Luke 7:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:13 mean?

Luke 7:13 describes how Jesus, seeing a grieving woman, felt deep compassion for her and told her not to weep. The verse highlights Jesus’ immediate and heartfelt response to someone’s pain, showing his care and tenderness in the face of sorrow.

In this scene, Jesus encounters a widow mourning the death of her only son as his funeral procession passes by. The verse focuses on Jesus’ reaction—he notices her suffering and speaks directly to her, offering comfort before taking any further action. This moment sets the stage for what follows, emphasizing Jesus’ empathy and personal attention to those who are hurting.

The Greek behind Luke 7:13

• The word for "compassion" is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which means to be deeply moved or to feel a gut-level sympathy. This word suggests a strong, heartfelt emotion, not just a polite concern.
• The word for "weep" is κλαίω (klaiō), which means to cry or wail aloud. Jesus’ instruction, "Weep not," is gentle but direct, showing his intention to address her grief in a meaningful way.

Why Luke 7:13 matters

• Luke 7:13 makes clear that Jesus’ miracles are not just displays of power but are rooted in genuine compassion for individuals.
• The verse highlights the personal nature of Jesus’ ministry—he sees and responds to specific people and their unique pain, not just crowds in general.
• This moment prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, showing that Jesus’ actions come from a place of deep empathy, not just duty or obligation.