Luke continues His orderly Gospel account by gathering together Jesus' kingdom proclamation, the response of hearers, the role of women in His ministry, and a concentrated display of His authority over creation, demons, disease, and death.
The Word Heard, the Kingdom Revealed, and the Lord’s Authority Displayed
Jesus' word must be heard with persevering faith because the One who speaks the kingdom also rules over storms, demons, disease, impurity, and death.
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Jesus' word must be heard with persevering faith because the One who speaks the kingdom also rules over storms, demons, disease, impurity, and death.
Luke 8 argues that the decisive issue in the kingdom is how people hear and respond to Jesus' word. The same word is preached, but hearts differ: some are hardened, some shallow, some crowded by life's pressures, and some fruitful through perseverance. That word is not weak, because the speaker of the word has authority over creation, demons, disease, uncleanness, and death. True discipleship hears, holds fast, obeys, trusts, and testifies.
Theophilus and later Christian readers who need certainty that the word of God demands persevering reception and that Jesus possesses comprehensive authority over every realm that threatens human life.
The chapter moves through towns and villages where Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God, then to parabolic teaching before a gathered crowd, then to a boat crossing the lake, the region of the Gerasenes, and finally back to a crowded setting where Jairus's daughter and the bleeding woman encounter Jesus' power.
Jesus' word must be heard with persevering faith because the One who speaks the kingdom also rules over storms, demons, disease, impurity, and death.
Luke continues His orderly Gospel account by gathering together Jesus' kingdom proclamation, the response of hearers, the role of women in His ministry, and a concentrated display of His authority over creation, demons, disease, and death.
Theophilus and later Christian readers who need certainty that the word of God demands persevering reception and that Jesus possesses comprehensive authority over every realm that threatens human life.
The chapter moves through towns and villages where Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God, then to parabolic teaching before a gathered crowd, then to a boat crossing the lake, the region of the Gerasenes, and finally back to a crowded setting where Jairus's daughter and the bleeding woman encounter Jesus' power.
- Jesus' ministry gathers disciples, women restored by Him, crowds of hearers, spiritually oppressed Gentile-region sufferers, fearful townspeople, synagogue leadership, ritual impurity concerns, medical desperation, public shame, and household grief. The chapter presses the question of who truly hears, trusts, and responds rightly to Jesus.
The chapter assumes itinerant rabbinic-style ministry, patronage and material support, seed-sowing agriculture, household lamps, kinship obligations, lake travel, storm danger, Gentile-region impurity associations, tombs, demonic possession, swine herding, synagogue leadership, purity concerns related to chronic bleeding, and mourning customs around death.
Luke 8 concludes Luke Book 2 by showing that the kingdom word proclaimed by Jesus must be heard with persevering faith. The chapter also displays the authority of Jesus' kingdom over unfruitful hearts, hidden revelation, demonic bondage, chaotic waters, chronic uncleanness, and death itself.
Luke moves from Jesus proclaiming the kingdom with restored women serving Him, to the parable of the soils and the demand for true hearing, then to four authority scenes where Jesus rules the storm, demons, disease, and death.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Luke 8 presents the gospel as the good news of the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus and received by persevering faith. The gospel word bears fruit in those who hear, retain, and obey it. The Christ who proclaims that word also has authority to rescue from demons, calm creation, heal uncleanness, restore peace, and raise the dead. Salvation is not mere information received, but the reign of Christ breaking into bondage, fear, shame, and death.
Jesus' mission advances through proclamation and through the grateful service of those whom He has healed and delivered.
The parable of the soils reveals that the same word meets different hearts and only persevering reception bears fruit.
Jesus teaches that revelation is meant to shine, listening must be careful, and true family is defined by hearing and doing God's word.
Jesus rebukes the storm and reveals authority that provokes the disciples' question about His identity.
Jesus frees a man enslaved by many demons and sends Him as a witness to God's mercy.
Jesus heals the bleeding woman, speaks peace over her faith, and raises Jairus's daughter from death.
- 8:1-3: Jesus proclaims the good news of the kingdom while the Twelve and restored women accompany and support Him.
- 8:4-15: The parable of the soils reveals the difference between shallow, distracted, stolen, and persevering hearing.
- 8:16-21: Jesus warns hearers to listen carefully and defines His true family as those who hear and practice God's word.
- 8:22-25: Jesus calms wind and water, exposing fear and revealing divine authority over creation.
- 8:26-39: Jesus liberates the Gerasene demoniac, overcomes a legion of demons, and commissions the restored man to witness.
- 8:40-56: Jesus heals a bleeding woman, calls her daughter, strengthens Jairus's faith, and raises His daughter to life.
Theological Argument
Luke 8 argues that the decisive issue in the kingdom is how people hear and respond to Jesus' word. The same word is preached, but hearts differ: some are hardened, some shallow, some crowded by life's pressures, and some fruitful through perseverance. That word is not weak, because the speaker of the word has authority over creation, demons, disease, uncleanness, and death. True discipleship hears, holds fast, obeys, trusts, and testifies.
The kingdom is proclaimed, hearers are tested, true family is defined, creation obeys, demons are expelled, sickness is healed, and death yields to Jesus' command.
- 1.The kingdom mission is centered on proclamation.
- 2.The ministry of Jesus gathers and dignifies restored people as participants in mission.
- 3.The word of God reveals the condition of the heart.
- 4.Fruitfulness requires persevering retention of the word.
- 5.Hearing must become visible obedience.
- 6.Jesus' word carries divine authority over creation.
- 7.Jesus' kingdom authority overcomes demonic bondage.
- 8.Faith rightly approaches Jesus even through fear, shame, or desperation.
- 9.Jesus' saving power brings peace, restoration, and life.
- 10.Jesus' authority demands witness.
Theological Focus
- The kingdom of God proclaimed as good news
- Restored women participating in Jesus' ministry
- The word of God as seed
- Hearing and heart response
- Persevering fruitfulness
- Revelation and responsibility
- True family defined by hearing and doing God's word
- Jesus' authority over creation
- Faith versus fear
- Jesus' authority over demons
- Restoration from bondage
- Witness after deliverance
- Faith amid shame and desperation
- Healing, peace, and daughterhood
- Jesus' authority over death
- Proclamation
- Restoration and service
- Hearing
- Fruitfulness
- Revelation
- True kinship
- Authority
- Fear and faith
- Deliverance
- Peace
- Life from death
- Christology
- Word of God
- Discipleship
- Spiritual warfare
- Providence and mission support
- Creation authority
- Demonology
- Faith
- Healing and restoration
- Resurrection power
Theological Themes
Jesus continues to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, showing that His mission is word-centered.
Those healed and delivered by Jesus become active supporters of His mission.
The chapter repeatedly stresses hearing the word, considering how one listens, and obeying what is heard.
True reception of the word produces fruit through perseverance.
The lamp saying teaches that God's revelation is meant to be made visible and that hidden things will be disclosed.
Jesus' true family is defined by obedient response to God's word, not by natural relation alone.
Jesus' authority is displayed over storm, demons, disease, impurity, and death.
The disciples fear the storm, the Gerasenes fear Jesus' power, Jairus must not fear but believe, and the healed woman comes trembling yet believing.
Jesus liberates the demonized man from devastating bondage and sends Him into testimony.
The bleeding woman receives not only healing but public restoration and peace.
Jesus raises Jairus's daughter, displaying authority over death itself.
Covenant Significance
Luke 8 shows Jesus as the kingdom preacher whose word divides true from false hearing and as the Lord whose saving authority enacts promised restoration. His deliverance of the demonized, healing of the unclean, and raising of the dead display the kingdom power anticipated in the prophets. His creation authority echoes the Lord's rule over the sea, while His family teaching reconstitutes God's people around obedient hearing.
- Jesus proclaims the kingdom as the arrival of God's saving reign.
- The parable of the soils shows that hearing God's word must produce persevering fruit.
- Jesus redefines family identity around hearing and doing God's word, forming the covenant community around response to Him.
- Jesus' rebuke of wind and waves echoes divine authority over sea and storm.
- The Gerasene deliverance displays kingdom victory over demonic dominion in unclean, Gentile-associated territory.
- The bleeding woman's healing restores not only her body but her public standing and peace.
- The raising of Jairus's daughter anticipates the life-giving authority of Christ and the future resurrection hope.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's word is compared to seed-like effectiveness that accomplishes His purpose, providing background to the word-as-seed theme.
