Luke 14:4

KJV

And they held their peace. And he took [him], and healed him, and let him go;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they held their peace {G2270}. And {G2532} he took {G1949} him, and healed {G2390} him {G846}, and {G2532} let him go {G630};

Complete Jewish Bible

But they said nothing. So, taking hold of him, he healed him and sent him away.

Berean Standard Bible

But they remained silent. Then Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way.

American Standard Version

But they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:4 captures a pivotal moment on the Sabbath when Jesus, confronted by the silent scrutiny of legal experts and Pharisees, decisively acts out of compassion. In response to their unspoken challenge regarding the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath, Jesus takes hold of a man afflicted with dropsy, miraculously restores his health, and immediately releases him, thereby demonstrating His divine authority over the Sabbath law and prioritizing human need over rigid legalistic interpretations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of Sabbath controversies in Luke's Gospel, particularly following Jesus' invitation to dine at the house of a prominent Pharisee. The preceding verses (Luke 14:1-3) set the scene, highlighting the adversarial atmosphere as Jesus is "watched" and then poses a direct question to the lawyers and Pharisees about the legality of healing on the Sabbath. Their silence in [Luke 14:3](/luke/14-3 "Luke 14:3 - Jesus' Question on the Sabbath") underscores their inability to condemn healing outright while clinging to their strict interpretations. Verse 4, then, presents Jesus' immediate and authoritative response to their silence, demonstrating His power and challenging their legalism. The subsequent parable of the lost sheep or ox falling into a well (Luke 14:5) further reinforces Jesus' argument for the permissibility and necessity of doing good on the Sabbath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish life and law derived from the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Command to Keep the Sabbath Holy")), had become encrusted with numerous rabbinic interpretations and traditions by the first century. While the Torah prohibited "work" on the Sabbath, the definition of work had expanded to include many activities, including healing, unless a life was in immediate danger. The Pharisees, known for their meticulous adherence to the Law and its traditions, often prioritized these interpretations over the spirit of the Law, leading to conflicts with Jesus. This particular dinner setting, at the home of a leading Pharisee, would have been a public forum for theological debate, with Jesus' actions under intense scrutiny as He challenged the prevailing legalistic mindset.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. It underscores **Jesus' Authority Over the Law**, demonstrating His divine prerogative to interpret and fulfill the spirit of the Torah, placing compassion and human need above rigid, man-made traditions. This act challenges the legalistic understanding of the Sabbath prevalent among the Jewish religious leaders, echoing His earlier statements that the [Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Jesus' Unwavering Compassion and Healing Ministry**. Despite the watchful eyes of His adversaries and the potential for conflict, Jesus' primary motivation is the alleviation of suffering, showcasing the heart of His redemptive mission. This aligns with His consistent ministry of healing, as seen in [Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Jesus' Healing Ministry") and throughout the Gospels. Finally, it redefines **The True Purpose of the Sabbath**, asserting that it was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden, and that doing good, including healing, is not only permissible but commendable on this day of rest, as also taught in [Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** From G1949, this word signifies "to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively):--catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on)." In this context, it suggests Jesus' deliberate, personal, and perhaps tender physical engagement with the man. It's not a casual touch but an intentional "taking hold," indicating a direct, active intervention in the man's suffering.
* **healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** From G2390, this verb means "to cure (literally or figuratively):--heal, make whole." It emphasizes the complete and effective restoration of the man's physical health. The use of this term highlights the miraculous nature of the intervention, as dropsy was a severe and often debilitating condition, and Jesus' action brought about immediate and total wholeness.
* **let him go (Greek, _apolýō'_):: From G630, this word means "to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce:--(let) depart, dismiss, divorce, forgive, let go, loose, put (send) away, release, set at liberty." In this verse, it conveys the immediate and complete liberation of the man, not only from his physical ailment but also from the tense, scrutinizing environment. It signifies the finality of the act and the man's full restoration to freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they held their peace."**: This opening clause refers to the lawyers and Pharisees mentioned in the preceding verse. Their silence is highly significant; it is not an admission of agreement but a strategic refusal to answer Jesus' direct question about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath. They are caught in a dilemma: to say "yes" would contradict their rigid traditions, and to say "no" would expose their lack of compassion and potentially incriminate them before the people, who often witnessed Jesus' benevolent acts. Their silence underscores their legalistic rigidity and their inability to reconcile compassion with their interpretation of the Law.
* **"And he took [him], and healed him,"**: In stark contrast to their silence, Jesus acts decisively. The phrase "he took him" (referencing the man with dropsy) implies a direct, personal, and perhaps compassionate physical engagement. This is followed by the powerful declaration "and healed him," signifying an immediate, complete, and miraculous restoration of the man's health. This act is a direct answer to their unspoken challenge, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority and His priority of human well-being over strict adherence to man-made rules.
* **"and let him go;"**: This final clause indicates the immediate dismissal of the healed man. The healing was complete and instantaneous, allowing the man to depart freely. This also serves to emphasize the finality of Jesus' action and His disengagement from the legalistic debate, having made His point through compassionate action rather than prolonged argument. The man is not only freed from his illness but also from the tense atmosphere of the Pharisee's house.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in this verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting the silent, legalistic scrutiny of the Pharisees with Jesus' immediate, compassionate, and authoritative action. This highlights the fundamental difference between their rigid adherence to tradition and Jesus' Spirit-led ministry focused on human need. The **Miracle** itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of Jesus' divine authority and His kingdom's values, where healing and restoration are paramount. The act of "letting him go" functions as a form of **Resolution**, providing a clear conclusion to the immediate tension and demonstrating the completeness of Jesus' work, both physically for the man and rhetorically against His accusers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:4 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's law and the character of Jesus. It asserts that true righteousness is not found in rigid adherence to external rules, especially when those rules hinder compassion and human flourishing. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates His ultimate authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, revealing its true intent: to bring life, healing, and freedom. This act underscores that God's heart is for the suffering and that genuine worship involves acts of mercy and love, even on the Sabbath. It challenges believers to move beyond legalism to a faith rooted in active love and compassion for others, mirroring the very heart of Christ.

