And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

LUKE 13:16KJV
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Luke 13:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:16 mean?

Luke 13:16 records Jesus saying that a woman who had suffered for eighteen years, whom he describes as a "daughter of Abraham" bound by Satan, should certainly be freed from her suffering even if it is the Sabbath. Jesus is challenging the idea that healing on the Sabbath is wrong, arguing that compassion and deliverance are more important than strict Sabbath rules.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking in a synagogue to religious leaders who criticized him for healing on the Sabbath. By calling the woman a "daughter of Abraham," Jesus emphasizes her value and belonging to God's people. He points out the injustice of leaving her in bondage simply because of the day, highlighting that God's mercy is not limited by human traditions.

The Greek behind Luke 13:16

  • "ought" (δεῖ, dei): This Greek word means "it is necessary" or "it must be." Jesus is not just suggesting but insisting that freeing the woman is the right thing to do, even on the Sabbath.
  • "bound" (δέω, deō): This word means "to tie" or "to bind." Jesus describes the woman's suffering as a real captivity, not just a physical ailment, but something oppressive.
  • "loosed" (λύω, lyō): This means "to release" or "to untie." The contrast between being "bound" and "loosed" underlines the idea of liberation from suffering.
  • "bond" (δεσμός, desmos): This word refers to a chain or shackle. Jesus uses it to show that her condition is like being chained up, making her healing an act of setting a prisoner free.

Why Luke 13:16 matters

  • Luke 13:16 clarifies that Jesus sees acts of mercy as not just allowed but necessary, even when religious customs might seem to forbid them.
  • The verse highlights Jesus' view of suffering as a form of bondage, and healing as a true release, which reframes physical illness in spiritual and compassionate terms.
  • By calling the woman a "daughter of Abraham," Jesus affirms her dignity and place among God's people, challenging any tendency to overlook or devalue those who suffer.

Where else these words appear

“eighteen” Greek G3638 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
  • Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
  • John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

“bond” Greek G1199 · used in 20 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

“eighteen” Greek G1176 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“daughter” Greek G2364 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
  • Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.