- Psalm 107:23-32 - The Lord stills the storm to a whisper and brings sailors to their desired haven, echoing Jesus' calming of the storm.
- Psalm 65:7 - God stills the roaring seas, resonating with Jesus' authority over wind and waters.
- Job 38:8-11 - God sets boundaries for the sea, providing creation-theology background for Jesus' authority over the lake.
- Isaiah 35:3-6 - Prophetic restoration includes healing and strengthening the fearful, resonating with Jesus' healings and call not to fear.
- Leviticus 15:25-30 - The chronic bleeding woman's condition carries purity implications that deepen the significance of Jesus' healing and public restoration.
- 2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha raises the Shunammite's son, providing a prophetic resurrection background to Jairus's daughter.
- Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man receives dominion over all powers, consistent with Jesus' authority over visible and invisible realms.
Canonical Connections
The word of God as seed that bears fruit through persevering reception resonates with prophetic teaching about God's effective word.
The lamp image connects discipleship to visible witness and disclosed truth.
Jesus redefines kinship around obedient hearing, anticipating the people of God formed around His word.
Jesus' calming of the storm echoes Old Testament texts where the Lord rules the raging waters.
The Gerasene deliverance shows the kingdom of God overruling destructive spiritual powers.
The bleeding woman's condition bears purity implications that Jesus' healing power overcomes without being contaminated.
Jesus' raising of Jairus's daughter recalls Elijah and Elisha while displaying His own direct authority.
The healed woman receives peace through faith, aligning with Luke's broader pattern of salvation and peace.
Cross References
Luke 8 presents the gospel as the good news of the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus and received by persevering faith. The gospel word bears fruit in those who hear, retain, and obey it. The Christ who proclaims that word also has authority to rescue from demons, calm creation, heal uncleanness, restore peace, and raise the dead. Salvation is not mere information received, but the reign of Christ breaking into bondage, fear, shame, and death.
- Kingdom proclamation - Jesus announces the good news of the kingdom of God.
- Word received by faith - The seed is the word of God, and true reception bears persevering fruit.
- Deliverance from evil - Jesus liberates the Gerasene man from a legion of demons.
- Authority over creation - Jesus calms wind and waves by His command.
- Healing and peace - The bleeding woman is healed, named daughter, and sent in peace.
- Faith saves - Jesus tells the woman that her faith has healed or saved her.
- Life over death - Jesus raises Jairus's daughter by His life-giving command.
- Witness after mercy - The restored man is sent to declare how much God has done for Him.
- True family - Jesus forms a people who hear God's word and put it into practice.
- Do not separate kingdom proclamation from Jesus' saving authority.
- Do not treat the parable of the soils as mere moral advice · it concerns reception of the word of God.
- Do not confuse temporary emotional response with persevering faith.
- Do not reduce Jesus' miracles to symbols only · Luke presents real authority over real afflictions.
- Do not make the bleeding woman's healing magical · Jesus identifies faith and gives personal restoration.
- Do not treat demonic bondage as outside Jesus' authority.
- Do not preach fear as final when Jesus commands faith.
- Do not define closeness to Jesus by natural, social, or religious proximity apart from hearing and doing God's word.
Primary Emphasis
Luke 8 reveals Jesus as the kingdom preacher, revealer of the secrets of the kingdom, Lord of creation, conqueror of demons, restorer of the unclean, giver of peace, raiser of the dead, and the one around whom the true family of God is formed by hearing and obeying His word.
Chapter Contribution
Luke 8 argues that the decisive issue in the kingdom is how people hear and respond to Jesus' word. The same word is preached, but hearts differ: some are hardened, some shallow, some crowded by life's pressures, and some fruitful through perseverance. That word is not weak, because the speaker of the word has authority over creation, demons, disease, uncleanness, and death. True discipleship hears, holds fast, obeys, trusts, and testifies.
Hearers are responsible for how they listen and will be exposed by what becomes known.
Some receive the word temporarily but fall away in time of testing because they have no root.
Jesus commands demons, determines their permitted movement, and restores the captive man.
Jesus’ spoken command brings calm, continuing Luke’s emphasis on the effectiveness of His word.
Jesus is recognized by demons as Son of the Most High God and exercises sovereign authority over demonic powers.
Jesus’ ministry gathers diverse people, including the Twelve and women from varied backgrounds, into shared mission.
Wind and water are not autonomous chaos but subject to Christ’s rebuke and command.
Jesus liberates a man from severe demonic oppression and restores Him to sanity, dignity, and community.
Following Jesus includes accompanying Him, learning from Him, and participating in His mission.
The woman’s faith receives healing, and Jairus is called to believe even after death is reported.
Faithful hearing cannot remain merely internal or verbal; it must become embodied practice.
The devil takes away the word so that some may not believe and be saved, showing the saving aim of the word.
Jesus defines His true family as those bound to Him by obedient response to God’s word.
The passage moves from fear of drowning to awe before Jesus’ identity and power.
Jesus confronts fear with the command to believe.
The townspeople respond to Jesus’ power with fear and request His departure.
The true hearing of the word produces a crop, indicating transformed and enduring response.
Jesus’ mercy reaches across the lake into Gentile-associated territory and leaves a witness there.
The passage joins proclamation and good news, showing Jesus as herald of God’s saving reign.
Jesus publicly restores the woman as Daughter and privately restores the girl to life and care.
The good soil is those who receive the word in a noble and good heart, connecting hearing to inner disposition.
The demons fear the Abyss, showing awareness of appointed judgment under divine authority.
Nothing hidden or concealed will remain permanently covered; all will be disclosed.
Kingdom belonging relativizes natural kinship and establishes a new community around Jesus.
The secrets of the kingdom are given to Jesus’ disciples, while the parable describes response to kingdom proclamation.
The natural world obeys Jesus’ word, revealing His sovereign lordship.
Jesus’ holiness is not contaminated by the bleeding woman’s touch; instead, His power restores her.
Physical relation, proximity, or access to Jesus’ ministry does not replace obedient reception of the word.
True hearing is completed in doing; obedience is the visible response of those who belong to Jesus.
Jesus sends the restored woman in peace, replacing fear, shame, and hiddenness with assurance.
The increase-and-loss warning continues the call to hold fast to the word with endurance.
Jesus’ presence and authority govern the disciples’ dangerous journey.
God provides for Jesus’ itinerant ministry through the grateful service and resources of restored disciples.
The delay for the woman’s restoration becomes the setting for a deeper revelation of Jesus’ authority over death.
The passage anticipates the church as a community formed by God’s word, faith, obedience, and belonging to Christ.
Those healed of evil spirits and diseases become active servants and supporters of the ministry.
The raising of Jairus’s daughter previews Jesus’ authority over death and anticipates resurrection hope.
Kingdom truth is light given by God and intended to be seen, received, and made manifest.
Parables reveal to disciples but also expose those who see without perceiving and hear without understanding.
Jesus tells the woman that her faith has saved or healed her, using language that embraces restoration and deliverance.
Those who only think they have spiritual possession are warned that false possession will be stripped away.
Those who truly receive and keep the word are given more understanding and fruitfulness.
The passage reveals real demonic bondage and Christ’s superior authority over it.
Material resources are used for gospel support, showing that wealth and means can be submitted to kingdom service.
The storm functions as a test revealing whether the disciples trust the Lord’s word and presence.
Peter, John, James, and the parents are selected witnesses to the raising, while the woman publicly testifies to her healing.
Luke honors women as named followers and supporters of Jesus’ mission.
The seed is explicitly identified as the word of God, the message that must be heard, believed, retained, and obeyed.
Life’s worries, riches, and pleasures can choke the word and prevent maturity.
Jesus is kingdom preacher, revealer of the kingdom, Lord over creation, conqueror of demons, healer, giver of peace, and raiser of the dead.
The word is seed that must be heard, retained, obeyed, and borne in fruit through perseverance.
True discipleship is defined by careful hearing, perseverance, obedience, faith, and witness.
The devil snatches the word, and demons oppose human restoration, but Jesus' authority prevails.
Restored women materially support Jesus' ministry, showing the dignity of participation in gospel mission.
Jesus commands wind and water, revealing authority belonging to the Lord of creation.
Demonic powers are real, destructive, and many, yet subject to Jesus' command.
Faith reaches for Jesus, trusts His word, resists fear, and receives His saving restoration.
