Luke 5:17

¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096} on {G1722} a certain {G3391} day {G2250}, as {G2532} he {G846} was {G2258} teaching {G1321}, that {G2532} there were {G2258} Pharisees {G5330} and {G2532} doctors of the law {G3547} sitting by {G2521}, which {G3739} were {G2258} come {G2064} out of {G1537} every {G3956} town {G2968} of Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} Jerusalem {G2419}: and {G2532} the power {G1411} of the Lord {G2962} was {G2258} present to {G1519} heal {G2390} them {G846}.

One day when Yeshua was teaching, there were P'rushim and Torah-teachers present who had come from various villages in the Galil and Y'hudah, also from Yerushalayim; and the power of ADONAI was with him to heal the sick.

One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. People had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick.

And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

Commentary

Luke 5:17 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where His teaching and divine power converge amidst a diverse and watchful audience. This verse sets the stage for a significant healing miracle and reveals the growing tension surrounding Jesus' claims and authority.

Context

The scene unfolds as Jesus is teaching, a central aspect of His public ministry. His audience is notable: not only are there crowds, but also Pharisees and doctors of the law who have traveled from various regions—Galilee, Judaea, and Jerusalem. This indicates Jesus' burgeoning fame, attracting both curious followers and critical religious leaders. Their presence suggests a deliberate observation, likely to scrutinize Jesus' words and actions against their interpretations of the Mosaic Law and traditions. This gathering from widespread areas underscores the profound impact Jesus was already having, drawing attention from the very centers of Jewish religious authority.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Power: The phrase "the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them" is central. It emphasizes that God's active, miraculous ability was directly at work through Jesus. This was not merely human effort, but a tangible manifestation of God's presence.
  • Jesus' Authority: The verse highlights Jesus' dual role as a teacher and a healer. His ability to heal through divine power served as undeniable proof of His authority and His divine mission, often confirming the truth of His teachings. This authority was a key point of contention with the religious leaders, as seen in subsequent verses where they question His ability to forgive sins, a power they believed belonged to God alone (see Luke 5:21).
  • Scrutiny and Opposition: The presence of the Pharisees and doctors of the law from across the region signifies the beginning of organized religious opposition. They were not merely observers but critical evaluators, laying the groundwork for future confrontations as Jesus continued to challenge their traditions and interpretations.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated as "power" here is dunamis (δύναμις). It refers to inherent power, ability, or miraculous capability. It's the root for English words like "dynamic" or "dynamite," conveying a sense of explosive, effective force. Here, it explicitly states that this divine, miraculous power originated from "the Lord" (God) and was actively present in Jesus to bring healing.

Practical Application

Luke 5:17 reminds us that God's power is always present and active, especially where Jesus is being proclaimed and taught. It encourages believers to recognize that genuine spiritual and physical transformation comes from God's divine enablement, not just human effort. Even in the face of scrutiny or opposition, God's work through Jesus continues to manifest, demonstrating His sovereignty and compassion. We are invited to trust in this ever-present power for healing, guidance, and transformation in our own lives and communities, just as people sought it in Jesus' day. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus Christ being the same yesterday, today, and forever, with His power still available to those who believe.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 6:19 (9 votes)

    And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

  • Luke 8:46 (7 votes)

    And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

  • Acts 19:11 (6 votes)

    And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

  • Matthew 11:5 (6 votes)

    The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

  • Acts 4:30 (5 votes)

    By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

  • Mark 7:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

  • Matthew 15:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,