* [Matthew 12:10-13](/matthew/12-10-13 "Matthew 12:10-13 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Mark 3:4-5](/mark/3-4-5 "Mark 3:4-5 - Is it Lawful to Do Good or Harm on the Sabbath?")
* [John 5:16-17](/john/5-16-17 "John 5:16-17 - Jesus' Defense for Healing on the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful encounter in Luke 14:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any tendencies toward legalism, where rules or traditions might inadvertently overshadow the call to compassion and active love. Jesus' willingness to act decisively and mercifully, even under intense scrutiny and potential opposition, serves as a compelling model for our own lives. We are called to embody Christ's radical love, prioritizing the well-being and needs of others over rigid adherence to man-made regulations that might hinder genuine service. This means cultivating a heart that sees suffering and responds with proactive, Spirit-led intervention, rather than retreating into comfortable inaction or judgmental criticism. It encourages us to be bold in doing good, trusting that God's will is always aligned with mercy and healing, and to remember that the true purpose of our faith is to bring life and freedom to those around us, just as Jesus did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be prioritizing rules or traditions over genuine compassion and love for others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more attuned to the suffering around me and more willing to act decisively, as Jesus did?**
* **What "Sabbath rules" or self-imposed limitations might be preventing me from extending God's grace and healing to those in need?**

### FAQ

**Why was healing on the Sabbath such a controversial issue for the Pharisees?**

Answer: The controversy stemmed from differing interpretations of the Sabbath law. While the Old Testament commanded rest on the Sabbath and prohibited "work" ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Commandment to Keep the Sabbath Holy")), rabbinic traditions had developed extensive definitions of what constituted "work." Healing, unless it was a life-threatening emergency, was generally considered work and therefore forbidden. The Pharisees believed that Jesus' healings violated these traditions, seeing them as a transgression of God's law, while Jesus consistently emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit and that acts of mercy and doing good were always permissible, and indeed, commanded ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:4, with Jesus' authoritative act of healing on the Sabbath, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work. Just as He took hold of the man afflicted with dropsy and released him from his physical ailment, so too does Christ "take hold" of humanity, afflicted by the spiritual disease of sin, to bring about radical healing and freedom. His compassion for the suffering man on the Sabbath points to His greater compassion for a world suffering under the curse of sin. The release of the man from his physical bondage prefigures the spiritual liberation found in Christ, who sets captives free from the dominion of sin and death ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin")). Jesus' demonstration of authority over the Sabbath law reveals Him as the Lord of all creation and the true bringer of rest, a rest not found in legalistic observance but in His finished work on the cross ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the ultimate physician who makes us whole, not just physically, but spiritually, offering eternal life and true peace to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Matthew 22:46

And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any [man] from that day forth ask him any more [questions].

Matthew 21:25

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

Matthew 21:27

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.