Luke 14:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:2 mean?

Luke 14:2 describes how, as Jesus was at a meal, a man suffering from "dropsy" (a swelling illness) was present in front of him. The verse sets the scene for what Jesus is about to do, highlighting the presence of someone in obvious need.

In this moment, Jesus is at the house of a Pharisee, surrounded by religious leaders who are watching him closely. The mention of the man with dropsy draws attention to a real, visible illness and sets up a situation where Jesus’ response will be significant, especially given the Sabbath setting and the scrutiny of the onlookers.

The Greek behind Luke 14:2

• "dropsy" (ὑδρωπικός, hydropikos): This Greek word refers to a condition where the body swells due to fluid retention, often signaling a serious underlying health problem. Its use here emphasizes the man’s suffering and makes his need for healing very clear to everyone present.
• "before" (ἔμπροσθεν, emprosthen): This word means "in front of" or "before" someone. The verse highlights that the man was positioned right in front of Jesus, making his presence and condition impossible to ignore.

Why Luke 14:2 matters

• The verse draws attention to the man’s illness, setting up a moment where Jesus’ compassion and authority will be tested in front of skeptical religious leaders.
• By describing the man as being right before Jesus, Luke emphasizes that this encounter is deliberate and central to what follows, not just a background detail.
• Understanding the specific illness (dropsy) helps modern readers grasp the seriousness of the situation and the social implications of healing on the Sabbath, which is the focus of the following verses.