Bible Commentaries
Luke 8

Verse 1

Soon afterwards (εν τω καθεξης). In Luke 7:11 we have εν τω εξης. This word means one after the other, successively, but that gives no definite data as to the time, only that this incident in Luke 8:1-3 follows that in Luke 7:36-50. Both in Luke alone.

That (κα). One of Luke's idioms with κα εγενετο like Hebrew wav. Went about (διωδευεν). Imperfect active of διοδευω, to make one's way through (δια, οδος), common in late Greek writers. In the N.T. here only and Acts 17:1.

Through cities and villages (κατα πολιν κα κωμην). Distributive use of κατα (up and down). The clause is amphibolous and goes equally well with διωδευεν or with κηρυσσων (heralding) κα ευαγγελιζομενος (evangelizing, gospelizing). This is the second tour of Galilee, this time the Twelve with him.

Verse 2

Which had been healed (α ησαν τεθεραπευμενα). Periphrastic past perfect passive, suggesting that the healing had taken place some time before this tour. These women all had personal grounds of gratitude to Jesus.

From whom seven devils (demons) had gone out (αφ' ης δαιμονια επτα εξεληλυθε). Past perfect active third singular for the δαιμονια are neuter plural. This first mention of Mary Magdalene describes her special cause of gratitude. This fact is stated also in Mark 16:9 in the disputed close of the Gospel. The presence of seven demons in one person indicates special malignity (Mark 5:9). See Matthew 17:45 for the parable of the demon who came back with seven other demons worse than the first. It is not known where Magdala was, whence Mary came.

Verse 3

Joanna (Ιωανα). Her husband Χυζα, steward (επιτροπου) of Herod, is held by some to be the nobleman (βασιλικος) of John 4:46-53 who believed and all his house. At any rate Christ had a follower from the household of Herod Antipas who had such curiosity to see and hear him. One may recall also Manaen (Acts 13:1), Herod's foster brother. Joanna is mentioned again with Mary Magdalene in Luke 24:10.

Who ministered unto them (αιτινες διηκονουν αυτοις). Imperfect active of διακονεω, common verb, but note augment as if from δια and ακονεω, but from διακονος and that from δια and κονις (dust). The very fact that Jesus now had twelve men going with him called for help from others and the women of means responded to the demand.

Of their substance (εκ των υπαρχοντων αυταις). From the things belonging to them. This is the first woman's missionary society for the support of missionaries of the Gospel. They had difficulties in their way, but they overcame these, so great was their gratitude and zeal.

Verse 4

By a parable (δια παραβολης). Mark 4:2 says "in parables" as does Matthew 13:3. This is the beginning of the first great group of parables as given in Mark 4:1-34 and Matthew 13:1-53. There are ten of these parables in Mark and Matthew and only two in Luke 8:4-18 (The Sower and the Lamp, Luke 8:16) though Luke also has the expression "in parables" (Luke 8:10). See Luke 8:13 and Luke 8:4 for discussion of the word parable and the details of the Parable of the Sower. Luke does not locate the place, but he mentions the great crowds on hand, while both Mark and Matthew name the seaside as the place where Jesus was at the start of the series of parables.

Verse 5

His seed (τον σπορον αυτου). Peculiar to Luke.

Was trodden under foot (κατεπατηθη). First aorist passive indicative of καταπατεω. Peculiar to Luke here.

Of the heavens (του ουρανου). Added in Luke.

Verse 6

Upon the rock (επ την πετραν). Mark 4:5 "the rocky ground" (επ το πετρωδες), Matthew 13:5 "the rocky places.

As soon as it grew (φυεν). Second aorist passive participle of φυω, an old verb to spring up like a sprout.

Withered away (εξηρανθη). First aorist passive indicative of ζηραινω, old verb, to dry up.

Moisture (ικμαδα). Here only in the N.T., though common word.

