Luke 7:13

KJV

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the Lord {G2962} saw {G1492} her {G846}, he had compassion {G4697} on {G1909} her {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto her {G846}, Weep {G2799} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the Lord saw her, he felt com passion for her and said to her, "Don't cry."

Berean Standard Bible

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”

American Standard Version

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:13 presents a profound moment in Jesus's ministry, revealing His divine nature through an unprompted act of deep compassion and authoritative power. As Jesus encounters a funeral procession for the only son of a widow in Nain, His heart is moved by her profound grief and desperate situation. He immediately intervenes, speaking words of comfort and command that precede a miraculous demonstration of His sovereignty over death, transforming sorrow into overwhelming joy and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Luke's Gospel (chapters 7-9) that highlights Jesus's authority and identity through a series of miracles and teachings. Immediately preceding this event, Jesus has just healed the centurion's servant in Capernaum (Luke 7:1-10), demonstrating His power over disease and His willingness to respond to faith, even from a Gentile. The narrative then shifts to Nain, a small village, where Jesus encounters a funeral procession. This sequence emphasizes Jesus's active engagement with human suffering and His divine initiative, as He is not sought out but rather encounters the grieving widow and acts spontaneously. The raising of the widow's son in Nain serves as a powerful testament to Jesus's authority, following His healing miracles and setting the stage for subsequent declarations of His identity, such as His response to John the Baptist's disciples (Luke 7:18-23).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the loss of an "only son" (Luke 7:12) was a devastating blow, particularly for a "widow" (Luke 7:12). Women in that society were largely dependent on male relatives for economic and social security. A widow's only son was her primary, often sole, means of support and her hope for the future, including the continuation of the family line and care in her old age. His death plunged her not only into profound emotional grief but also into extreme vulnerability, destitution, and social isolation. Funeral processions were public displays of communal lament and solidarity, reflecting the deep impact of death on the community. The large crowd accompanying the procession signifies the widespread sympathy for the woman's plight and the gravity of her loss, underscoring the desperate circumstances Jesus encountered.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus's profound compassion and empathy** for the marginalized and suffering, a recurring motif throughout Luke's narrative, as seen in His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and the poor. His visceral reaction to the widow's grief reflects the very heart of God's concern for humanity. Secondly, the verse, especially when viewed with the subsequent miracle, highlights **Jesus's absolute authority over life and death**. His command "Weep not" is not merely a comforting word but a divine decree that precedes and enables the resurrection, demonstrating His unique power as the "Lord" (Luke 7:13). This theme resonates with other instances where Jesus displays His power over the natural world and spiritual forces, such as calming the storm in [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). Finally, this event powerfully illustrates the theme of **hope in the face of despair**, showcasing God's ability to intervene miraculously in human suffering, turning deep sorrow into joy and demonstrating that with God, all things are possible, even the reversal of death itself, a promise echoed in [Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - With God All Things Are Possible").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term, used here for Jesus, signifies supreme authority and mastery. It is a respectful title that also carries theological weight, often used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) to translate the divine name Yahweh. Its application to Jesus in this context immediately elevates His status beyond that of a mere prophet or teacher, indicating His divine sovereignty and inherent power over all things, including life and death.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō_):** More than a mere physical observation, this verb implies a deeper perception and understanding. Jesus "saw" her not just with His eyes, but with a full comprehension of her desperate situation—her grief, her social vulnerability, and the totality of her loss. This seeing leads directly to His compassionate response, indicating a profound awareness of human suffering.
* **had compassion (Greek, _splanchnízomai_):** This powerful verb literally means "to have the bowels yearn" or "to be moved in one's inner parts." It conveys a deep, visceral, gut-wrenching empathy, not just intellectual pity. It signifies a profound emotional response from the very core of Jesus's being, illustrating the intensity of His feeling for the grieving mother and His active identification with human pain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the Lord saw her":** This phrase establishes Jesus's divine perception and initiative. He is identified as "the Lord," emphasizing His authority. His act of "seeing" is not passive; it is a perceptive, empathetic gaze that fully comprehends the widow's profound sorrow and desperate plight. This seeing is the catalyst for His subsequent action, highlighting His proactive engagement with human suffering.
* **"he had compassion on her":** This clause reveals the core of Jesus's character and motivation. His "compassion" (Gk. _splanchnízomai_) is a deep, visceral empathy that moves Him to His very core. It is a profound, internal stirring of pity and mercy, demonstrating His active identification with human pain and His divine love for the suffering. This is not a detached observation but an intimate, heartfelt response.
* **"and said unto her, 'Weep not.'":** This concluding phrase showcases Jesus's unique authority. His command "Weep not" is more than a comforting suggestion; it is a powerful, authoritative declaration that precedes and anticipates the miracle of resurrection. It signals His absolute power over the sorrow of death and His ability to reverse its effects, offering immediate comfort and a promise of transformation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The immediate shift from the centurion's servant to the widow's son creates a **juxtaposition**, highlighting Jesus's universal compassion—He responds to both the powerful and the powerless, the faithful and the utterly broken. The phrase "when the Lord saw her" employs **divine initiative**, emphasizing that Jesus's action is unprompted by human request, underscoring His inherent goodness and active benevolence. The use of "Lord" (Greek, _kýrios_) is a form of **christological title**, affirming Jesus's divine identity and authority, especially when paired with His subsequent power over death. The deep, visceral meaning of _splanchnízomai_ (compassion) is a form of **pathos**, designed to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader, mirroring Jesus's own profound empathy. Finally, Jesus's command, "Weep not," before the miracle, functions as **foreshadowing** and a display of **divine prescience**, indicating His full knowledge of the outcome and His absolute power to bring it about, transforming despair into joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:13 stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God revealed in Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who intimately knows and is deeply moved by human suffering. Jesus's compassion is not mere sentimentality; it is an active, divine attribute that compels Him to intervene directly in the most desperate human circumstances, even conquering death itself. This passage affirms His absolute authority over life and death, portraying Him as the ultimate source of comfort and hope in a world marred by sorrow. His unprompted intervention underscores God's sovereign grace and proactive love for humanity, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized.

* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")
* [John 11:33-35](/john/11-33-35 "John 11:33-35 - Jesus Weeps at Lazarus's Tomb")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:13 offers immense encouragement and a powerful call to action for believers today. For those experiencing profound grief, loss, or despair, this verse is a tender reminder that Jesus sees your suffering, understands its depth, and is moved with deep, visceral compassion. He is not indifferent to your pain but actively present, able to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. This passage invites us to bring our deepest sorrows to Him, trusting in His sovereign power to bring comfort, hope, and even miraculous transformation. Furthermore, it challenges us, as followers of Christ, to cultivate a similar compassion for others. Just as Jesus was moved by the widow's plight and acted, we are called to see the suffering around us—the marginalized, the grieving, the vulnerable—and allow our hearts to be stirred to empathy and action. This means not just offering platitudes, but actively seeking to alleviate suffering, embodying the compassionate heart of our Lord in practical ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's unprompted compassion in this verse challenge my understanding of God's involvement in human suffering?**
* **In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing "despair" or "weeping," and how can I bring these to the Lord, trusting in His power to say "Weep not"?**
* **How can I cultivate a more profound, "bowel-stirring" compassion for those around me who are suffering, and what practical steps can I take to act on that compassion?**

### FAQ
**Why was the widow's situation in Nain so particularly dire, and how does Jesus's intervention address it?**

Answer: The widow's situation was dire on multiple levels. Culturally and economically, women in ancient Israel were largely dependent on male relatives. Losing her husband meant she was a widow, a vulnerable status. Losing her "only son" meant she had lost her sole provider, her hope for future support, and the continuation of her family line. This left her not only in profound emotional grief but also facing destitution and social isolation. Jesus's intervention directly addresses all these aspects: He restores her son to life, thereby restoring her economic security, her social standing, and her hope for the future. His act is a complete reversal of her desperate circumstances, demonstrating His holistic care and power.

**How does Jesus's "compassion" in Luke 7:13 differ from mere pity?**

Answer: The Greek word for "compassion" here, _splanchnízomai_ (G4697), is far deeper than mere pity. It literally means "to have the bowels yearn" and conveys a profound, visceral, gut-wrenching empathy. It's a feeling that stirs one's innermost being, indicating a deep identification with the suffering of another. Unlike detached pity, Jesus's compassion is active and leads directly to intervention. It signifies a profound emotional and spiritual response that compels Him to act decisively to alleviate the suffering He perceives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:13, with its powerful portrayal of Jesus's compassion and authority over death, finds its ultimate fulfillment in His own redemptive work. The raising of the widow's son in Nain is a profound **prelude** to Christ's ultimate victory over the grave. Jesus, who felt such deep compassion for a grieving mother, would Himself face the ultimate suffering and death on the cross, not as a victim, but as the conquering Lamb of God (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death and glorious resurrection (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")) are the definitive answer to human sorrow and the sting of death. The "Weep not" He spoke to the widow of Nain foreshadows the grand promise that for all who believe in Him, death is swallowed up in victory (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Because Jesus Himself conquered death, He is able to truly sympathize with our weaknesses (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and offers the ultimate hope of a future where God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Death")). The compassion displayed in Nain is the very heart of the Savior who gave His life to secure eternal life and joy for all who trust in Him.

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

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Lamentations 3:32

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

Lamentations 3:33

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.