Luke 13:17

KJV

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he {G846} had said {G3004} these things {G5023}, all {G3956} his {G846} adversaries {G480} were ashamed {G2617}: and {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G3793} rejoiced {G5463} for {G1909} all {G3956} the glorious things {G1741} that were done {G1096} by {G5259} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By these words, Yeshua put to shame the people who opposed him; but the rest of the crowd were happy about all the wonderful things that were taking place through him.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus said this, all His adversaries were humiliated. And the whole crowd rejoiced at all the glorious things He was doing.

American Standard Version

And as he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame: and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse powerfully encapsulates the immediate aftermath of Jesus' Sabbath healing of a crippled woman, demonstrating the stark contrast between His adversaries' shame and the joyous affirmation of the people. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus' divine authority, His compassion for the suffering, and His challenge to religious hypocrisy, revealing the liberating nature of God's kingdom values in action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant conclusion to a significant narrative segment spanning [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath"). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has just healed a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years due to a spirit of infirmity. The synagogue ruler, enraged by this "work" on the Sabbath, publicly scolds the crowd, not Jesus directly, for seeking healing on the holy day. Jesus' sharp retort, comparing the care of their animals on the Sabbath to His liberation of a "daughter of Abraham," exposes their hypocrisy and leaves them without a valid argument. Thus, [Luke 13:17](/luke/13-17 "Luke 13:17 - The Aftermath of Jesus' Sabbath Healing") is the narrative resolution, highlighting the emotional and spiritual impact of Jesus' teaching and miracle on both His opponents and the general populace. This incident is part of a broader pattern in Luke's Gospel where Jesus frequently confronts religious leaders over their rigid interpretations of the Law, particularly concerning the Sabbath, emphasizing compassion over legalism, as seen in passages like [Luke 6:1-11](/luke/6-1-11 "Luke 6:1-11 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish law, was observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. While the Mosaic Law provided general guidelines for its observance, by the time of Jesus, numerous rabbinic traditions and interpretations had developed, creating a complex web of prohibitions. These traditions, often referred to as the "Oral Law," sometimes overshadowed the spirit of the original commandment, prioritizing ritualistic adherence over human need and divine compassion. The synagogue, as a central institution for Jewish communal life and worship, was a place where these interpretations were upheld. The synagogue ruler, as a figure of local religious authority, was responsible for maintaining order and upholding tradition. Jesus' actions directly challenged these established norms and the authority of those who enforced them, particularly when their interpretations hindered acts of mercy. His healing on the Sabbath was not an act of rebellion against God's law, but a reinterpretation that aligned with the divine intent of the Sabbath as a day of rest, liberation, and blessing, as foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13-14 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Honouring the Sabbath").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **triumph of compassion over legalism**. Jesus consistently prioritizes human well-being and liberation from suffering over rigid, man-made rules, exposing the hollowness of a faith that values tradition more than people. Secondly, it highlights the **exposure of hypocrisy** among religious leaders. Jesus' incisive arguments and miraculous deeds frequently unmask the self-serving motives and spiritual blindness of those who claim to uphold God's law but neglect its weightier matters—justice, mercy, and faithfulness, as He teaches in [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Thirdly, the verse showcases the **joy and affirmation of the common people** who recognize God's work in Jesus. Unlike the religious elite, the "multitude" often responds with faith and praise to Jesus' liberating ministry, indicating a spiritual receptivity to the Kingdom of God. This joy is a recurring motif in Luke, often associated with the arrival of God's salvation and the overturning of conventional hierarchies, as seen in the Magnificat in [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Song of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adversaries (Greek, _antíkeimai'_):** From G480, meaning "to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to." This word precisely describes those who stood in opposition to Jesus, not merely disagreeing with Him, but actively setting themselves against His actions and teachings. It conveys a sense of inherent antagonism, highlighting the deep ideological conflict between Jesus' liberating ministry and the rigid legalism of the religious establishment.
* **Ashamed (Greek, _kataischýnō'_):** From G2617, meaning "to shame down, i.e. disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush." This term signifies a profound public humiliation. Jesus' unanswerable logic and the undeniable miracle left His opponents utterly exposed and disgraced in the eyes of the people. It implies not just embarrassment, but a loss of face and authority, as their arguments were thoroughly discredited.
* **Glorious things (Greek, _éndoxos'_):** From G1741, meaning "in glory, i.e. splendid, (figuratively) noble." This word describes Jesus' actions not merely as powerful miracles, but as deeds imbued with divine splendor, honor, and inherent excellence. It suggests that His works were not just beneficial, but also revealed the very character and majesty of God, evoking awe and praise from the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had said these things":** This clause directly connects the verse to Jesus' preceding incisive argument against the synagogue ruler's hypocrisy. It emphasizes that the subsequent reactions were a direct consequence of Jesus' powerful words and the undeniable truth they conveyed, reinforced by the miracle He had performed.
* **"all his adversaries were ashamed":** This describes the immediate and universal reaction of Jesus' opponents. Their shame was a public humiliation, a direct result of being exposed and defeated in argument by Jesus. It highlights their inability to counter His logic or deny the goodness of His actions, leaving them discredited before the crowd.
* **"and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him":** In stark contrast to the adversaries, the general populace responded with widespread joy. Their rejoicing was not merely happiness, but a profound celebration of the "glorious things" – the miracles and teachings – that Jesus performed. This signifies their recognition of divine power and compassion at work, and their affirmation of Jesus' ministry as a source of liberation and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in [Luke 13:17](/luke/13-17 "Luke 13:17 - The Aftermath of Jesus' Sabbath Healing") masterfully employs **Contrast** to highlight the opposing reactions to Jesus' ministry. The shame of the adversaries stands in stark opposition to the joy of the people, creating a dramatic and memorable scene. This contrast serves to underscore the moral and spiritual divide between those who cling to rigid legalism and those who embrace the liberating truth of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** in "all his adversaries" and "all the people" suggests a widespread and unanimous reaction within each respective group, amplifying the impact of Jesus' words and deeds. The phrase "glorious things" functions as **Epithet** and **Eulogy**, serving as a descriptor that not only names Jesus' actions but also praises their inherent divine quality and splendor, elevating them beyond mere miracles to acts that reveal God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:17 powerfully illustrates the clash between human tradition and divine compassion, a recurring theme in the Gospels. Jesus' actions consistently prioritized the liberation and well-being of individuals over rigid interpretations of the Law, demonstrating that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden. This incident reveals the true nature of God's heart, which seeks to heal, restore, and set free, contrasting sharply with the legalistic spirit that often stifles life and joy. The public shame of the adversaries and the widespread rejoicing of the people serve as a theological statement: God's work, when truly understood and embraced, brings liberation and joy, while opposition to it leads to spiritual and public disgrace.