Verse 7

Amidst the thorns (εν μεσω των ακανθων). Mark 4:7 has εις (among) and Matthew 13:7 has επ "upon."

Grew with it (συνφυεισα). Same participle as φυεν above with συν- (together).

Choked (απεπνιξαν). From αποπνιγω, to choke off as in Matthew 13:7. In Mark 4:7 the verb is συνεπνιξαν (choked together).

Verse 8

A hundredfold (εκατονπλασιονα). Luke omits the thirty and sixty of Mark 4:8; Matthew 13:8.

He cried (εφωνε). Imperfect active, and in a loud voice, the verb means. The warning about hearing with the ears occurs also in Mark 4:9; Matthew 13:9.

Verse 9

Asked (επηρωτων). Imperfect of επερωταω (επ and ερωταω) where Mark 4:10 has ηρωτων (uncompounded imperfect), both the tense and the use of επ indicate eager and repeated questions on the part of the disciples, perhaps dimly perceiving a possible reflection on their own growth.

What this parable might be (τις αυτη ειη η παραβολη). A mistranslation, What this parable was (or meant). The optative ειη is merely due to indirect discourse, changing the indicative εστιν (is) of the direct question to the optative ειη of the indirect, a change entirely with the writer or speaker and without any change of meaning (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1043f.).

Verse 10

The mysteries (τα μυστηρια). See for this word on Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11. Part of the mystery here explained is how so many people who have the opportunity to enter the kingdom fail to do so because of manifest unfitness.

That (ινα). Here Mark 4:11 also has ινα while Matthew 13:13 has οτ (because). On the so-called causal use of ινα as here equal to οτ see discussion on Matthew 13:13; Mark 4:11. Plummer sensibly argues that there is truth both in the causal οτ of Matthew and the final ινα of Mark and Matthew. "But the principle that he who hath shall receive more, while he who hath not shall be deprived of what he seemeth to have, explains both the ινα and the οτ. Jesus speaks in parables because the multitudes see without seeing and hear without hearing. But He also speaks in parable

in order that they may see without seeing and hear without hearing." Only for "hearing" Luke has "understand" συνιωσιν, present subjunctive from a late omega form συνιω instead of the -μ verb συνιημ.

Verse 11

Is this (εστιν δε αυτη). Means this. Jesus now proceeds to interpret his own parable.

The seed is the word of God (ο σπορος εστιν ο λογος του θεου). The article with both subject and predicate as here means that they are interchangeable and can be turned round: The word of God is the seed. The phrase "the word of God" does not appear in Matthew and only once in Mark (Mark 7:13) and John (John 10:35), but four times in Luke (Luke 5:1; Luke 8:11; Luke 8:21; Luke 11:28) and twelve times in Acts. In Mark 4:14 we have only "the word." In Mark 3:31 we have "the will of God," and in Matthew 12:46 "the will of my Father" where Luke 8:21 has "the word of God." This seems to show that Luke has the subjective genitive here and means the word that comes from God.

Verse 12

Those by the wayside (ο παρα την οδον). As in Mark 4:15; Matthew 13:19 so here the people who hear the word = the seed are discussed by metonymy.

The devil (ο διαβολος). The slanderer. Here Mark 4:15 has Satan.

From their heart (απο της καρδιας αυτων). Here Mark has "in them." It is the devil's business to snatch up the seed from the heart before it sprouts and takes root. Every preacher knows how successful the devil is with his auditors. Matthew 13:19 has it "sown in the heart."

That they may not believe and be saved (ινα μη πιστευσαντες σωθωσιν). Peculiar to Luke. Negative purpose with aorist active participle and first aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive. Many reasons are offered today for the failure of preachers to win souls. Here is the main one, the activity of the devil during and after the preaching of the sermon. No wonder then that the sower must have good seed and sow wisely, for even then he can only win partial success.

Verse 13

Which for a while believe (ο προς καιρον πιστευουσιν). Ostensibly they are sincere and have made a real start in the life of faith.

