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Luke 8

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,

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

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

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

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.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

What does Luke 8:46 mean?

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus of Nazareth recognizes that someone in the crowd has deliberately touched Him with a purpose and that as a result, healing power has flowed out from Him.

The term "virtue" in this context refers to power, strength, or a healing energy that was perceived by Jesus to have been drawn out of Him.

This reflects the belief in Jesus's miraculous ability to cure afflictions or disease through physical contact, or even through faith in His power.

The deeper meaning of the verse could be about the recognition of genuine faith.

It implies that even amidst a crowd where many may press against Jesus, only a touch of faith can draw His healing power.

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Historical Context

The event takes place during Jesus's ministry in Galilee. The Gospel according to Luke, written c. AD 80–110, portrays various miracles and teachings of Jesus. At this point in the narrative, Jesus is on his way to heal Jairus's daughter (a leader of the synagogue).

This verse is part of the broader story that includes the healing of the bleeding woman. The historical context of this passage is a time when medical understanding was limited, and many people looked to divine or miraculous intervention as their only hope for healing from chronic illness.

Theological Insights

This passage offers theological insights into the nature of Jesus's healing and divine power.

Some Christian traditions view it as a testament to the idea that faith, no matter how small, is acknowledged by Jesus.

The touching of Jesus's garment as an act of faith illustrates a tangible connection between the believer and the divine.

For many, this verse also underscores the personal and compassionate nature of Jesus, as even in a multitude, He is aware of and responsive to individual faith and need.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be incorporated into daily life by emphasizing the role of personal faith and the belief that it can bring about change.

It suggests that sincere faith, even if it is not publicly proclaimed, is powerful and can be transformative. An individual can apply this teaching by nurturing a quiet but firm faith in their principles, aspirations, or spiritual life.

Moreover, it highlights the importance of being perceptive and responsive to the needs of others, as Jesus was aware of the individual in the crowd.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:20-22: "And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:"
Mark 5:30: "And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?"
Matthew 14:35-36: "And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."

Language Study

The key words in the original Koine Greek text are:

"Somebody" (τις, tis): implying an unspecified person, introducing an element of mystery.
"Touched" (ἥψατό, hapsato): to fasten one's self to, lay hold of, touch.

Here, it implies an intentional and deliberate action.

"Virtue" (δύναμις, dynamis): often translated as "power", "strength", or "miracle-working power".

It has connotations of supernatural energy in this context.

"Perceive" (ἔγνων, egnon): to know, understand, or recognize, indicating Jesus's awareness.
"Gone out" (ἐξεληλυθυῖα, exelēluthuia): to come or go out, indicating the departure of power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this biblical account with other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one can find similar themes of healing through touch in various cultures.

Ancient myths are replete with gods and heroes who heal through touch or presence, such as the Greek god Asclepius.

In Hinduism, the touch of a saint or guru is often believed to confer spiritual blessing or healing.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the concept of healing through touch could be connected with the psychological impact of touch and belief on the well-being of an individual.

The placebo effect is a well-documented phenomenon where a patient's condition can improve merely because they believe they are being treated.

While scientific understanding does not confirm the miraculous aspect, it acknowledges the potent effects of psychological states on physical health.

Commentaries

Commentaries vary in their interpretation of this verse.

Some biblical scholars emphasize the unique nature of the healing power bestowed upon Jesus, noting that it was not just the touch but the faith behind the touch that triggered the healing.

Others highlight the idea of Jesus's omniscience and omnipotence being portrayed in the passage as he instantaneously knows something has happened that is out of the ordinary.

Additionally, emphasis is often placed on the role of the individual's faith, suggesting a model for personal spiritual practice that values direct, heartfelt engagement with the divine.

Luke 8

Luke 8

What does Luke 8:46 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 8:46 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?