And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

LUKE 13:14KJV
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Luke 13:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:14 mean?

Luke 13:14 describes how the leader of the synagogue became upset because Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath, a day traditionally reserved for rest, and told the crowd that healing should only happen on the other six days of the week, not on the Sabbath. The synagogue ruler used this moment to remind people of the rules about work and rest.

In this scene, the synagogue ruler is speaking to the people after witnessing Jesus heal on the Sabbath. His reaction shows his strict view of Sabbath observance, seeing healing as a kind of "work" that should not interrupt the day of rest. This verse highlights the tension between Jesus’ actions and the established religious customs of the time.

The Greek behind Luke 13:14

  • ἀγανακτέω (aganakteō, "indignation"): This word means strong irritation or annoyance. The synagogue ruler is not just mildly upset but feels a deep sense of offense at what he sees as a violation of sacred tradition.
  • ἰάομαι (iaomai, "healed"): The same word is used for both Jesus’ act and the ruler’s statement, showing that the issue is specifically about acts of healing, not just general work.
  • σάββατον (sabbaton, "Sabbath"): This word refers to the weekly day of rest in Jewish law. The ruler’s concern centers on the Sabbath’s special status and what is considered appropriate behavior on that day.
  • δεῖ (dei, "ought"): This word carries the sense of necessity or obligation. The ruler frames his argument as what must be done, not just what is preferred.

Why Luke 13:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the religious leaders of Jesus’ time saw healing as a form of work, which was forbidden on the Sabbath, even if it helped someone in need.
  • It highlights the conflict between Jesus’ compassion and the strict interpretation of religious rules, setting up the wider discussion about the purpose of the Sabbath.
  • Understanding the synagogue ruler’s reaction helps readers see why Jesus’ actions were so controversial and why they sparked debate among the religious authorities.

Where else these words appear

“indignation” Greek G23 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
  • Matthew 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

“synagogue” Greek G752 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
  • Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
  • Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

“six” Greek G1803 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

“them” Greek G5025 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
  • Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.