Jesus heals chronic disease and restores public peace and identity.
Jesus raises Jairus's daughter, displaying authority over death and anticipating resurrection hope.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Luke 8 presents the gospel as the good news of the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus and received by persevering faith. The gospel word bears fruit in those who hear, retain, and obey it. The Christ who proclaims that word also has authority to rescue from demons, calm creation, heal uncleanness, restore peace, and raise the dead. Salvation is not mere information received, but the reign of Christ breaking into bondage, fear, shame, and death.
Sense God's reign, rule, and saving kingdom
Definition The royal reign and saving rule of God.
References Luke 8:1
Lexicon God's reign, rule, and saving kingdom
Why it matters Jesus' mission is explicitly described as proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense the message, word, or revelation of God
Definition God's communicated word or message.
References Luke 8:11, 8:21
Lexicon the message, word, or revelation of God
Why it matters The seed is explicitly identified as the word of God, making hearing central to discipleship.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense to hear, listen, receive
Definition To hear or listen, often with the implication of response.
References Luke 8:8, 8:10, 8:12-15, 8:18, 8:21
Lexicon to hear, listen, receive
Why it matters Luke 8 repeatedly tests whether hearing becomes retention, obedience, and fruit.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense to bear fruit
Definition To produce fruit or visible outcome.
References Luke 8:15
Lexicon to bear fruit
Why it matters The goal of hearing is persevering fruitfulness, not temporary response.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense to announce good news
Definition To proclaim glad tidings or good news.
References Luke 8:1
Lexicon to announce good news
Why it matters Jesus' itinerant ministry is gospel proclamation centered on the kingdom of God.
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense to heal, restore, care for
Definition To heal or restore from sickness or affliction.
References Luke 8:2
Lexicon to heal, restore, care for
Why it matters The women who support Jesus' ministry do so as those restored by His mercy.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense evil spirits
Definition Spiritual powers characterized by evil and opposition to God.
References Luke 8:2
Lexicon evil spirits
Why it matters Jesus' ministry restores people from demonic oppression, as seen in Mary Magdalene and the Gerasene man.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense parable, comparison, illustrative saying
Definition A comparison or story used to reveal and test understanding.
References Luke 8:4, 8:9-10
Lexicon parable, comparison, illustrative saying
Why it matters Jesus' parables reveal the kingdom to receptive disciples and expose resistant hearing.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense seed
Definition Seed scattered for planting.
References Luke 8:5, 8:11
Lexicon seed
Why it matters Jesus identifies the seed as the word of God, making the image central to understanding spiritual fruitfulness.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense mysteries, secrets now revealed
Definition Divine realities once hidden but made known by revelation.
References Luke 8:10
Lexicon mysteries, secrets now revealed
Why it matters Jesus grants His disciples knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense to believe, trust, rely on
Definition To trust or believe.
References Luke 8:12
Lexicon to believe, trust, rely on
Why it matters The devil snatches the word so people may not believe and be saved, showing the saving significance of true reception.
Sense to save, rescue, heal, make whole
Definition To save, deliver, rescue, or restore.
References Luke 8:12, 8:48
Lexicon to save, rescue, heal, make whole
Why it matters The word aims at belief and salvation, and Jesus later tells the bleeding woman that faith has saved or healed her.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense testing, trial, temptation
Definition A time of testing, trial, or temptation.
References Luke 8:13
Lexicon testing, trial, temptation
Why it matters Shallow hearers fall away in time of testing because they have no root.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense anxieties, worries, cares
Definition Cares, anxieties, or concerns that divide attention.
References Luke 8:14
Lexicon anxieties, worries, cares
Why it matters Worries can choke the word and prevent mature fruitfulness.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense wealth, riches
Definition Material wealth or abundance.
References Luke 8:14
Lexicon wealth, riches
Why it matters Riches are named as one of the thorns that choke fruitfulness.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense pleasures, sensual or life-enjoyment desires
Definition Pleasures or desires that can dominate the heart.
References Luke 8:14
Lexicon pleasures, sensual or life-enjoyment desires
Why it matters Pleasures of life can choke the word as effectively as anxieties and riches.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense endurance, perseverance, steadfastness
Definition Patient endurance or steadfast perseverance under pressure.
References Luke 8:15
Lexicon endurance, perseverance, steadfastness
Why it matters True fruitfulness comes through persevering reception of the word.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense lamp
Definition A lamp used for giving light.
References Luke 8:16
Lexicon lamp
Why it matters Jesus teaches that revelation is meant to shine and become visible.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense to do, practice, put into action
Definition To do, make, act, or practice.
References Luke 8:21
Lexicon to do, practice, put into action
Why it matters Jesus' true family hears God's word and puts it into practice.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to rebuke, command sternly
Definition To rebuke, warn, or command with authority.
References Luke 8:24
Lexicon to rebuke, command sternly
Why it matters Jesus rebukes wind and raging waters as He has rebuked demons and sickness, showing authoritative command.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense faith, trust, reliance
Definition Trust or reliance, especially in Christ.
References Luke 8:25, 8:48
Lexicon faith, trust, reliance
Why it matters Jesus asks the disciples where their faith is and later affirms the bleeding woman's faith.
Sense legion, many
Definition A term associated with a large military unit, used here to signify many demons.
Lexicon legion, many
Why it matters The name indicates the severity and multiplicity of the man's demonic bondage.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense abyss, bottomless deep
Definition A deep place associated with confinement or judgment.
References Luke 8:31
Lexicon abyss, bottomless deep
Why it matters The demons fear being sent into the abyss, showing their awareness of Jesus' authority and coming judgment.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense to be of sound mind, self-controlled
Definition To be sane, self-controlled, or in a sound frame of mind.
References Luke 8:35
Lexicon to be of sound mind, self-controlled
Why it matters Jesus' deliverance restores the man to dignity, sanity, and social visibility.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to tell fully, recount, describe
Definition To narrate or declare fully.
References Luke 8:39
Lexicon to tell fully, recount, describe
Why it matters Jesus commissions the restored man to recount what God has done for Him.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense daughter
Definition A female child or daughter.
References Luke 8:48
Lexicon daughter
Why it matters Jesus' address to the bleeding woman as daughter publicly restores her dignity and belonging.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense peace, wholeness, restored well-being
Definition Peace, welfare, harmony, or restored wholeness.
References Luke 8:48
Lexicon peace, wholeness, restored well-being
Why it matters Jesus sends the healed woman away in peace, showing full restoration beyond physical healing.
Sense do not fear
Definition A command not to be afraid.
References Luke 8:50
Lexicon do not fear
Why it matters Jesus calls Jairus from fear to faith when death seems final.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to raise, awaken, get up
Definition To raise up, awaken, or cause to rise.
