Luke 14:2

KJV

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there was {G2258} a certain {G5100} man {G444} before {G1715} him {G846} which had the dropsy {G5203}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In front of him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid.

Berean Standard Bible

Right there before Him was a man with dropsy.

American Standard Version

And behold, there was before him a certain man that had the dropsy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:2 swiftly introduces a pivotal character into the narrative: a man afflicted with dropsy, positioned directly before Jesus at a Sabbath meal hosted by a leading Pharisee. This seemingly incidental presence is, in fact, a deliberate narrative device, immediately setting the stage for a profound confrontation between Jesus' compassionate authority and the rigid legalism of the religious establishment concerning Sabbath observance. The verse foreshadows a divine intervention that will not only heal a suffering individual but also expose the spiritual blindness of those who prioritized tradition over human well-being and God's true intent for the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Luke 14:1](/luke/14-1 "Luke 14:1 - Jesus at a Pharisee's House on the Sabbath"), which establishes the setting: Jesus is invited to eat bread on the Sabbath in the house of "one of the chief Pharisees," and significantly, "they watched him." The sudden appearance of a man with dropsy in [Luke 14:2](/luke/14-2 "Luke 14:2 - The Man with Dropsy") is not accidental; it serves as the catalyst for the ensuing Sabbath controversy. Luke frequently uses such encounters to highlight Jesus' authority and compassion in direct opposition to the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations of the Law. The presence of the man with dropsy acts as a dramatic tension builder, clearly indicating that a test or challenge for Jesus is imminent, much like other Sabbath encounters in Luke's Gospel, such as the healing of the crippled woman in [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing on the Sabbath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a cornerstone of Jewish life, enshrined in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath Commandment")). By Jesus' time, rabbinic traditions had accumulated numerous meticulous rules defining what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, often extending far beyond the spirit of the original command. Healing, especially if not life-threatening, was generally considered "work" and thus forbidden. Dropsy (Greek: *hydropsikos*), a condition characterized by severe edema or fluid retention, was a visible and debilitating illness, often a symptom of serious underlying organ failure. While not immediately life-threatening in the way a hemorrhage might be, it caused significant suffering and would have been widely recognized. The man's presence in a Pharisee's house on the Sabbath, whether by design to trap Jesus or by desperate hope for healing, created an unavoidable dilemma within the prevailing cultural and religious framework.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 14:2](/luke/14-2 "Luke 14:2 - The Man with Dropsy") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Compassion**, as Jesus consistently prioritizes human suffering and well-being over rigid adherence to man-made traditions. Secondly, it fuels the ongoing **Sabbath Controversy**, a recurring motif where Jesus challenges and reinterprets the true meaning of the Sabbath, emphasizing its purpose as a day for good and healing, not merely a day of restrictive abstention ([Luke 6:1-11](/luke/6-1-11 "Luke 6:1-11 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Thirdly, the scene highlights **Jesus' Authority**, demonstrating His divine prerogative to interpret God's law correctly and to perform miracles, thereby asserting His unique identity and mission even amidst opposition. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to teach about humility and the true nature of God's kingdom, as seen in the subsequent parables and teachings within [Luke 14](/luke/14 "Luke 14 - Parables and Teachings on Humility and Hospitality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This is an emphatic interjection, a command to "see!" or "look!" Its use here serves to immediately draw the reader's attention to the sudden and striking presence of the man with dropsy. It heightens the dramatic tension, signaling that what follows is significant and demands observation, setting the stage for a crucial encounter.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** Derived from words meaning "man-faced" or "human being," this term simply refers to a human individual. In this context, it emphasizes the universal humanity of the afflicted person, making his suffering relatable and underscoring Jesus' concern for all people, regardless of their social standing or condition.
* **dropsy (Greek, _hydrōpikós'_):** This term literally means "to be dropsical" or "watery," referring to the medical condition of edema, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. The KJV's "dropsy" accurately conveys the visible and debilitating nature of this affliction, which would have made the man's suffering evident to all present and highlighted the urgency of his need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This opening phrase, employing the emphatic "behold," immediately arrests the reader's attention, signaling the sudden and significant appearance of a new element in the scene. It creates a sense of immediacy and underscores the dramatic tension that is about to unfold.
* **"there was a certain man before him"**: This clause introduces the individual who will be the focus of Jesus' compassion and the catalyst for the ensuing conflict. The phrase "before him" (referring to Jesus) emphasizes the man's direct proximity to Jesus, implying both his desperate need and the direct challenge his presence poses to Jesus in the eyes of the watching Pharisees.
* **"which had the dropsy."**: This final clause identifies the man's affliction, dropsy (edema), a visibly debilitating condition. Naming the specific illness immediately highlights the man's suffering and sets the stage for Jesus' compassionate response, while simultaneously raising the stakes for a Sabbath healing, which was a contentious issue with the religious leaders.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 14:2 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the sudden appearance of the man with dropsy immediately signals an impending confrontation or miracle, building narrative tension. The use of the interjection "**behold**" (Greek: *idou*) functions as a form of **Direct Address** to the reader, drawing their attention and emphasizing the significance of the man's presence. There is also subtle **Irony** at play: the man's physical ailment, dropsy, which causes internal fluid accumulation, stands in stark contrast to the spiritual dryness and legalistic rigidity of the Pharisees, who are "watching" Jesus, ready to accuse him. The man's visible suffering also serves as a **Symbol** of humanity's brokenness and need for divine intervention, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His power and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:2, though brief, is profoundly significant as it immediately establishes a scenario that tests the core values of the Kingdom of God against prevailing religious legalism. The presence of the man with dropsy forces a choice: adhere to human-made interpretations of the Sabbath law that forbid healing, or act with divine compassion to alleviate suffering. Jesus consistently demonstrates that God's law, particularly the Sabbath, was given for the benefit and well-being of humanity, not as an oppressive burden. This encounter highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to grace and healing, even when it means confronting entrenched traditions and facing the scrutiny of His adversaries. It underscores the theological truth that true righteousness is rooted in love and mercy, not in rigid adherence to external regulations.

