What does Luke 13:16 mean?

Explanation

This verse comes from a passage in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, which was the Jewish day of rest.

The woman had been afflicted with an illness that had caused her to be bent over for eighteen years.

Although the healing was a cause for celebration, it was met with criticism by the synagogue leader because it was performed on the Sabbath.

Jesus responds with this statement as a rebuttal to the criticism.

In this verse, Jesus highlights the woman's status as a "daughter of Abraham," connecting her to the Jewish faith and heritage.

This implies that she deserves the same consideration and compassion as any other child of Israel.

He refers to her condition as one where "Satan hath bound" her, acknowledging the spiritual aspect of her bondage.

Jesus then poses a rhetorical question, asking whether it is not right for her to be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath, a day meant for rest and restoration.

The deeper meaning here is a critique of legalism and the emphasis on the spirit of the law rather than the letter. Jesus is advocating for mercy, compassion, and doing good deeds regardless of the day of the week, thus prioritizing human need over strict adherence to Sabbath laws.

Historical Context

This verse is located within the Gospel of Luke in the Christian New Testament.

Luke was written approximately in AD 80-110 and aimed to present an orderly account of the life of Jesus.

The Sabbath was and still is, a weekly day of rest in Jewish tradition, and working on this day was prohibited according to the Mosaic Law.

Healing was considered a form of work, which prompted controversy when Jesus performed miracles on the Sabbath.

In first-century Judea, there was a constant debate among Jewish leaders about what was permissible to do on the Sabbath. Jesus often challenged the prevailing interpretations of the law, which led to conflicts with religious authorities.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant in several respects.

From a Christian perspective, the verse demonstrates Jesus' lordship over the Sabbath. He asserts that the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, not to enslave them to certain rules ([Mark 2:27-28](/new-testament/mark/2/27/what-does-mark-2-27-mean)).

In contrast, a more legalistic theological view might argue that Jesus was breaking the law of the Sabbath.

However, Jesus counters this by highlighting the inconsistency in the application of the Sabbath law; other less significant acts like tending to animals were allowed on the Sabbath, but apparently showing mercy to a suffering individual was not.

This passage also speaks to the victory of God's kingdom over evil (represented by "Satan") and the deliverance that Jesus brings to those who are oppressed, which is a common theme in Luke's Gospel.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by emphasizing the importance of mercy, kindness, and practical help over rigid adherence to rules or traditions.

It encourages individuals to consider the spirit of the law and the impact of actions on the lives of others, particularly on those who are suffering or in need.

The principle of choosing to do good and to help others, even when it may contradict societal expectations or norms, is another practical application. This can be applied to numerous scenarios where legalism or strict protocol might otherwise hinder acts of compassion.

Cross-References

• Mark 2:27 - "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:"
• Luke 14:5 - "And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?"
• Matthew 12:12 - "How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."

Language Study

In the original Greek text used in Luke, key words include:

• "daughter of Abraham" (θυγατέρα Ἀβραάμ; "thygatera Abraam"): This title emphasizes the woman's inclusion in the covenant community of Israel.
• "whom Satan hath bound" (ἔδησεν ὁ Σατανᾶς; "edesen ho Satanas"): The word "bound" (ἔδησεν) implies a tying up or binding, often used metaphorically for being under the influence or control of something.
• "be loosed from this bond" (λυθῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου; "lythenai apo tou desmou toutou"): "loosed" (λυθῆναι) carries the sense of being released or set free, with "bond" (δεσμοῦ) indicating something that ties or restricts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this account with other ancient myths, stories of gods or heroes healing were common but often took place in contexts emphasizing the power or virtue of the healer.

In contrast, Jesus' healing acts were often framed within the context of challenging existing structures and promoting compassion.

Within other religious interpretations, the concept of Sabbath and the regulations surrounding it are unique to Judaism and, by extension, Christianity. In other religions, while there may be sacred times or days, the idea of a weekly day of rest with such strictures is less common.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the condition that the woman suffered from for eighteen years could potentially be identified as a real medical condition, such as a form of spondylitis or another musculoskeletal disorder.

What was understood in ancient times as being "bound by Satan" might today be interpreted as a treatable health condition.

However, the verse emphasizes the belief in a supernatural cause and solution to the woman's illness.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and experts have provided insights into this verse:

• Some commentators, like William Barclay, emphasize the liberating mission of Jesus, highlighting how he placed individual need above ritualistic observance.
• Others, like John MacArthur, discuss the significance of the term "daughter of Abraham," suggesting that Jesus is underscoring her covenantal right to be delivered from bondage.
• Still, others like Joel B.

Green in his commentary on Luke, examine the social and narrative function of this healing, which serves to illustrate the in-breaking of the kingdom of God into everyday life and challenge people embedded in religious institutions to reconsider their stances on observing the Sabbath.