Understanding Luke 13:11

Luke 13:11 states: "And behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself." This verse encapsulates a powerful narrative of healing and compassion depicted in the Gospels. The significance of this verse can be examined through various public domain commentaries.

Summary of Meaning

In this passage, we see a woman who had been plagued by a debilitating condition for eighteen years. Her physical ailment not only caused her physical suffering but also symbolized spiritual oppression. The phrase “spirit of infirmity” indicates that her condition may have had a deeper, spiritual cause, which is a common theme in Biblical texts, linking physical ailments with spiritual states.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the compassion of Christ in this instance, illustrating that Jesus was moved to act on behalf of those marginalized by their suffering. He highlights the long-standing nature of the woman’s ailment, pointing out that her condition exemplifies the despair that can come from protracted suffering.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes the dual aspect of this woman's situation. Not only does she suffer physically, but her being “bowed together” reflects her spiritual state. He draws a connection between her plight and themes of redemption found throughout the scriptures, suggesting that her healing foreshadows the ultimate restoration available through Jesus.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke expounds that the term “spirit of infirmity” suggests a malignant force causing her condition. He argues that this healing illustrates Jesus' authority over spiritual oppression and draws parallels with Old Testament themes of liberation and healing found in books like Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1).

Bible Cross References

Luke 13:11 connects with multiple scriptures that provide a broader context to the themes of healing and deliverance:

• John 5:5-9: The healing of a man at the pool of Bethesda, illustrating Jesus’ power to heal on the Sabbath.
• Mark 5:25-29: The woman with the issue of blood who was healed by touching Jesus’ garment, connecting themes of faith and healing.
• Matthew 11:28-30: An invitation to the weary and heavy-laden, reinforcing the theme of Jesus as a healer of both body and soul.
• Isaiah 53:5: “By His stripes we are healed,” linking physical healing to the redemptive work of Christ.
• Luke 4:18: Jesus quotes Isaiah, emphasizing His mission to heal the brokenhearted and set the oppressed free.
• Acts 10:38: Describes how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
• James 5:14-15: Advises the sick to call upon the elders for prayer and anointing, reflecting the practice of seeking healing through faith.

Thematic Connections

This verse also lends itself to a comparative Bible verse analysis, highlighting the connections between the emotional and spiritual turmoil suffered by individuals and the hope found in Christ. Understanding the depths of the woman’s suffering allows readers to appreciate the magnitude of her healing, which ties back to scriptural cross-referencing on themes of liberation, healing, and faith:

• Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing:
  • Use a Bible concordance to locate passages that mention healing and deliverance.
  • Engage with a cross-reference Bible study to explore the connections between the Gospels.
  • Utilize a Bible reference resource to find correlations between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillments.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Luke 13:11 serves as a poignant reminder of Christ's compassion and healing power. By examining the cross-references, readers can develop a rich understanding of the broader narrative of hope found throughout the scriptures.

Further Study

For those interested in diving deeper, consider exploring:

• How to find cross-references in the Bible for personal study.
• Identifying connections between the Old and New Testament on themes of suffering and healing.
• Cross-referenced themes in the Bible that relate to faith and deliverance.
• Interpreting Biblical themes through cross-references for sermon preparation.