historical erasure of women's contributions to early Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

Ἰωάννα2 of 18

“Joanna”

G2489

joanna, a christian

γυνὴ3 of 18

“the wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Χουζᾶ4 of 18

“of Chuza”

G5529

chuzas, an officer of herod

ἐπιτρόπου5 of 18

“steward”

G2012

a commissioner, i.e., domestic manager, guardian

Ἡρῴδου6 of 18

“Herod's”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

καὶ7 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

Σουσάννα8 of 18

“Susanna”

G4677

lily; susannah (i.e., shoshannah), an israelitess

καὶ9 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἕτεραι10 of 18

“others”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

πολλαί11 of 18

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

αἵτινες12 of 18

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

διηκόνουν13 of 18

“ministered”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

αὐταῖς14 of 18

“their”

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

ἀπὸ15 of 18

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν16 of 18
G3588

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

ὑπαρχόντων17 of 18

“substance”

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

αὐταῖς18 of 18

“their”

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:36-39John 4:46-532 Corinthians 8:9Philippians 4:221 Timothy 5:10Matthew 26:11

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