References Luke 8:54
Lexicon to raise, awaken, get up
Why it matters Jesus' command raises Jairus's daughter, displaying authority over death.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (86)
| v.1 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.2 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.3 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.4 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.5 | μὲνindeedcontrast setup (μέν...δέ)The μέν...δέ pair is a rhetorical hinge. Both sides matter equally. |
| v.6 | καὶHoweveradditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.7 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.8 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.9 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.10 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.11 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.12 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.13 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.14 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.15 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.16 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead?ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.17 | γάρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.οὐδὲnor [is]negative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation. |
| v.18 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.19 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.20 | Καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲalsocontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.21 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.22 | Καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.23 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.24 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.25 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιforcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.26 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.27 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.28 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.29 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.30 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιbecausecontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.31 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.32 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.33 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.34 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.35 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.36 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.37 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ὅτιbecausecontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.38 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.40 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.41 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.42 | ὅτιbecausecontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.43 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.45 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.46 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.47 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.48 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.49 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.50 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.51 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.52 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ἀλλὰbutstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.53 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.54 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.55 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.56 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲandcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (242 main verbs)
| v.1 | ἐγένετοgínomaihappenedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδιώδευενdiodeúōwent onimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.2 | ἐξεληλύθειexérchomaigone outpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past action |
| v.3 | διηκόνουνdiakonéōprovidedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionὑπαρχόντωνhypárchontapossessionspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.4 | Συνιόντοςsýneimigatheringpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπιπορευομένωνepiporeúomaicomingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.5 | Ἐξῆλθενexérchomaiwent outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσπείρωνspeírōsowerpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσπεῖραιspeírōsowaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbσπείρεινspeírōsowedpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἔπεσενpíptōfellaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκατεπατήθηkatapatéōtrampled onaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκατέφαγενkatesthíōdevouredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.6 | κατέπεσενkatapíptōfellaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφυὲνphýōgrew upaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐξηράνθηxēraínōwithered awayaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔχεινéchōhadpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.7 | ἔπεσενpíptōfellaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσυμφυεῖσαιsymphýōgrew up withaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπέπνιξανchokedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.8 | ἔπεσενpíptōfellaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφυὲνphýōcame upaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐποίησενpoiéōproducedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐφώνειphōnéōcalled outimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἔχωνéchōhaspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀκούεινhearpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀκουέτωhearpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.9 | Ἐπηρώτωνeperōtáōaskedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.10 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδέδοταιdídōmigivenperfect passive indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultγνῶναιginṓskōknowaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbβλέποντεςseeingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionβλέπωσινseepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀκούοντεςhearingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσυνιῶσινsyníēmiunderstandpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.12 | ἀκούσαντεςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔρχεταιérchomaicomespresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthαἴρειtakes awaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπιστεύσαντεςpisteúōbelieveaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσωθῶσινsṓzōsavedaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.13 | ἀκούσωσινhearaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδέχονταιdéchomaireceivepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχουσινéchōhavepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπιστεύουσινpisteúōbelievepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀφίστανταιfall awaypresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.14 | πεσόνpíptōfellaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀκούσαντεςhearaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπορευόμενοιporeúomaigo on ~ waypresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσυμπνίγονταιsympnígōchokedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthτελεσφοροῦσινtelesphoréōbring ~ fruitto maturitypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.15 | ἀκούσαντεςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκατέχουσινkatéchōhold ~ fastpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthκαρποφοροῦσινkarpophoréōbear fruitpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.16 | ἅψαςlightingaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκαλύπτειkalýptōcoverspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthτίθησινtíthēmiputspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthτίθησινtíthēmiputspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthεἰσπορευόμενοιeisporeúomaicome inpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionβλέπωσινseepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.17 | γνωσθῇginṓskōknownaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἔλθῃérchomaicomeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.18 | βλέπετεtake carepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἀκούετεlistenpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχῃéchōhaspresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδοθήσεταιdídōmigivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἔχῃéchōhavepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδοκεῖdokéōthinkspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχεινéchōhaspresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀρθήσεταιtaken awayfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.19 | Παρεγένετοparagínomaicameaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἠδύναντοdýnamaicouldimperfect middle indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionσυντυχεῖνsyntynchánōmeet withaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.20 | ἀπηγγέληtoldaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἑστήκασινhístēmistandingperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultἰδεῖνhoráōseeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbθέλοντέςthélōwantingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.21 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.22 | Ἐγένετοgínomaihappenedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐνέβηembaínōgotaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΔιέλθωμενdiérchomaicross overaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀνήχθησανset outaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.23 | πλεόντωνpléōsailingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀφύπνωσενfell asleepaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκατέβηkatabaínōcame downaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσυνεπληροῦντοsymplēróōswampedimperfect passive indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐκινδύνευονkindyneúōin dangerimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.24 | προσελθόντεςprosérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδιήγειρανdiegeírōwoke ~ upaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπολλύμεθαperishingpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδιεγερθεὶςdiegeírōgot upaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπετίμησενepitimáōrebukedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπαύσαντοpaúōceasedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐγένετοgínomaiwasaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.25 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφοβηθέντεςphobéōafraidaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐθαύμασανthaumázōamazedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπιτάσσειepitássōcommandspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthὑπακούουσινhypakoúōobeypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.26 | κατέπλευσανkatapléōsailedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.27 | ἐξελθόντιexérchomaistepped outaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionὑπήντησενhypantáōmetaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔχωνéchōhadpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐνεδύσατοendýōwornaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔμενενménōliveimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.28 | ἰδὼνhoráōsawaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀνακράξαςcried outaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσέπεσενprospíptōfell down beforeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδέομαίdéomaibegpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthβασανίσῃςtormentaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.29 | παρήγγελλενparangéllōfor he gave ordersimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐξελθεῖνexérchomaicome outaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbσυνηρπάκειsynarpázōseizedpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past actionἐδεσμεύετοdesméōboundimperfect passive indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionφυλασσόμενοςphylássōkept under guardpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδιαρρήσσωνdiarrhḗssōbreakpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἠλαύνετοelaúnōdrivenimperfect passive indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.30 | ἐπηρώτησενeperōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἰσῆλθενeisérchomaienteredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.31 | παρεκάλουνparakaléōbeggedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐπιτάξῃepitássōorderaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀπελθεῖνdepartaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.32 | βοσκομένηbóskōfeedingpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπαρεκάλεσανparakaléōbeggedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπιτρέψῃepitrépōpermitaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentεἰσελθεῖνeisérchomaienteraorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἐπέτρεψενepitrépōgave ~ permissionaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.33 | ἐξελθόνταexérchomaicame outaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἰσῆλθονeisérchomaienteredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionὥρμησενhormáōrushedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπεπνίγηdrownedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.34 | Ἰδόντεςhoráōsawaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionβόσκοντεςbóskōherdsmenpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionγεγονὸςgínomaihappenedperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔφυγονpheúgōran offaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπήγγειλανreportedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.35 | ἐξῆλθονexérchomaiwent outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἰδεῖνhoráōseeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbγεγονὸςgínomaihappenedperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἦλθονérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεὗρονheurískōfoundaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκαθήμενονkáthēmaisittingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐξῆλθενexérchomaigone outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἱματισμένονhimatízōclothedperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσωφρονοῦνταsōphronéōin ~ rightmindpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐφοβήθησανphobéōafraidaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.36 | ἀπήγγειλανtoldaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἰδόντεςhoráōseenaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐσώθηsṓzōhealedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδαιμονισθείςdaimonízomaidemon-possessedaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.37 | ἠρώτησενerōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπελθεῖνdepartaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbσυνείχοντοsynéchōseizedimperfect passive indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐμβὰςembaínōgotaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionὑπέστρεψενhypostréphōreturnedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.38 | ἐδεῖτοdéōbeggedimperfect middle indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐξεληλύθειexérchomaigone outpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past actionἀπέλυσενsent ~ awayaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.39 | Ὑπόστρεφεhypostréphōreturnpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationδιηγοῦdiēgéomaitellpresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἐποίησενpoiéōdoneaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπῆλθενwent awayaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκηρύσσωνkērýssōproclaimingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐποίησενpoiéōdoneaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.40 | ὑποστρέφεινhypostréphōreturnedpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀπεδέξατοwelcomedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.41 | ἦλθενérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπεσὼνpíptōfell downaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπαρεκάλειparakaléōbeggedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionεἰσελθεῖνeisérchomaicomeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.42 | ἀπέθνῃσκενdyingimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionὑπάγεινhypágōwentpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbσυνέπνιγονsympnígōpressingimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.43 | προσαναλώσασαprosanalískōspentaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἴσχυσενischýōcouldaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionθεραπευθῆναιtherapeúōhealedaorist passive infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.44 | προσελθοῦσαprosérchomaicame upaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἥψατοtouchedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔστηhístēmistoppedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.45 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἁψάμενόςtouchedaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀρνουμένωνdeniedpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσυνέχουσίνsynéchōcrowdingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀποθλίβουσινpressing againstpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.46 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἭψατόtouchedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔγνωνginṓskōknowaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξεληλυθυῖανexérchomaigone outperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.47 | ἰδοῦσαhoráōsawaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλαθενlanthánōhiddenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionτρέμουσαtrémōtremblingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἦλθενérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπροσπεσοῦσαprospíptōfalling down beforeaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἥψατοtouchedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπήγγειλενdeclaredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἰάθηiáomaihealedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.48 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσέσωκένsṓzōmade ~ wellperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultπορεύουporeúomaigopresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.49 | λαλοῦντοςlaléōspeakingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔρχεταίérchomaicamepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγωνlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionΤέθνηκενthnḗskōdeadperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultσκύλλεskýllōtroublepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.50 | ἀκούσαςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπεκρίθηansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφοβοῦphobéōafraidpresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπίστευσονpisteúōbelieveaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationσωθήσεταιsṓzōsavedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.51 | ἐλθὼνérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀφῆκενallowaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἰσελθεῖνeisérchomaienteraorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.52 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκλαίετεklaíōweeppresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἀπέθανενdeadaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκαθεύδειkatheúdōsleepingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.53 | κατεγέλωνkatageláōlaughed atimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionεἰδότεςeídōknowingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπέθανενdeadaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.54 | κρατήσαςkratéōtookaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐφώνησενphōnéōcalledaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔγειρεegeírōget uppresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.55 | ἐπέστρεψενepistréphōreturnedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀνέστηgot upaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδιέταξενdiatássōgave ordersaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδοθῆναιdídōmigivenaorist passive infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbφαγεῖνphágōeataorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.56 | ἐξέστησανexístēmiastonishedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπαρήγγειλενparangéllōorderedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἰπεῖνépōtellaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbγεγονόςgínomaihappenedperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
The word of God reveals hearts, and Jesus, the speaker of that word, possesses sovereign authority over creation, demons, sickness, impurity, and death.
