Luke 13:16
And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just call her a woman, but "a daughter of Abraham" — highlighting that her identity and worth transcend her affliction, and that her belonging to God's people makes her release on the Sabbath all the more fitting. This phrasing powerfully contrasts her true heritage with the bondage of illness, underscoring that divine healing is an act of restoring her to her rightful place.
Jesus is teaching in a synagogue when he heals a woman who has been crippled for eighteen years, a condition attributed to Satan's binding. The synagogue ruler objects, deeming it unlawful to perform such healing on the Sabbath, which prompts Jesus to powerfully defend his actions by contrasting the care shown to animals with the compassion due to a descendant of Abraham.
Jesus calls this suffering woman 'a daughter of Abraham.' What does that title signify, especially in contrast to her physical ailment?
In this powerful moment, Jesus elevates the woman's identity beyond her illness. By calling her 'a daughter of Abraham,' He highlights her heritage and spiritual standing within God's covenant people.
Jesus explicitly names Satan as the agent binding the woman. How does this change our understanding of her suffering and Jesus' power?
Jesus doesn't mince words: Satan is responsible for binding this woman for eighteen long years. This isn't just a passive illness; it's an active oppression.
Understand the original words
thygatēr Abraam · Greek Noun Phrase
A term identifying a female descendant of Abraham, emphasizing her covenantal inclusion in the promises of God despite her physical ailment. In this context, it highlights her rightful place among God's people.
Satanas · Greek Proper Noun
The personal spiritual adversary of God and humanity, recognized as the accuser and tempter. In the New Testament, he is depicted as having limited power to afflict humanity, which is ultimately subject to the authority of Jesus Christ.
lyō · Greek Verb
To set free, release, or untie someone or something from a state of captivity, restraint, or burden. It is frequently used in the Gospels to describe Jesus' authority to liberate people from demonic influence or physical infirmity.
This passage highlights the tension between Jesus' compassionate healing ministry and the rigid interpretations of the Sabbath law by some Jewish leaders of his day. The woman's healing on the Sabbath was a direct challenge to their traditions, underscoring Jesus' emphasis on God's mercy over human regulations.
c. 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, marking the beginning of his earthly ministry.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and performing miracles, including the healing described in Luke 13.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Death and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the foundation of Christianity.
c. AD 57-60
Luke Writes His Gospel
The Apostle Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, compiles his account of Jesus' life and ministry for a Gentile audience.
This passage shows Satan's direct involvement in afflicting Job with painful sores, similar to how the woman in Luke is described as being 'bound' by Satan for eighteen years.
Exodus 22:4Jesus uses the principle found here, where restitution is required if an animal causes damage, to argue that it is permissible to 'loose' or free someone from suffering on the Sabbath, just as one would rescue a stolen animal.
Isaiah 61:1This prophecy, which Jesus himself quotes in Luke 4:18, speaks of bringing 'release to the captives' and 'freedom to those who are oppressed,' directly paralleling Jesus' action of freeing the woman from her long-standing affliction.
Genesis 17:7By calling the woman a 'daughter of Abraham,' Jesus highlights her inclusion in God's covenant promises, emphasizing that the compassionate work of freeing her from Satan's grip is consistent with God's redemptive plan for Abraham's descendants.
calvinLuke 13:10-17: "And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath."
- And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11. And, lo, a woman who had a spirit of infirmity during eighteen years, and was bent down, and was altogether unable to lift up her head. [279] 12. Whom when Jesus saw, he called her to him, and said to her, Woman, thou art delivered from thine infirmity. 13. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood upright, and glorified God. 14. And th…
jfbLuke 13:10-17: "And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath."
Lu 13:10-17. Woman of Eighteen Year's Infirmity Healed on the Sabbath.
Jesus doesn't just call her a woman, but "a daughter of Abraham" — highlighting that her identity and worth transcend her affliction, and that her belonging to God's people makes her release on the Sabbath all the more fitting. This phrasing powerfully contrasts her true heritage with the bondage of illness, underscoring that divine healing is an act of restoring her to her rightful place.
Jesus is teaching in a synagogue when he heals a woman who has been crippled for eighteen years, a condition attributed to Satan's binding. The synagogue ruler objects, deeming it unlawful to perform such healing on the Sabbath, which prompts Jesus to powerfully defend his actions by contrasting the care shown to animals with the compassion due to a descendant of Abraham.
Jesus is teaching in a synagogue when he heals a woman who has been crippled for eighteen years, a condition attributed to Satan's binding. The synagogue ruler objects, deeming it unlawful to perform such healing on the Sabbath, which prompts Jesus to powerfully defend his actions by contrasting the care shown to animals with the compassion due to a descendant of Abraham.
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The core of the argument rests on the Sabbath. What was Jesus really saying about the purpose of the Sabbath?
Jesus uses a brilliant rhetorical question to expose the hypocrisy of the synagogue ruler and reveal the true heart of Sabbath observance.
sabbaton · Greek Noun
The seventh day of the week, set apart by God in the Mosaic Law for rest and worship. In the ministry of Jesus, it became a focal point for revealing the heart of God's law regarding mercy, healing, and restorative work.
"And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”" — Jesus doesn't just call her a woman, but "a daughter of Abraham" — highlighting that her identity and worth transcend her affliction, and that her belonging to God's people makes her release on the S…
