Luke 7:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 7:13 KJV beautifully captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, showcasing His profound empathy and divine authority. This verse occurs during Jesus's encounter with a funeral procession in the village of Nain.

Context of Luke 7:13

The scene unfolds as Jesus approaches the town of Nain and encounters a large crowd accompanying a desolate funeral procession. The deceased was the only son of a widow, a detail of immense significance in ancient society. For a widow to lose her only son meant not just profound grief, but often economic ruin and social isolation, as he was her sole provider and hope for the future. The crowd's presence underscores the community's shared sorrow and the depth of the woman's tragedy. Jesus's intervention here is entirely unprompted by any request from the woman or the crowd, highlighting His divine initiative.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Compassion: The verse explicitly states, "when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her." This isn't mere pity but a deep, visceral empathy. Jesus was moved to His core by her suffering, reflecting His nature as a merciful Savior. This echoes His compassion seen in other instances, such as Matthew 9:36 when He saw the harassed and helpless crowds.
  • Jesus's Authority Over Death: His command, "Weep not," is not merely a comforting phrase but a powerful declaration preceding an astonishing miracle. It signals His absolute power over life and death, setting the stage for the resurrection of the young man, a testament to His divine sovereignty. This foreshadows His own victory over the grave and His ability to bring life out of death, as seen in the raising of Lazarus in John 11:43.
  • Hope in Despair: In a moment of utter hopelessness and sorrow, Jesus brings immediate comfort and a miraculous solution. This act demonstrates that even in the deepest valleys of human suffering, divine intervention can bring profound hope and transformation. The sorrow of weeping can be turned into joy, a theme also found in Psalm 30:5.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "compassion" is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι). This term is rich in meaning, literally referring to a feeling that stirs one's internal organs or bowels. It conveys a profound, gut-wrenching empathy, not just intellectual sympathy. It signifies a deep, emotional response from the very core of one's being, illustrating the intensity of Jesus's feeling for the grieving mother.

Practical Application

Luke 7:13 offers immense encouragement to those experiencing grief, loss, or despair. It reminds us that Jesus sees our suffering, is deeply moved by it, and possesses the power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. It calls believers to cultivate a similar compassion for others, seeing their pain and being moved to action. Ultimately, it reinforces trust in Jesus's ultimate authority over all circumstances, including death, offering comfort and hope that transcends immediate sorrow, pointing to a future where God will wipe away every tear.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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