### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ὑδρωπικός (hydrōpikós, `{{G5203}}`) precisely describes one who is afflicted with "dropsy," a medical condition now more commonly referred to as edema. This condition is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the body's tissues or cavities, leading to visible swelling. The etymology of the word is particularly insightful, deriving from ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`), meaning "water," and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai, `{{G3700}}`), meaning "to see" or "to appear." This etymological breakdown aptly captures the essence of dropsy: a visible manifestation of fluid retention within the body. Thus, the core meaning denotes a state of physical ailment marked by an unnatural swelling due to internal fluid accumulation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὑδρωπικός (hydrōpikós, `{{G5203}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 14:2]]: "And behold, there was a man before Him who had dropsy."
This solitary occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus attending a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. The presence of a man suffering from dropsy immediately sets the stage for a critical encounter concerning the interpretation and application of the Sabbath law. Jesus, observing the man's condition, directly poses the question to the lawyers and Pharisees: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" [[Luke 14:3]]. Their silence underscores their inability or unwillingness to answer, highlighting their legalistic dilemma. Jesus then proceeds to heal the man, demonstrating His authority and compassion, and subsequently defends His action with parables regarding a son or ox falling into a well on the Sabbath [[Luke 14:5]]. The man's visible affliction serves as a clear and undeniable case, making the healing a public and deliberate challenge to the prevailing religious legalism.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning and context of ὑδρωπικός (hydrōpikós, `{{G5203}}`):
* **ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`):** "Water." This is the direct root for the "hydro-" prefix, emphasizing the fluid nature of the disease.
* **ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai, `{{G3700}}`):** "To see, to appear." This root highlights the visible swelling that defines dropsy, making the condition readily apparent.
* **θεραπεύω (therapeuō, `{{G2323}}`):** "To heal, to cure." This verb describes Jesus' action toward the man with dropsy, underscoring His power over sickness and disease.
* **σάββατον (sabbaton, `{{G4521}}`):** "Sabbath." The day on which the healing occurs, central to the theological conflict presented in the passage.
* **ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`):** "Weakness, sickness, infirmity." A broader category under which dropsy falls, signifying human frailty and the need for divine intervention.
* **δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`):** "To justify, to declare righteous." While not directly related to the disease, Jesus' actions on the Sabbath challenge the Pharisees' understanding of righteousness and lawful conduct.
### Theological Significance
The single biblical occurrence of ὑδρωπικός (hydrōpikós, `{{G5203}}`) carries profound theological weight. The man with dropsy serves as more than just a patient; he is a living parable. Physically, his body is distended with excess fluid, symbolizing a state of unnatural accumulation and imbalance. Theologically, this can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual conditions such as spiritual pride, self-righteousness, or an unhealthy accumulation of worldly concerns that bloat the spirit while hindering true spiritual vitality.
Jesus' healing of the man on the Sabbath is a powerful demonstration of His authority as Lord of the Sabbath [[Matthew 12:8]] and His prioritization of human need and divine compassion over rigid adherence to religious law. It exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were more concerned with external legalistic observance than with genuine mercy and the well-being of individuals. The act of healing itself is a tangible manifestation of God's kingdom breaking into the present, bringing restoration and wholeness. It underscores that true holiness is not found in sterile legalism but in active love and redemptive action. The immediate and complete healing of the man with dropsy points to the transformative power of Christ, capable of addressing not only physical ailments but also deeper spiritual maladies, bringing genuine freedom and life where there was previously stagnation and dysfunction.
### Summary
The Greek term ὑδρωπικός (hydrōpikós, `{{G5203}}`) denotes "one who has dropsy," a condition of visible fluid retention derived from roots meaning "water" (ὕδωρ, `{{G5204}}`) and "to see" (ὀπτάνομαι, `{{G3700}}`). Its singular appearance in the New Testament in [[Luke 14:2]] describes a man whom Jesus heals during a Sabbath meal. This healing event is pivotal, serving as a direct challenge to the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath by the Pharisees. Jesus' act of compassion and immediate restoration of the man's health demonstrates His divine authority and underscores that acts of mercy are lawful and paramount on the Sabbath. Theologically, the man with dropsy can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual accumulation or pride, with Jesus' healing signifying the transformative power of God's grace to bring true spiritual health and to prioritize compassion over rigid adherence to external regulations.
TRV