They fall away (αφισταντα). Present middle indicative. They stand off, lose interest, stop coming to church, drop out of sight. It is positively amazing the number of new church members who "stumble" as Mark 4:17 has it (σκανδαλιζοντα), do not like the pastor, take offence at something said or done by somebody, object to the appeals for money, feel slighted. The "season of trial" becomes a "season of temptation" (εν καιρω πειρασμου) for these superficial, emotional people who have to be periodically rounded up if kept within the fold.

Verse 14

They are choked (συνπνιγοντα). Present passive indicative of this powerfully vivid compound verb συνπνιγω used in Mark 4:19; Matthew 13:22, only there these worldly weeds choke the word while here the victims themselves are choked. Both are true. Diphtheria will choke and strangle the victim. Who has not seen the promise of fair flower and fruit choked into yellow withered stalk without fruit "as they go on their way" (πορευομενο).

Bring no fruit to perfection (ου τελεσφορουσιν). Compound verb common in the late writers (τελοσ, φορεω). To bring to completion. Used of fruits, animals, pregnant women. Only here in the N.T.

Verse 15

In an honest and good heart (εν καρδια καλη κα αγαθη). Peculiar to Luke. In verse Luke 8:8 the land (γην) is called αγαθην (really good, generous) and in verse Luke 8:15 we have εν τη καλη γη (in the beautiful or noble land). So Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used καλος κ' αγαθος of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek. Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin honestus (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with "hold fast" (κατεχουσιν), "hold it down" so that the devil does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns. It bears fruit (καρποφορουσιν, an old expressive verb, καρπος and φορεω). That is the proof of spiritual life.

In patience (εν υπομονη). There is no other way for real fruit to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.

Verse 16

When he hath lighted a lamp (λυχνον αψας). It is a portable lamp (λυχνον) that one lights (αψας aorist active participle of απτω, to kindle, fasten to, light).

With a vessel (σκευε, instrumental case of σκευος). Here Mark 4:21 has the more definite figure "under the bushel" as has Matthew 5:15.

Under the bed (υποκατω κλινης). Here Mark 4:21 has the regular υπο την κλινην instead of the late compound υποκατω. Ragg notes that Matthew distributes the sayings of Jesus given here by Luke 8:16-18; Mark 4:21-25 concerning the parable of the lamp and gives them in three separate places (Matthew 5:15; Matthew 10:26; Matthew 13:12). That is true, but it does not follow that Mark and Luke have bunched together separate sayings or that Matthew has scattered sayings delivered only on one occasion. One of the slowest lessons for some critics to learn is that Jesus repeated favourite sayings on different occasions and in different groupings just as every popular preacher and teacher does today. See on Mark 4:21 for further discussion of the lamp and stand.

May see the light (Βλεπωσιν το φως). In Matthew 5:16 Jesus has it "may see your good works." The purpose of light is to let one see something else, not the light. Note present subjunctive (βλεπωσιν), linear action "Jesus had kindled a light within them. They must not hide it, but must see that it spreads to others" (Plummer). The parable of the lamp throws light on the parable of the sower.

Verse 17

That shall not be known (ο ου μη γνωσθη). Peculiar to Luke. First aorist passive subjunctive of γινωσκω with the strong double negative ου μη. See on Mark 4:22 for discussion of κρυπτον and αποκρυφον.

Verse 18

How ye hear (πως ακουετε). The manner of hearing. Mark 4:24 has "what ye hear" (τ ακουετε), the matter that is heard. Both are supremely important. Some things should not be heard at all. Some that are heard should be forgotten. Others should be treasured and practised.

For whosoever hath (Hος αν γαρ εχη). Present active subjunctive of the common verb εχω which may mean "keep on having" or "acquiring." See on Mark 4:25 for discussion.

Thinketh he hath (δοκε εχειν), or seems to acquire or to hold . Losses in business illustrate this saying as when we see their riches take wings and fly away. So it is with hearing and heeding. Self-deception is a common complaint.