God's people must move beyond exposure to the word into persevering obedience, faith-filled trust, and bold testimony to the restoring work of Christ.
Persevering, obedient, faith-filled, witness-bearing disciples who hear the word rightly and trust Jesus' authority in fear, bondage, shame, and grief.
- Identify which soil condition is most threatening Your present fruitfulness.
- Remove one thorn that is choking attention to the word.
- Practice retaining the word through meditation, obedience, and perseverance.
- Test fear by asking what it reveals about Your view of Jesus' authority.
- Write a simple testimony of what God has done for You in Christ.
- Bring shame into the light before Jesus rather than hiding in the crowd.
- Speak Jesus' words, 'Don't be afraid · just believe,' into a present grief or impossibility.
- Serve from gratitude, as the restored women did.
- Luke 8 warns that hearing the word without persevering fruit is spiritually dangerous. The devil can snatch the word, shallow reception can collapse under testing, life's worries and pleasures can choke fruitfulness, fear can displace faith, and people may prefer Jesus to leave rather than submit to His disruptive authority.
- Treating the parable of the soils as mainly about preaching technique. - The parable primarily exposes different heart responses to the word of God.
- Assuming all initial joy is saving fruit. - Jesus distinguishes temporary joyful reception from rooted, persevering fruitfulness.
- Reading the thorns only as severe sin. - Jesus names worries, riches, and pleasures of life as fruit-choking dangers.
- Treating hearing as passive exposure to biblical content. - Jesus commands careful hearing, retention, practice, and persevering fruit.
- Using Jesus' family saying to dishonor His earthly family. - Jesus does not despise His mother and brothers · He defines ultimate kingdom kinship around hearing and doing God's word.
- Reducing the storm scene to a generic lesson about calm feelings. - The central issue is Jesus' identity and authority over creation, which calls for faith.
- Making the Gerasene account only about mental distress. - The text presents real demonic bondage, social devastation, uncleanness, and restoration by Jesus' authority.
- Treating the pigs as the main ethical issue. - The narrative's focus is Jesus' authority over demons, the man's restoration, the town's fear, and the call to witness.
- Treating the bleeding woman's touch as magical. - Jesus identifies her faith as the means of receiving healing, and He brings her into public restoration and peace.
- Treating Jairus's daughter as merely asleep in an ordinary sense. - Luke states her spirit returned, indicating genuine death and true restoration to life.
- What kind of soil best describes my present hearing of God's word?
- Where has the devil snatched away the word through hardness, distraction, or unbelief?
- Where have I received the word with joy but lacked root under testing?
- What worries, riches, or pleasures are currently choking fruitfulness in me?
- Am I merely hearing the word, or am I retaining it and bearing fruit by perseverance?
- Does my life make the light of Jesus' teaching visible, or am I hiding what I have received?
- Do I define closeness to Jesus by association, or by hearing and doing God's word?
- When storms arise, do I interpret Jesus' silence as absence, or do I trust His authority?
- Where might I prefer Jesus to leave because His power disrupts my comfort, economy, or control?
- Who needs to hear from me what God has done through Christ?
- Where do I need to approach Jesus honestly despite shame?
- Where is Jesus saying to me, 'Don't be afraid · just believe'?
- Teach hearing as spiritual warfare.
- Disciple people beyond initial response.
- Name respectable thorns clearly.
- Honor women as faithful participants in ministry.
- Define church family by obedience to the word.
- Use storms to reveal faith questions, not merely emotional panic.
- Shepherd deliverance into testimony.
- Restore the ashamed publicly with care.
- Strengthen faith when circumstances worsen.
- Preach Jesus' authority comprehensively.
Preach Luke 8 as the chapter of hearing and authority: the word tests hearts, and the speaker of the word rules every threatening realm.
Use the chapter to teach parables, kingdom revelation, discipleship, spiritual warfare, fear and faith, deliverance, healing, and resurrection authority.
Use the soils for distracted or shallow faith, the storm for fear, the Gerasene for bondage and restoration, the bleeding woman for shame, and Jairus for grief and desperate faith.
Train believers to hear, retain, obey, persevere, testify, and trust Jesus when fear, shame, and death press hard.
Jesus models word-centered ministry, dignifying restored servants, confronting spiritual bondage, strengthening faith, and restoring sufferers personally.
The restored Gerasene provides a model of testimony: declare how much God has done for You.
The chapter calls the church to worship Jesus as the Lord whom winds, waves, demons, disease, and death obey.
Study kingdom reign, divine rule, and gospel kingdom proclamation across Scripture.
Follow faith, believing response, trust, and persevering allegiance across Scripture.
Follow resurrection hope, vindication, and life-over-death patterns across the canon.
Trace servant identity, obedient mission, and suffering service across Scripture.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Luke moves from Jesus proclaiming the kingdom with restored women serving Him, to the parable of the soils and the demand for true hearing, then to four authority scenes where Jesus rules the storm, demons, disease, and death.
Luke 8 shows Jesus as the kingdom preacher whose word divides true from false hearing and as the Lord whose saving authority enacts promised restoration. His deliverance of the demonized, healing of the unclean, and raising of the dead display the kingdom power anticipated in the prophets. His creation authority echoes the Lord's rule over the sea, while His family teaching reconstitutes God's people around obedient hearing.
Luke 8 presents the gospel as the good news of the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus and received by persevering faith. The gospel word bears fruit in those who hear, retain, and obey it. The Christ who proclaims that word also has authority to rescue from demons, calm creation, heal uncleanness, restore peace, and raise the dead. Salvation is not mere information received, but the reign of Christ breaking into bondage, fear, shame, and death.
Persevering, obedient, faith-filled, witness-bearing disciples who hear the word rightly and trust Jesus' authority in fear, bondage, shame, and grief.
Focus Points
- The kingdom of God proclaimed as good news
- Restored women participating in Jesus' ministry
- The word of God as seed
- Hearing and heart response
- Persevering fruitfulness
- Revelation and responsibility
- True family defined by hearing and doing God's word
- Jesus' authority over creation
- Faith versus fear
- Jesus' authority over demons
- Restoration from bondage
- Witness after deliverance
- Faith amid shame and desperation
- Healing, peace, and daughterhood
- Jesus' authority over death
- Proclamation
- Restoration and service
- Hearing
- Fruitfulness
- Revelation
- True kinship
- Authority
- Fear and faith
- Deliverance
- Peace
- Life from death
- Christology
- Word of God
- Discipleship
- Spiritual warfare
- Providence and mission support
- Creation authority
- Demonology
- Faith
- Healing and restoration
- Resurrection power
Cross References
Passages
Chapter opening: Luke 8:1-3
Soon afterwards (εν τω καθεξης). In 7:11 we have εν τω εξης. This word means one after the other, successively, but that gives no definite data as to the time, only that this incident in 8:1-3 follows that in 7:36-50 . Both in Luke alone. That (κα). One of Luke's idioms with κα εγενετο like Hebrew wav . Went about (διωδευεν). Imperfect active of διοδευω, to make one's way through (δια, οδος), common in late Greek writers.
In the N. T. here only and Ac 17:1 . Through cities and villages (κατα πολιν κα κωμην). Distributive use of κατα (up and down). The clause is amphibolous and goes equally well with διωδευεν or with κηρυσσων (heralding) κα ευαγγελιζομενος (evangelizing, gospelizing). This is the second tour of Galilee, this time the Twelve with him.
