Luke 14:2 kjv

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

Luke 14:2 nkjv

And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy.

Luke 14:2 niv

There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body.

Luke 14:2 esv

And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.

Luke 14:2 nlt

There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen.

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 2 Meaning

Luke 14:2 introduces a crucial element into the narrative of Jesus' interaction with a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath. It states that "a certain man before him which had the dropsy" was present. This seemingly simple observation sets the stage for a profound teaching on the true nature of God's law, compassion, and the proper observance of the Sabbath, directly challenging the prevailing legalistic interpretations of the religious leaders. The man's presence highlights an immediate and visible human suffering that creates the context for Jesus' next action.

Luke 14 2 Context

Luke chapter 14 opens with Jesus accepting an invitation to eat bread on the Sabbath at the house of one of the leading Pharisees. This immediate context establishes a setting ripe for theological confrontation, as Sabbath observance was a highly contentious issue between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities. Jesus had previously faced severe accusations and challenges for performing healing miracles on the Sabbath (e.g., Lk 6:6-11, 13:10-17). The subsequent verse, "And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy," instantly introduces the challenge. It is left unstated whether the man was intentionally positioned there by the Pharisees to entrap Jesus or if he merely presented himself seeking help, but his presence directly sets up the scenario for Jesus to contrast the Pharisees' rigid legalism with God's compassionate nature and true intent for the Sabbath law. The significant social standing of the host—"one of the chief Pharisees"—further emphasizes the importance and public scrutiny surrounding this encounter within first-century Jewish society.

Luke 14 2 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - kai): This common conjunction serves to smoothly transition from the previous verse, linking the narrative of Jesus' arrival at the Pharisee's house directly to the immediate, pivotal observation of the man. It suggests the man's presence was part of the unfolding scene as Jesus sat down to eat.
• behold (ἰδοὺ - idou): An emphatic Greek interjection, frequently used in biblical narratives to draw the reader's attention to something sudden, important, or surprising. Its use here indicates that the appearance or presence of this man is crucial and meant to be particularly noticed by the audience, setting the stage for a significant event or confrontation.
• there was (ἦν - ēn): This verb, in its imperfect tense, signifies an ongoing state or an existing presence at the time. It implies that the man was already there, perhaps waiting or perhaps brought in, making his affliction a direct and visible element of the environment for Jesus.
• a certain man (ἄνθρωπός τις - anthrōpos tis): The phrase "a certain" (τις) conveys indefiniteness, meaning the specific identity of the man is not central to Luke's narrative. Instead, the focus is on his human condition and the ethical dilemma or divine opportunity his presence creates for Jesus and the surrounding observers. His anonymity universalizes the need for healing and compassion.
• before him (ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ - emprosthen autou): This prepositional phrase means literally "in front of him," referring to Jesus. This spatial positioning indicates a direct visual confrontation or proximity. It implies that the man was either deliberately placed in Jesus' line of sight by others, or he came directly to Jesus for help, making his suffering unmissable to Jesus.
• which had (ἔχων - echōn): A present active participle of the verb "to have," signifying a continuous, existing, or ongoing state. It means the man was currently afflicted with and possessed this debilitating condition.
• the dropsy (ὑδρωπικὸς - hydrōpikos): This Greek term denotes a medical condition characterized by severe swelling due to the accumulation of excess serous fluid in the body's tissues or cavities (e.g., ascites or edema). In ancient times, it was understood as a debilitating, painful, and often incurable affliction, frequently associated with severe internal organ failure (such as liver or kidney disease). While sometimes associated with intemperance or an unhealthy lifestyle in broader Greco-Roman thought, the biblical text does not assign moral judgment to the man's condition; rather, it portrays him simply as one suffering immensely, making his visible state a powerful representation of human need for divine healing. Its undeniable physical manifestation made any healing a clear miracle.

Luke 14 2 Bonus section

• Symbolism of Dropsy: Beyond the physical suffering, dropsy—characterized by internal fluid retention leading to outward swelling—could be subtly seen as a visual metaphor for the Pharisees' own spiritual condition: outwardly appearing righteous (swollen with self-importance or adherence to ritual) but inwardly corrupt or failing (lacking genuine compassion, spiritually ill). While not explicitly stated, this symbolism aligns with Jesus' frequent criticisms of their hypocrisy.
• Silent Antagonism: The Gospel narrative, particularly here and in similar Sabbath healing accounts (e.g., Lk 6:6-11; Mk 3:1-6), often depicts Jesus' critics, the Pharisees, observing His actions and intentions, but often remaining silent or simply questioning Him only after the act. This setup highlights their critical, judgmental stance and underscores Jesus' proactive compassion.
• Jesus as the Divine Physician: The continuous encounter with the sick throughout the Gospels, and especially the detailed mention of specific ailments like dropsy, reinforces the biblical depiction of Jesus as the ultimate healer and restorer. This echoes Old Testament prophecies where God is portrayed as the "Lord that healeth thee" (Ex 15:26), and resonates with Jesus' own declaration that "they that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick" (Lk 5:31).

Luke 14 2 Commentary

Luke 14:2 functions as the catalyst for the profound ethical and theological discussion that follows in the chapter. The straightforward introduction of "a certain man before him which had the dropsy" is crucial; the "behold" emphasizes the gravity and deliberate nature of this appearance, signaling it as a key plot device rather than a casual observation. The presence of a visibly suffering individual, particularly with an incurable affliction like dropsy, within the home of a religious leader on the Sabbath, forces an immediate choice upon Jesus. This single verse effectively sets the scene for Jesus to contrast the religious authorities' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law with a compassionate, God-centered understanding that prioritizes human well-being and mercy. It exemplifies the recurring tension in the Gospels where human need encounters legalistic tradition, demonstrating Jesus' unwavering commitment to acts of compassion, even if it meant challenging deeply ingrained religious norms.