Luke 8 3

Luke 8:3 kjv

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

Luke 8:3 nkjv

and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Luke 8:3 niv

Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Luke 8:3 esv

and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Luke 8:3 nlt

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 8 verses

Luke 8 3 Meaning

Luke 8:3 highlights the significant role of certain women, specifically Joanna (whose husband, Chuza, served as Herod Antipas's household manager, indicating high status and wealth) and Susanna, along with many others, in financially and practically supporting Jesus and His disciples. This ongoing provision enabled their itinerant ministry throughout Galilee and beyond. The verse underscores the diversity of Jesus' followers, including those from unexpected and privileged backgrounds, and the vital, active contribution of women to His mission.

Luke 8 3 Context

Luke chapter 8 begins with Jesus itinerating "through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God." This missionary journey was not a solitary endeavor but required a significant support system. Verse 3 immediately follows a general statement (verse 2) about "certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities" who were with Jesus. By naming specific individuals like Joanna and Susanna and explicitly mentioning their financial support, Luke provides a tangible and personal dimension to the otherwise sweeping statement of Jesus' travels. This context establishes that while Jesus performed miracles and taught with divine authority, His earthly mission also relied on tangible human provision and collaborative effort. Historically, women in ancient Jewish society, especially those of means, would typically be confined to more private, domestic roles. Luke's inclusion of their active, named support here challenges these cultural norms, showcasing the kingdom's radical inclusivity and valuing every type of contribution to God's work. The mention of Joanna's connection to Herod's household points to an unexpected source of support from within the very circles of power that would ultimately oppose Jesus.

Luke 8 3 Word analysis

• Joanna: Greek Ioanna. A specific, named woman, highlighting Luke's interest in documenting the roles of individual women. She is also mentioned in Lk 24:10 as a witness to the resurrection, reinforcing her significance and consistent involvement with Jesus.
• Chuza: Greek Chouza. His name directly connects Joanna to Herod Antipas's royal court. While his personal faith is not mentioned, his wife's active support is.
• Herod's household manager: Greek epitropou (epitropos in nominative). This signifies a highly responsible and powerful administrative position, overseeing the king's estates, finances, and household affairs. It indicates considerable wealth, influence, and access to the upper echelons of society. Joanna's proximity to such power makes her dedication to Jesus particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the Gospel's appeal across all social strata.
• Susanna: Greek Sousanna. Another specific, named woman, suggesting her importance within this group of benefactresses. Like Joanna, she represents the active female disciples following and supporting Jesus.
• many others: Greek kai heterai pollai. This phrase indicates that the named women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna) are representative of a larger, unlisted collective effort. It underscores that the support for Jesus' ministry was widespread, involving a diverse group of devoted followers beyond just a few prominent individuals.
• provided for them: Greek diēkonoun. This is from the verb diakoneō, which means "to serve," "to minister," "to attend to needs," or "to provide for." The imperfect tense here indicates a continuous, ongoing action—they were habitually serving and providing. This signifies active, dedicated service beyond mere financial giving, encompassing practical care and attending to daily needs.
• out of their own means: Greek ek tōn hyparchontōn autais. Literally "out of what belonged to them" or "out of their possessions/resources." This phrase emphasizes that these women had personal, independent wealth or resources and were willingly and generously using their own possessions to fund and sustain Jesus' peripatetic ministry. It highlights their agency and sacrificial giving.

• "and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna": This grouping names prominent women, establishing their distinct identities and positions within society. Joanna's connection to Herod's court is significant, showcasing that Jesus' movement drew support even from circles adjacent to political power, demonstrating the Kingdom's inclusive reach.
• "and many others": This addition broadens the picture, showing that the core group of known women was supported by a wider, unnamed network of individuals. It reflects the communal spirit and broad base of support essential for the widespread dissemination of the Gospel.
• "who provided for them out of their own means": This phrase comprehensively defines the nature and source of their support. "Provided for them" signifies an active, ongoing ministry of service and supply, directly enabling Jesus and His disciples to travel and preach without material worries. "Out of their own means" underscores their independent financial capacity and generous stewardship, which was a practical cornerstone of Jesus' earthly ministry.

Luke 8 3 Bonus section

Luke's Gospel consistently emphasizes the agency, dignity, and crucial involvement of women in Jesus' ministry, far more than the other Gospels. This specific listing in Luke 8:3 is part of a deliberate pattern that showcases women not merely as passive recipients of healing but as active, vital contributors to the Gospel's propagation (e.g., Lk 1:5-56, Mary and Elizabeth; Lk 7:36-50, the sinful woman; Lk 13:10-17, the woman healed on the Sabbath; Lk 24, women as first witnesses). The detail about Chuza's position as Herod's household manager subtly underlines divine providence—that God could even raise up support from within circles directly connected to the very ruler who would later be involved in Jesus' trial. This demonstrates that God can use anyone, from any background or social standing, to fulfill His purposes. The "out of their own means" further highlights that some women in this era, particularly those of noble or wealthy backgrounds, did possess independent resources and property, which they devoted sacrificially to the Lord.

Luke 8 3 Commentary

Luke 8:3 is a pivotal, yet often understated, verse that offers a glimpse into the logistical realities of Jesus' ministry. It reveals that the proclamation of the Kingdom was not solely dependent on miracles or divine fiat, but also on the tangible, sustained support of His followers. The detailed mention of women, some of considerable status like Joanna, challenges contemporary cultural norms by highlighting their active and indispensable role in the public ministry. Their "provision" (diakoneō) was an active service of care and sustenance, allowing Jesus and His disciples the freedom to dedicate themselves fully to teaching and healing. This passage emphasizes a timeless principle for God's work: faithful stewardship of personal resources and generous giving are fundamental to advancing the Gospel. It demonstrates that the diversity of believers, including the wealthy and well-connected, can be instrumental in the divine plan. The fact that someone from Herod's household would support Jesus highlights divine sovereignty, demonstrating God's ability to provide from unexpected sources.