Which had been healed (α ησαν τεθεραπευμενα). Periphrastic past perfect passive, suggesting that the healing had taken place some time before this tour. These women all had personal grounds of gratitude to Jesus. From whom seven devils (demons) had gone out (αφ' ης δαιμονια επτα εξεληλυθε). Past perfect active third singular for the δαιμονια are neuter plural.
This first mention of Mary Magdalene describes her special cause of gratitude. This fact is stated also in Mr 16:9 in the disputed close of the Gospel. The presence of seven demons in one person indicates special malignity ( Mr 5:9 ). See Mt 17:45 for the parable of the demon who came back with seven other demons worse than the first. It is not known where Magdala was, whence Mary came.
Joanna (Ιωανα). Her husband Χυζα, steward (επιτροπου) of Herod, is held by some to be the nobleman (βασιλικος) of Joh 4:46-53 who believed and all his house. At any rate Christ had a follower from the household of Herod Antipas who had such curiosity to see and hear him. One may recall also Manaen ( Ac 13:1 ), Herod's foster brother. Joanna is mentioned again with Mary Magdalene in Lu 24:10 .
Who ministered unto them (αιτινες διηκονουν αυτοις). Imperfect active of διακονεω, common verb, but note augment as if from δια and ακονεω, but from διακονος and that from δια and κονις (dust). The very fact that Jesus now had twelve men going with him called for help from others and the women of means responded to the demand. Of their substance (εκ των υπαρχοντων αυταις).
From the things belonging to them. This is the first woman's missionary society for the support of missionaries of the Gospel. They had difficulties in their way, but they overcame these, so great was their gratitude and zeal.
By a parable (δια παραβολης). Mr 4:2 says "in parables" as does Mt 13:3 . This is the beginning of the first great group of parables as given in Mr 4:1-34 and Mt 13:1-53 . There are ten of these parables in Mark and Matthew and only two in Lu 8:4-18 (The Sower and the Lamp, 8:16 ) though Luke also has the expression "in parables" ( 8:10 ). See Mt 13 and Mr 4 for discussion of the word parable and the details of the Parable of the Sower.
Luke does not locate the place, but he mentions the great crowds on hand, while both Mark and Matthew name the seaside as the place where Jesus was at the start of the series of parables.
His seed (τον σπορον αυτου). Peculiar to Luke. Was trodden under foot (κατεπατηθη). First aorist passive indicative of καταπατεω. Peculiar to Luke here. Of the heavens (του ουρανου). Added in Luke.
Upon the rock (επ την πετραν). Mr 4:5 "the rocky ground" (επ το πετρωδες), Mt 13:5 "the rocky places. As soon as it grew (φυεν). Second aorist passive participle of φυω, an old verb to spring up like a sprout. Withered away (εξηρανθη). First aorist passive indicative of ζηραινω, old verb, to dry up. Moisture (ικμαδα). Here only in the N.T., though common word.
Amidst the thorns (εν μεσω των ακανθων). Mr 4:7 has εις (among) and Mt 13:7 has επ "upon." Grew with it (συνφυεισα). Same participle as φυεν above with συν- (together). Choked (απεπνιξαν). From αποπνιγω, to choke off as in Mt 13:7 . In Mr 4:7 the verb is συνεπνιξαν (choked together).
A hundredfold (εκατονπλασιονα). Luke omits the thirty and sixty of Mr 4:8 ; Mt 13:8 . He cried (εφωνε). Imperfect active, and in a loud voice, the verb means. The warning about hearing with the ears occurs also in Mr 4:9 ; Mt 13:9 .
Asked (επηρωτων). Imperfect of επερωταω (επ and ερωταω) where Mr 4:10 has ηρωτων (uncompounded imperfect), both the tense and the use of επ indicate eager and repeated questions on the part of the disciples, perhaps dimly perceiving a possible reflection on their own growth. What this parable might be (τις αυτη ειη η παραβολη). A mistranslation, What this parable was (or meant).
The optative ειη is merely due to indirect discourse, changing the indicative εστιν (is) of the direct question to the optative ειη of the indirect, a change entirely with the writer or speaker and without any change of meaning (Robertson, Grammar , pp. 1043f.)
The mysteries (τα μυστηρια). See for this word on Mt 13:11 ; Mr 4:11 . Part of the mystery here explained is how so many people who have the opportunity to enter the kingdom fail to do so because of manifest unfitness. That (ινα). Here Mr 4:11 also has ινα while Mt 13:13 has οτ (because). On the so-called causal use of ινα as here equal to οτ see discussion on Mt 13:13 ; Mr 4:11 .
Plummer sensibly argues that there is truth both in the causal οτ of Matthew and the final ινα of Mark and Matthew. "But the principle that he who hath shall receive more, while he who hath not shall be deprived of what he seemeth to have, explains both the ινα and the οτ. Jesus speaks in parables because the multitudes see without seeing and hear without hearing.
But He also speaks in parable in order that they may see without seeing and hear without hearing." Only for "hearing" Luke has "understand" συνιωσιν, present subjunctive from a late omega form συνιω instead of the -μ verb συνιημ.
Is this (εστιν δε αυτη). Means this. Jesus now proceeds to interpret his own parable. The seed is the word of God (ο σπορος εστιν ο λογος του θεου). The article with both subject and predicate as here means that they are interchangeable and can be turned round: The word of God is the seed. The phrase "the word of God" does not appear in Matthew and only once in Mark ( Mr 7:13 ) and John ( Joh 10:35 ), but four times in Luke ( 5:1 ; 8:11 , 21 ; 11:28 ) and twelve times in Acts.
In Mr 4:14 we have only "the word." In Mr 3:31 we have "the will of God," and in Mt 12:46 "the will of my Father" where Lu 8:21 has "the word of God." This seems to show that Luke has the subjective genitive here and means the word that comes from God.
Those by the wayside (ο παρα την οδον). As in Mr 4:15 ; Mt 13:19 so here the people who hear the word = the seed are discussed by metonymy. The devil (ο διαβολος). The slanderer. Here Mr 4:15 has Satan. From their heart (απο της καρδιας αυτων). Here Mark has "in them." It is the devil's business to snatch up the seed from the heart before it sprouts and takes root.
Every preacher knows how successful the devil is with his auditors. Mt 13:19 has it "sown in the heart." That they may not believe and be saved (ινα μη πιστευσαντες σωθωσιν). Peculiar to Luke. Negative purpose with aorist active participle and first aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive. Many reasons are offered today for the failure of preachers to win souls.
Here is the main one, the activity of the devil during and after the preaching of the sermon. No wonder then that the sower must have good seed and sow wisely, for even then he can only win partial success.
Which for a while believe (ο προς καιρον πιστευουσιν). Ostensibly they are sincere and have made a real start in the life of faith. They fall away (αφισταντα). Present middle indicative. They stand off, lose interest, stop coming to church, drop out of sight. It is positively amazing the number of new church members who "stumble" as Mr 4:17 has it (σκανδαλιζοντα), do not like the pastor, take offence at something said or done by somebody, object to the appeals for money, feel slighted.
The "season of trial" becomes a "season of temptation" (εν καιρω πειρασμου) for these superficial, emotional people who have to be periodically rounded up if kept within the fold.
They are choked (συνπνιγοντα). Present passive indicative of this powerfully vivid compound verb συνπνιγω used in Mr 4:19 ; Mt 13:22 , only there these worldly weeds choke the word while here the victims themselves are choked. Both are true. Diphtheria will choke and strangle the victim. Who has not seen the promise of fair flower and fruit choked into yellow withered stalk without fruit "as they go on their way" (πορευομενο).
Bring no fruit to perfection (ου τελεσφορουσιν). Compound verb common in the late writers (τελοσ, φορεω). To bring to completion. Used of fruits, animals, pregnant women. Only here in the N. T.
In an honest and good heart (εν καρδια καλη κα αγαθη). Peculiar to Luke. In verse 8 the land (γην) is called αγαθην (really good, generous) and in verse 15 we have εν τη καλη γη ( in the beautiful or noble land ). So Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used καλος κ' αγαθος of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke knew this idiom.
It occurs here alone in the N. T. It is not easy to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek. Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin honestus (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with "hold fast" (κατεχουσιν), "hold it down" so that the devil does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns.
It bears fruit (καρποφορουσιν, an old expressive verb, καρπος and φορεω). That is the proof of spiritual life. In patience (εν υπομονη). There is no other way for real fruit to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.
