And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

LUKE 5:17KJV
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Luke 5:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:17 mean?

Luke 5:17 describes a day when Jesus was teaching, and many Pharisees and teachers of the law from all over Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem were present. The verse notes that the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal people at that time.

This scene takes place during Jesus’ ministry, with religious leaders gathered to observe Him. The mention of the Lord’s power being present highlights that something special was happening—Jesus was not only teaching but also able to heal, showing God’s active presence. This sets the stage for the miracles and the tension with religious leaders that follow in the passage.

The Greek behind Luke 5:17

  • δύναμις (dynamis, “power”): This word is often understood as supernatural ability or strength. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus’ ability to heal came from God’s active presence, not just His own authority.
  • ἰᾶσθαι (iasthai, “to heal”): The Greek word used here means to cure or restore. The verse points out that healing was not just possible, but specifically available at that moment, suggesting a special readiness or intention from God.

Why Luke 5:17 matters

  • Luke 5:17 shows that Jesus’ ministry was closely watched by religious leaders from many regions, hinting at both His growing influence and the scrutiny He faced.
  • The verse draws attention to the divine source of Jesus’ healing power, making clear that His miracles were not ordinary acts but signs of God’s presence.
  • By noting the presence of both teaching and healing, Luke highlights the fullness of Jesus’ ministry—He addressed both spiritual and physical needs.

Where else these words appear

“law” Greek G3547 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
  • 1 Timothy 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

“town” Greek G2968 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
  • Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

“heal” 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 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • 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.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,