And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

LUKE 8:3KJV
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Luke 8:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:3 mean?

Luke 8:3 describes how Joanna (the wife of Chuza, a steward of Herod), Susanna, and many other women supported Jesus and his ministry by providing for their needs out of their own resources. This verse highlights that women played a significant and practical role in supporting Jesus’ work.

In this passage, Luke is narrating to his readers about the people who traveled with Jesus as he taught and healed throughout various towns. The verse specifically names women who were not only followers but also financial supporters, showing that Jesus’ ministry was sustained by the generosity of everyday people, including those with connections to influential households.

The Greek behind Luke 8:3

  • The word διακονοῦν (diakoneō, “ministered”) is translated here as “ministered unto him,” and it often refers to practical service or support, not just spiritual help. In this context, it means these women were actively providing for Jesus and his disciples’ daily needs.
  • The word ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta, “substance”) refers to possessions or material resources. The verse is clear that these women gave from what they owned, not just from surplus or leftovers.
  • The mention of ἐπίτροπος (epitropos, “steward”) for Chuza shows he was a manager or official in Herod’s household, suggesting that Joanna was connected to a prominent family, which may have given her the means to help.

Why Luke 8:3 matters

  • Luke 8:3 corrects the common idea that only men were close followers or supporters of Jesus by naming women who played a key role in his ministry.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ mission relied on the generosity and practical help of ordinary people, including those with social standing and resources.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing the diversity of Jesus’ followers and the broad appeal of his message, reaching people from various backgrounds and walks of life.

Where else these words appear

“Joanna” Greek G2489 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

“steward” Greek G2012 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

“substance” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“ministered” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.