Verse 19

His mother and brethren (η μητηρ κα ο αδελφο αυτου). Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50 place the visit of the mother and brothers of Jesus before the parable of the sower. Usually Luke follows Mark's order, but he does not do so here. At first the brothers of Jesus (younger sons of Joseph and Mary, I take the words to mean, there being sisters also) were not unfriendly to the work of Jesus as seen in John 2:12 when they with the mother of Jesus are with him and the small group (half dozen) disciples in Capernaum after the wedding in Cana. But as Jesus went on with his work and was rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-31), there developed an evident disbelief in his claims on the part of the brothers who ridiculed him six months before the end (John 7:5). At this stage they have apparently come with Mary to take Jesus home out of the excitement of the crowds, perhaps thinking that he is beside himself (Mark 3:21). They hardly believed the charge of the rabbis that Jesus was in league with Beelzebub. Certainly the mother of Jesus could give no credence to that slander. But she herself was deeply concerned and wanted to help him if possible. See discussion of the problem in my little book The Mother of Jesus and also on Mark 3:31 and Matthew 12:46.

Come to him (συντυχειν). Second aorist active infinitive of συντυγχανω, an old verb, though here alone in the N.T., meaning to meet with, to fall in with as if accidentally, here with associative instrumental case αυτω.

Verse 20

Was told (απηγγελη). Second aorist passive indicative of απαγγελλω, to bring word or tidings. Common verb. See on Mark 3:32 and Matthew 12:47 for details.

Verse 21

These which hear the word of God and do it (ο τον λογον του θεου ακουοντες κα ποιουντες). The absence of the article with "mother" and "brothers" probably means, as Plummer argues, "Mother to me and brothers to me are those who c." No one is a child of God because of human parentage (John 1:13). "Family ties are at best temporal spiritual ties are eternal" (Plummer) . Note the use of "hear and do" together here as in Matthew 7:24; Luke 6:47 at the close of the Sermon on the Mount. The parable of the sower is almost like a footnote to that sermon. Later Jesus will make "doing" a test of friendship for him (John 15:14).

Verse 22

And they launched forth (κα ανηχθησαν). First aorist passive indicative of αναγω, an old verb, to lead up, to put out to sea (looked at as going up from the land). This nautical sense of the verb occurs only in Luke in the N.T. and especially in the Acts (Acts 13:13; Acts 16:11; Acts 18:21; Acts 20:3; Acts 20:13; Acts 20:21; Acts 20:2; Acts 27:2; Acts 27:4; Acts 27:12; Acts 27:21; Acts 28:10).

Verse 23

He fell asleep (αφυπνωσεν). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of αφυπνοω, to put to sleep, to fall off to sleep, a late verb for which the older Greek used καθυπνοω. Originally αφυπνοω meant to waken from sleep, then to fall off to sleep (possibly a medical use). This is the only passage which speaks of the sleep of Jesus. Here only in the N.T.

Came down (κατεβη). Second aorist active indicative of καταβαινω, common verb. It was literally true. These wind storms (λαιλαπς. So also Mark 4:37) rushed from Hermon down through the Jordan gorge upon the Sea of Galilee and shook it like a tempest (Matthew 8:24). Mark's (Mark 4:37) vivid use of the dramatic present γινετα (ariseth) is not so precise as Luke's "came down." See on Matthew 8:24. These sudden squalls were dangerous on this small lake.

They were filling (συνεπληρουντο). Imperfect passive. It was the boat that was being filled (Mark 4:37) and it is here applied to the navigators as sailors sometimes spoke. An old verb, but in the N.T. used only by Luke (Luke 8:23; Luke 9:51; Acts 2:1).

Were in jeopardy (εκινδυνευον). Imperfect active, vivid description. Old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 19:27; 1 Corinthians 15:30.

