And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

LUKE 13:12KJV
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Luke 13:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:12 mean?

Luke 13:12 describes Jesus noticing a woman who was suffering and calling her over to him, telling her that she is set free from her sickness. The verse shows Jesus taking the initiative to address her condition and declaring her release from what had been afflicting her.

In this scene, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue when he sees a woman who has been bent over by an infirmity for many years. He calls her forward and speaks directly to her, saying, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.” The language highlights both Jesus’ compassion and his authority to free her from her physical suffering.

The Greek behind Luke 13:12

  • The word “loosed” (λύω, luō) means to release, untie, or set free. In this context, it is often understood as a strong statement of liberation, not just a gentle improvement but a complete release from what bound her.
  • The word “infirmity” (ἀσθένεια, astheneia) refers to weakness or sickness. Here, it points to a long-standing physical condition that had limited the woman’s life.
  • The verb “called” (προφωνέω, prophōneō) means to call out or summon. Jesus does not wait for the woman to approach; he takes the first step, showing initiative and care.

Why Luke 13:12 matters

  • Luke 13:12 clears up any idea that the woman asked for healing; instead, Jesus sees her need and acts first, emphasizing his compassion and awareness.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ authority to free people from suffering with just a word, which is a key theme in Luke’s account of his ministry.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where Jesus’ actions spark discussion about healing on the Sabbath, showing the tension between compassion and religious rules.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G4377 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

“infirmity” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“loosed” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.