* [Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath was Made for Man")
* [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")
* [John 10:37-38](/john/10-37-38 "John 10:37-38 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:17 serves as a profound mirror for our own spiritual lives, challenging us to examine where our allegiances truly lie. Are we, like the adversaries, more concerned with upholding man-made traditions or personal comfort than with extending compassion and liberation to those in need? Do we find ourselves shamed by the truth when our hypocrisy is exposed, or do we, like the people, rejoice in the "glorious things" God is doing, even if they challenge our preconceived notions? This passage calls us to prioritize the spirit of God's law—love, mercy, and justice—over its rigid letter. It reminds us that genuine faith is active, compassionate, and liberating, bringing joy to those who experience God's power and truth. We are invited to be among those who celebrate God's work in the world, embracing the transformative power of His kingdom and allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith community might I be prioritizing tradition or rules over compassion and human need?**
* **How do I respond when my own biases or hypocrisies are challenged or exposed? Do I react with shame or with a willingness to learn and change?**
* **What "glorious things" has God done in my life or in the world around me that should evoke rejoicing? Am I actively celebrating His work?**

### FAQ

**Why were Jesus' adversaries ashamed, and what does this tell us about their character?**

Answer: Jesus' adversaries, primarily the synagogue ruler and those who shared his legalistic viewpoint, were ashamed because Jesus' argument was unassailable and exposed their hypocrisy before the crowd. They had publicly rebuked the healing on the Sabbath, appealing to a rigid interpretation of the law. Jesus' counter-argument, pointing out their own practice of leading animals to water on the Sabbath, demonstrated that their concern was not truly for the Sabbath's sanctity but for their own authority and tradition. They were "put to the blush" (G2617, _kataischýnō_) because their self-serving legalism was publicly unmasked, revealing a lack of compassion and an adherence to burdensome rules over the spirit of God's law. This tells us they valued external adherence and social standing more than genuine mercy and the well-being of people, highlighting a spiritual blindness that Jesus frequently confronted, as seen in [Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:17, with its vivid contrast between the shame of the adversaries and the joy of the people, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in the Gospel. Jesus, the Son of God, consistently demonstrated His divine authority and compassionate heart, challenging the legalistic interpretations that burdened humanity. His "glorious things" – the miracles of healing, casting out demons, and teaching with authority – were not merely isolated acts but tangible expressions of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. These acts culminated in the ultimate "glorious thing" – His atoning death and resurrection, through which He truly liberated humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Just as the crippled woman was set free, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers true freedom to all who believe, fulfilling the prophetic longing for a deliverer who would bring light and liberation (cf. [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")). The shame of His adversaries, who eventually conspired to crucify Him, stands in stark contrast to the eternal joy of those who embrace Him as Lord and Savior. His triumph over death is the ultimate "glorious thing" that brings rejoicing to all who are called by His name, ushering in an era where the law is written on hearts, and compassion reigns supreme, as promised in the New Covenant (cf. [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Psalms 132:18

His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

John 12:17

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

John 12:18

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

Acts 3:9

And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Acts 3:11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Luke 14:6

And they could not answer him again to these things.