Luke 6:8

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

But {G1161} he {G846} knew {G1492} their {G846} thoughts {G1261}, and {G2532} said {G2036} to the man {G444} which {G3588} had {G2192} the withered {G3584} hand {G5495}, Rise up {G1453}, and {G2532} stand forth {G2476} in {G1519} the midst {G3319}. And {G1161} he arose {G450} and stood forth {G2476}.

But he knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Come up and stand where we can see you!" He got up and stood there.

But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there.

But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man that had his hand withered, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

Luke 6:8 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment during Jesus' ministry where His divine insight and authority are powerfully demonstrated. This verse is part of a larger narrative concerning Jesus' understanding and challenging of the rigid legalism of the religious leaders regarding Sabbath observance.

Context

This event unfolds in a synagogue on the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship for the Jews. The verse directly follows Luke 6:7, which establishes that the scribes and Pharisees were intently watching Jesus, hoping to find an accusation against Him for healing on the Sabbath. The man with the "withered hand" (likely a severe, chronic condition of atrophy or paralysis) was present, providing the perfect test case for their scrutiny. Jesus' action here is a direct confrontation with their narrow interpretation of the Law, prioritizing compassion over strict ritual.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Omniscience: The opening phrase, "But he knew their thoughts," highlights Jesus' supernatural ability to perceive the hidden intentions and hostile reasonings of His adversaries. This underscores His divine nature and authority.
  • Jesus' Authority and Compassion: Despite knowing their malicious intent, Jesus proceeds with compassion for the suffering man. His command, "Rise up, and stand forth in the midst," is an act of sovereign authority, not only over the man's physical condition but also over the prevailing legalistic customs.
  • Challenging Legalism: By performing this healing publicly on the Sabbath, Jesus deliberately confronts the Pharisees' prioritizing of human-made rules over God's original intent for the Sabbath – a day for rest, worship, and doing good (Luke 6:9).
  • Prompt Obedience: The man's immediate response, "And he arose and stood forth," is crucial. His willingness to obey Jesus' instruction, even when it placed him in the spotlight and potentially in opposition to religious authorities, is a testament to his faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "knew their thoughts" combines ginosko (to know with understanding or experience) and dialogismos (inward reasonings, deliberations, or hostile intentions). This signifies Jesus' profound insight into their hearts, not just their surface actions. The "withered hand" translates from the Greek xēros, meaning "dry" or "withered," indicating a severe, non-functional limb.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus sees beyond our outward appearance and knows our innermost thoughts and intentions, just as He knew those of the Pharisees. It challenges us to consider whether our religious observances are driven by genuine love and compassion or by rigid adherence to rules. Furthermore, the man's quick obedience serves as a powerful example for believers: when Jesus calls us to step out, even into uncomfortable or challenging situations, our prompt response can lead to profound transformation and demonstrate God's power to others. It encourages us to stand firm in our faith and obey Christ's commands, regardless of scrutiny.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:4

    And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • Luke 5:22

    But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

  • Acts 26:26

    For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

  • Psalms 44:21

    Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

  • John 9:4

    I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

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