And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

LUKE 14:4KJV
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Luke 14:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:4 mean?

Luke 14:4 describes how those present remained silent when Jesus questioned them, and then Jesus healed a man and allowed him to leave. The verse shows Jesus acting with compassion and authority, even when those around him do not respond.

In this scene, Jesus is at a meal in the house of a Pharisee on the Sabbath, and he has just asked the religious experts if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. When they do not answer, Jesus takes action by healing a man who was suffering. The silence of the others highlights their uncertainty or unwillingness to challenge Jesus directly, while Jesus’ actions focus on helping the person in need.

The Greek behind Luke 14:4

  • "peace" (ἡσύχασαν, hēsychasan): This word is often understood as "they kept silent" or "they remained quiet." The Greek here carries the sense of a deliberate choice not to speak, suggesting the Pharisees and lawyers were unwilling or unable to answer Jesus’ question.
  • "took" (ἐπιλαβόμενος, epilabomenos): This word means "to take hold of" or "to grasp." In this context, it shows Jesus physically reaching out to the man, emphasizing a personal and direct act of care.
  • "healed" (ἰάσατο, iasato): This word means "to heal" or "to restore to health." The Greek stresses the completeness of the healing, not just a minor improvement.
  • "go" (ἀπέλυσεν, apelysen): This word means "to release" or "to send away." It suggests that after healing the man, Jesus allowed him to leave freely, showing respect for the man’s dignity.

Why Luke 14:4 matters

  • Luke 14:4 clarifies that Jesus’ healing was not just a word or a distant act, but a personal, hands-on moment, even when others were hesitant to speak or act.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between the silence of the religious leaders and the decisive compassion of Jesus, sharpening the tension in the story.
  • This moment sets up the broader discussion in the chapter about the purpose of the Sabbath and the heart of God’s law, showing Jesus prioritizing mercy over rigid rule-keeping.

Where else these words appear

“peace” Greek G2270 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

“took” Greek G1949 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
  • Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
  • Acts 21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“go” 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.