Luke 5:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:13 mean?

Luke 5:13 describes Jesus reaching out his hand, physically touching a man with leprosy, and declaring, “I will: be thou clean.” Instantly, the man’s leprosy left him. This verse shows Jesus’ willingness and power to heal, even those considered untouchable or unclean.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man suffering from leprosy, a disease that made people outcasts in society. The man had just asked Jesus if he was willing to make him clean. By touching the man and healing him immediately, Jesus demonstrates both compassion and authority, breaking social barriers to restore someone in need.

The Greek behind Luke 5:13

• ἥψατο (hēpsato, “touched”): This word means more than a casual touch; it often suggests a deliberate, meaningful contact. In this context, it highlights Jesus’ intentional act of reaching out to someone others avoided.
• θέλω (thelō, “I will”): This word expresses not just willingness but a purposeful desire. Jesus is not reluctant or hesitant; he actively wants to heal.
• καθαρίσθητι (katharisthēti, “be thou clean”): The word for “clean” here means both physical healing and ritual purity, showing that Jesus restores the man fully, not just medically but also socially and spiritually.
• εὐθέως (eutheōs, “immediately”): This word stresses the instant nature of the healing, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness and completeness of Jesus’ action.

Why Luke 5:13 matters

• Luke 5:13 clears up the idea that Jesus was distant or only healed from afar; instead, he physically touched those considered unclean, showing personal compassion.
• The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ authority is not limited by social or religious boundaries—his word and touch bring immediate and total healing.
• This moment connects to the wider passage by setting the tone for Jesus’ ministry: he seeks out those on the margins and restores them fully, both in body and in community.