* [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Healing the Withered Hand on the Sabbath")
* [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing the Crippled Woman on the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:2 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is not merely about adherence to rules, but about active compassion and responsiveness to human need. In a world often preoccupied with appearances, traditions, or even legalistic interpretations of faith, this verse calls us to examine our own hearts. Are we quick to judge or to prioritize rigid structures over the suffering of others? Jesus' immediate focus on the man with dropsy, despite being under intense scrutiny, exemplifies a divine priority: the well-being and restoration of individuals. For us, this means cultivating a heart that sees and responds to the needs around us, even when it is inconvenient or challenges our comfort zones. It encourages us to embody the spirit of mercy and grace, recognizing that true worship involves caring for the afflicted and challenging systems that hinder human flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might our modern "Sabbath rules" or religious traditions inadvertently prevent us from showing compassion to those in need?**
* **In what ways do we, like the Pharisees, sometimes "watch" others with a critical eye, rather than with a heart of empathy and a desire to help?**
* **What "dropsy" (hidden suffering or visible affliction) might be present in the lives of people around us, and how can we be more attentive and responsive to their needs?**
* **How can we prioritize genuine human flourishing and God's compassionate heart over rigid adherence to rules or customs?**

### FAQ

**Why was the man with dropsy present in the Pharisee's house on the Sabbath?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why the man was there, but there are two primary possibilities, both serving the narrative's purpose. He may have been intentionally placed there by the Pharisees to test Jesus, knowing Jesus' pattern of healing on the Sabbath and their desire to find fault with Him. Alternatively, he might have been a guest or a hopeful individual who came seeking healing from Jesus, having heard of His miracles. Regardless of the specific reason, his presence was strategically significant, creating an immediate dilemma for Jesus regarding [Sabbath observance](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath Commandment") and setting the stage for a powerful teaching moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:2, in its concise introduction of the man with dropsy, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The man's visible affliction represents humanity's pervasive spiritual "dropsy"—the swelling and corruption of sin that permeates every aspect of our being, leading to spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Just as Jesus, the Great Physician, stood before the physically afflicted man, so too did He come into a world spiritually diseased, to confront the very root of our brokenness. His subsequent healing of the man on the Sabbath ([Luke 14:4](/luke/14-4 "Luke 14:4 - Jesus Heals the Man with Dropsy")) is a microcosm of His greater mission: to bring true rest and healing to a humanity burdened by the law and enslaved by sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Christ's willingness to challenge the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, prioritizing compassion and life, points to His ultimate work on the cross, where He became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the law and offering complete liberation from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). He is the one who truly takes away the "dropsy" of sin, offering abundant life and spiritual restoration to all who come to Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")).

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.