Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
LUKE 7:22KJVWhat does Luke 7:22 mean?
Luke 7:22 describes Jesus telling John the Baptist’s followers to report back what they have witnessed: miracles such as the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised, and the good news being preached to the poor. Jesus points to these signs as evidence of who he is and what God is doing through him.
In this scene, Jesus is responding to a question from John the Baptist, who is in prison and has sent messengers to ask if Jesus is truly the one they have been waiting for. Instead of giving a direct yes or no, Jesus lists the miracles and acts of compassion happening around him. This answer connects Jesus’ work to Old Testament expectations of what the Messiah would do, showing that God’s promises are being fulfilled in visible, tangible ways.
The Greek behind Luke 7:22
- ὁι τυφλοὶ βλέπουσιν (hoi typhloi blepousin, “the blind see”): The Greek word for “blind” (τυφλοὶ, typhloi) and “see” (βλέπουσιν, blepousin) highlight a physical transformation, but also often carried a sense of spiritual insight in the culture of the time.
- εὐαγγελίζεται (euangelizetai, “the gospel is preached”): This word means “to bring good news” or “to announce glad tidings.” In this context, it emphasizes that the message of hope is reaching those who are usually overlooked, the poor (πτωχοῖς, ptochois).
- νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται (nekroi egeirontai, “the dead are raised”): The Greek for “raised” (ἐγείρονται, egeirontai) is often used for resurrection, underlining the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ miracles.
Why Luke 7:22 matters
- Luke 7:22 clarifies that Jesus’ identity is shown through his actions, not just his words. The miracles fulfill prophecies about the Messiah, giving a concrete answer to John’s question.
- The verse highlights Jesus’ compassion for people on the margins—those who are sick, poor, or outcast—showing that God’s kingdom is open to all, not just the powerful or privileged.
- By connecting these deeds to Old Testament hopes, Luke 7:22 helps readers see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promises, anchoring his ministry in the story of Israel.