When he hath lighted a lamp (λυχνον αψας). It is a portable lamp (λυχνον) that one lights (αψας aorist active participle of απτω, to kindle, fasten to, light). With a vessel (σκευε, instrumental case of σκευος). Here Mr 4:21 has the more definite figure "under the bushel" as has Mt 5:15 . Under the bed (υποκατω κλινης). Here Mr 4:21 has the regular υπο την κλινην instead of the late compound υποκατω.
Ragg notes that Matthew distributes the sayings of Jesus given here by Lu 8:16-18 ; Mr 4:21-25 concerning the parable of the lamp and gives them in three separate places ( Mt 5:15 ; 10:26 ; 13:12 ). That is true, but it does not follow that Mark and Luke have bunched together separate sayings or that Matthew has scattered sayings delivered only on one occasion.
One of the slowest lessons for some critics to learn is that Jesus repeated favourite sayings on different occasions and in different groupings just as every popular preacher and teacher does today. See on Mr 4:21 for further discussion of the lamp and stand. May see the light (Βλεπωσιν το φως). In Mt 5:16 Jesus has it "may see your good works." The purpose of light is to let one see something else, not the light.
Note present subjunctive (βλεπωσιν), linear action "Jesus had kindled a light within them. They must not hide it, but must see that it spreads to others" (Plummer). The parable of the lamp throws light on the parable of the sower.
That shall not be known (ο ου μη γνωσθη). Peculiar to Luke. First aorist passive subjunctive of γινωσκω with the strong double negative ου μη. See on Mr 4:22 for discussion of κρυπτον and αποκρυφον.
How ye hear (πως ακουετε). The manner of hearing. Mr 4:24 has "what ye hear" (τ ακουετε), the matter that is heard. Both are supremely important. Some things should not be heard at all. Some that are heard should be forgotten. Others should be treasured and practised. For whosoever hath (Hος αν γαρ εχη). Present active subjunctive of the common verb εχω which may mean "keep on having" or "acquiring."
See on Mr 4:25 for discussion. Thinketh he hath (δοκε εχειν), or seems to acquire or to hold . Losses in business illustrate this saying as when we see their riches take wings and fly away. So it is with hearing and heeding. Self-deception is a common complaint.
His mother and brethren (η μητηρ κα ο αδελφο αυτου). Mr 3:31-35 ; Mt 12:46-50 place the visit of the mother and brothers of Jesus before the parable of the sower. Usually Luke follows Mark's order, but he does not do so here. At first the brothers of Jesus (younger sons of Joseph and Mary, I take the words to mean, there being sisters also) were not unfriendly to the work of Jesus as seen in Joh 2:12 when they with the mother of Jesus are with him and the small group (half dozen) disciples in Capernaum after the wedding in Cana.
But as Jesus went on with his work and was rejected at Nazareth ( Lu 4:16-31 ), there developed an evident disbelief in his claims on the part of the brothers who ridiculed him six months before the end ( Joh 7:5 ). At this stage they have apparently come with Mary to take Jesus home out of the excitement of the crowds, perhaps thinking that he is beside himself ( Mr 3:21 ).
They hardly believed the charge of the rabbis that Jesus was in league with Beelzebub. Certainly the mother of Jesus could give no credence to that slander. But she herself was deeply concerned and wanted to help him if possible. See discussion of the problem in my little book The Mother of Jesus and also on Mr 3:31 and Mt 12:46 . Come to him (συντυχειν). Second aorist active infinitive of συντυγχανω, an old verb, though here alone in the N.
T. , meaning to meet with, to fall in with as if accidentally, here with associative instrumental case αυτω.
Was told (απηγγελη). Second aorist passive indicative of απαγγελλω, to bring word or tidings. Common verb. See on Mr 3:32 and Mt 12:47 for details.
These which hear the word of God and do it (ο τον λογον του θεου ακουοντες κα ποιουντες). The absence of the article with "mother" and "brothers" probably means, as Plummer argues, "Mother to me and brothers to me are those who &c." No one is a child of God because of human parentage ( Joh 1:13 ). "Family ties are at best temporal; spiritual ties are eternal" (Plummer) .
Note the use of "hear and do" together here as in Mt 7:24 ; Lu 6:47 at the close of the Sermon on the Mount. The parable of the sower is almost like a footnote to that sermon. Later Jesus will make "doing" a test of friendship for him ( Joh 15:14 ).
And they launched forth (κα ανηχθησαν). First aorist passive indicative of αναγω, an old verb, to lead up, to put out to sea (looked at as going up from the land). This nautical sense of the verb occurs only in Luke in the N.T. and especially in the Acts ( Ac 13:13 ; 16:11 ; 18:21 ; 20:3 , 13 ; 21:I , 2 ; 27:2 , 4 , 12 , 21 ; 28:10 f. ).
He fell asleep (αφυπνωσεν). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of αφυπνοω, to put to sleep, to fall off to sleep, a late verb for which the older Greek used καθυπνοω. Originally αφυπνοω meant to waken from sleep, then to fall off to sleep (possibly a medical use). This is the only passage which speaks of the sleep of Jesus. Here only in the N. T. Came down (κατεβη).
Second aorist active indicative of καταβαινω, common verb. It was literally true. These wind storms (λαιλαπς. So also Mr 4:37 ) rushed from Hermon down through the Jordan gorge upon the Sea of Galilee and shook it like a tempest ( Mt 8:24 ). Mark's ( Mr 4:37 ) vivid use of the dramatic present γινετα (ariseth) is not so precise as Luke's "came down." See on Mt 8:24 .
These sudden squalls were dangerous on this small lake. They were filling (συνεπληρουντο). Imperfect passive. It was the boat that was being filled ( Mr 4:37 ) and it is here applied to the navigators as sailors sometimes spoke. An old verb, but in the N. T. used only by Luke ( 8:23 ; 9:51 ; Ac 2:1 ). Were in jeopardy (εκινδυνευον). Imperfect active, vivid description.
Old verb, but in the N. T. only here, Ac 19:27 ; 1Co 15:30 .
Master, Master (Επιστατα, επιστατα). See on Lu 5:5 for discussion. Mr 4:38 has Teacher (Διδασκαλε), Mt 8:25 has Lord (Κυριε). The repetition here shows the uneasiness of the disciples. We perish (απολλυμεθα). So in Mr 4:38 ; Mt 8:25 . Linear present middle indicative, we are perishing. The raging of the water (τω κλυδον του υδατος). Κλυδων, common Greek word, is a boisterous surge, a violent agitation.
Here only in the N. T. save Jas 1:6 . Κυμα ( Mr 4:37 ) is the regular swell or wave. A calm (γαληνη). Only in the parallels in the N. T. , though common word. Here Mr 4:39 ; Mt 8:26 add That (οτ). This use of οτ as explanatory of the demonstrative pronoun ουτος occurs in the parallels Mr 4:36 ; Mt 8:27 and also in Lu 4:36 . It is almost result. He commandeth (επιτασσε).
Peculiar to Luke.
They arrived (κατεπλευσαν). First aorist active indicative of καταπλεω, common verb, but here only in the N. T. Literally, they sailed down from the sea to the land, the opposite of launched forth (ανηχθησαν) of verse 22 . So we today use like nautical terms, to bear up, to bear down. The Gerasenes (τον Γερασηνων). This is the correct text here as in Mr 5:1 while Gadarenes is correct in Mt 8:28 .
See there for explanation of this famous discrepancy, now cleared up by Thomson's discovery of Khersa (Γερσα) on the steep eastern bank and in the vicinity of Gadara. Over against Galilee (αντιπερα της Γαλιλαιας). Only here in the N. T. The later Greek form is αντιπεραν (Polybius, etc.) Some MSS. here have περαν like Mr 5:1 ; Mt 8:28 .
And for a long time (κα χρονω ικανω). The use of the associative instrumental case in expressions of time is a very old Greek idiom that still appears in the papyri (Robertson, Grammar , p. 527). He had worn no clothes (ουκ ενεδυσατο ιματιον). First aorist middle indicative, constative aorist, viewing the "long time" as a point. Not pluperfect as English has it and not for the pluperfect, simply "and for a long time he did not put on himself (indirect middle) any clothing."
The physician would naturally note this item. Common verb ενδυω or ενδυνω. This item in Luke alone, though implied by Mr 5:15 "clothed" (ιματισμενον). And abode not in any house (κα εν οικια ουκ εμενεν). Imperfect active. Peculiar to Luke, though implied by the mention of tombs in all three ( Mr 5:3 ; Mt 8:28 ; Lu 8:27 ).
Fell down (προσεπεσεν). Second aorist active of προσπιπτω, to fall forward, towards, prostrate before one as here. Common verb. Mr 5:6 has προσεκυνησεν (worshipped). The Most High God (του θεου του υψιστου). Uncertain whether του θεου genuine or not. But "the Most High" clearly means God as already seen ( Lu 1:32 , 35 , 36 ; 6:35 ). The phrase is common among heathen ( Nu 24:16 ; Mic 6:6 ; Isa 14:14 ).
The demoniac may have been a Gentile, but it is the demon here speaking. See on Mr 2:7 ; Mt 8:29 for the Greek idiom (τ εμο κα σο). "What have I to do with thee?" See there also for "Torment me not."
For he commanded (παρηγγελλεν γαρ). Imperfect active, correct text, for he was commanding. Often times (πολλοις χρονοις). Or "for a long time" like χρονω πολλω of verse 27 (see Robertson, Grammar , p. 537, for the plural here). It had seized (συνηρπακε). Past perfect active of συναρπαζω, to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N. T. ( Lu 8:29 ; Ac 6:12 ; 19:29 ; 27:15 ).
Was kept under guard (εδεσμευετο). Imperfect passive of δεσμευω to put in chains, from δεσμος, bond, and that from δεω to bind. Old, but rather rare verb. Only here and Ac 22:4 in this sense. In Mt 23:4 it means to bind together. Some MSS. read δεσμεω in Lu 8:29 . Breaking the bands asunder (διαρησσων τα δεσμα). Old verb, the preposition δια (in two) intensifying the meaning of the simple verb ρησσω or ρηγνυμ, to rend.
Was driven (ηλαυνετο). Imperfect passive of ελαυνω, to drive, to row, to march (Xenophon). Only five times in the N. T. Here alone in Luke and peculiar to Luke in this incident.
Legion (Λεγιων). See on Mr 5:9 .
Into the abyss (εις την αβυσσον). Rare old word common in LXX from α privative and βαθυς (deep). So bottomless place (supply χωρα). The deep sea in Ge 1:2 ; 7:11 . The common receptacle of the dead in Ro 10:7 and especially the abode of demons as here and Re 9:1-11 ; 11:7 ; 17:8 ; 20:1 , 3 .
A herd of many swine (αγελη χοιρων ικανων). Word herd (αγελη) old as Homer, but in N.T. only here and parallels ( Mr 5:11 ; Mt 8:30 ). Luke shows his fondness for adjective ικανος here again (see verse 27 ) where Mark has μεγαλη and Matthew πολλων.
Rushed down the steep (ωρμησεν κατα του κρημνου). Ablative with κατα as in Mr 5:13 ; Mt 8:32 and the same vivid verb in each account, to hurl impetuously, to rush. Were choked (απεπνιγη). Second aorist (constative) passive indicative third singular (collective singular) where Mr 5:13 has the picturesque imperfect επνιγοντο.
Saw what had come to pass (ιδοντες το γεγονος). This item only in Luke. Note the neat Greek idiom το γεγονος, articular second perfect active participle of γινομα. Repeated in verse 35 and in Mr 5:14 . Note numerous participles here in verse 35 as in Mr 5:15 .
He that was possessed with devils (demons) (only two words in Greek, ο δαιμονισθεις, the demonized). Was made whole (εσωθη). First aorist passive indicative of σωζω to save from σως (safe and sound). This is additional information to the news carried to them in verse 34 .
Were holden with great fear (φοβω μεγαλω συνειχοντο). Imperfect passive of συνεχω with the instrumental case of φοβος. See a similar use of this vigorous verb in Lu 12:50 of Jesus and in Php 1:23 of Paul.
From whom the devils (demons) were gone out (αφ' ου εξεληλυθε τα δαιμονια). Past perfect active of εξερχομα, state of completion in the past. Prayed him (εδεειτο αυτου). Imperfect middle, kept on begging.
Throughout the whole city (καθ' ολην την πολιν). Mr 5:20 has it "in Decapolis." He had a great story to tell and he told it with power. The rescue missions in our cities can match this incident with cases of great sinners who have made witnesses for Christ.
Welcomed (απεδεξατο). Peculiar to Luke. To receive with pleasure, from αποδεχομα, a common verb. For they were all waiting for him (ησαν γαρ παντες προσδοκωντες αυτον). Periphrastic imperfect active of prosdokao , an old verb for eager expectancy, a vivid picture of the attitude of the people towards Jesus. Driven from Decapolis, he is welcomed in Capernaum.
Was (υπηρχεν). Imperfect of υπαρχω in sense of ην as in modern Greek. Common in Luke, and Acts, but not in other Gospels.
An only daughter (θυγατηρ μονογενης). The same adjective used of the widow's son ( 7:12 ) and the epileptic boy ( 9:38 ) and of Jesus ( Joh 1:18 ; 3:16 ). She lay a dying (απεθνησκεν). Imperfect active, she was dying. Mt 9:18 has it that she has just died. Thronged (συνεπνιγον). Imperfect active of συμπνιγω, to press together, the verb used of the thorns choking the growing grain ( Lu 8:14 ). It was a jam.
Had spent all her living upon physicians (εις ιατρους προσαναλωσασα ολον τον βιον). First aorist active participle of an old verb προσαναλισκω, only here in the N. T. But Westcott and Hort reject this clause because it is not in B D Syriac Sinaitic. Whether genuine or not, the other clause in Mr 5:26 certainly is not in Luke: "had suffered many things of many physicians."
Probably both are not genuine in Luke who takes care of the physicians by the simple statement that it was a chronic case: could not be healed of any (ουκ ισχυσεν απ' ουδενος θεραπευθηνα). He omitted also what Mark has: "and was nothing bettered but rather grew worse."
The border of his garment (του κρασπεδου του ιματιου). Probably the tassel of the overgarment. Of the four corners two were in front and two behind. See on Mt 9:20 . Stanched (εστη). Second aorist active indicative, stopped at once (effective aorist).
Press thee and crush thee (συνεχουσιν σε κα αποθλιβουσιν). Hold thee together, hold thee in (συνεχω, see verse 37 ). Crush thee (αποθλιβω) here only in the N.T., a verb used of pressing out grapes in Diodorus and Josephus. Mr 5:31 has συνθλιβω, to press together.
For I perceived that power had gone forth from me (εγω γαρ εγνων δυναμιν εξεληλυθυιαν απ' εμου). Εγνων is second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω, knowledge by personal experience as here. It is followed by the second perfect active participle εξεληλυθυιαν in indirect discourse (Robertson, Grammar , pp. 1040-42). Jesus felt the sensation of power already gone. Who does not know what this sense of "goneness" or exhaustion of nervous energy means?
Trembling (τρεμουσα). Vivid touch of the feeling of this sensitive woman who now had to tell everybody of her cure, "in the presence of all the people" (ενωπιον παντος του λαου). She faced the widest publicity for her secret cure.
From the ruler of the synagogue's house (παρα του αρχισυναγωγου). The word "house" is not in the Greek here as in Mr 5:35 where απο is used rather than παρα, as here. But the ruler himself had come to Jesus ( Lu 8:41 ) and this is the real idea. Trouble not (μηκετ σκυλλε). See on Lu 7:6 for this verb and also Mr 5:35 ; Mt 9:36 .
And she shall be made whole (κα σωθησετα). This promise in addition to the words in Mr 5:36 . See there for discussion of details.
Knowing that she was dead (ειδοτες οτ απεθανεν). That she died (απεθανεν), second aorist active indicative of αποθνησκω.
Called (εφωνησεν). Certainly not to wake up the dead, but to make it plain to all that she rose in response to his elevated tone of voice. Some think that the remark of Jesus in verse 52 ( Mr 5:39 ; Mt 9:24 ) proves that she was not really dead, but only in a trance. It matters little. The touch of Christ's hand and the power of his voice restored her to life. Maiden (η παις) rather than Mark's ( Mr 5:41 ) το κορασιον (vernacular Koine ).
Her spirit returned (επεστρεψεν το πνευμα αυτης). The life came back to her at once. Be given her to eat (αυτη δοθηνα φαγειν). The first infinitive δοθηνα is an indirect command. The second φαγειν (second aorist active of εσθιω) is epexegetic purpose.