Verse 24

Master, Master (Επιστατα, επιστατα). See on Luke 5:5 for discussion. Mark 4:38 has

Teacher (Διδασκαλε), Matthew 8:25 has

Lord (Κυριε). The repetition here shows the uneasiness of the disciples.

We perish (απολλυμεθα). So in Mark 4:38; Matthew 8:25. Linear present middle indicative, we are perishing.

The raging of the water (τω κλυδον του υδατος). Κλυδων, common Greek word, is a boisterous surge, a violent agitation. Here only in the N.T. save James 1:6. Κυμα (Mark 4:37) is the regular swell or wave. A calm (γαληνη). Only in the parallels in the N.T., though common word. Here Mark 4:39; Matthew 8:26 add great (μεγαλη).

That (οτ). This use of οτ as explanatory of the demonstrative pronoun ουτος occurs in the parallels Mark 4:36; Matthew 8:27 and also in Luke 4:36. It is almost result.

He commandeth (επιτασσε). Peculiar to Luke.

Verse 26

They arrived (κατεπλευσαν). First aorist active indicative of καταπλεω, common verb, but here only in the N.T. Literally,

they sailed down from the sea to the land, the opposite of

launched forth (ανηχθησαν) of verse Luke 8:22. So we today use like nautical terms, to bear up, to bear down.

The Gerasenes (τον Γερασηνων). This is the correct text here as in Mark 5:1 while Gadarenes is correct in Matthew 8:28. See there for explanation of this famous discrepancy, now cleared up by Thomson's discovery of Khersa (Γερσα) on the steep eastern bank and in the vicinity of Gadara.

Over against Galilee (αντιπερα της Γαλιλαιας). Only here in the N.T. The later Greek form is αντιπεραν (Polybius, etc.). Some MSS. here have περαν like Mark 5:1; Matthew 8:28.

Verse 27

And for a long time (κα χρονω ικανω). The use of the associative instrumental case in expressions of time is a very old Greek idiom that still appears in the papyri (Robertson, Grammar, p. 527).

He had worn no clothes (ουκ ενεδυσατο ιματιον). First aorist middle indicative, constative aorist, viewing the "long time" as a point. Not pluperfect as English has it and not for the pluperfect, simply "and for a long time he did not put on himself (indirect middle) any clothing." The physician would naturally note this item. Common verb ενδυω or ενδυνω. This item in Luke alone, though implied by Mark 5:15 "clothed" (ιματισμενον).

And abode not in any house (κα εν οικια ουκ εμενεν). Imperfect active. Peculiar to Luke, though implied by the mention of tombs in all three (Mark 5:3; Matthew 8:28; Luke 8:27).

Verse 28

Fell down (προσεπεσεν). Second aorist active of προσπιπτω, to fall forward, towards, prostrate before one as here. Common verb. Mark 5:6 has προσεκυνησεν (worshipped).

The Most High God (του θεου του υψιστου). Uncertain whether του θεου genuine or not. But "the Most High" clearly means God as already seen (Luke 1:32; Luke 1:35; Luke 1:36; Luke 6:35). The phrase is common among heathen (Numbers 24:16; Micah 6:6; Isaiah 14:14). The demoniac may have been a Gentile, but it is the demon here speaking. See on Mark 2:7; Matthew 8:29 for the Greek idiom (τ εμο κα σο). "What have I to do with thee?" See there also for "Torment me not."

Verse 29

For he commanded (παρηγγελλεν γαρ). Imperfect active, correct text, for he was commanding.

Often times (πολλοις χρονοις). Or "for a long time" like χρονω πολλω of verse Luke 8:27 (see Robertson, Grammar, p. 537, for the plural here).

It had seized (συνηρπακε). Past perfect active of συναρπαζω, to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N.T. (Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29; Acts 27:15).

Was kept under guard (εδεσμευετο). Imperfect passive of δεσμευω to put in chains, from δεσμος, bond, and that from δεω to bind. Old, but rather rare verb. Only here and Acts 22:4 in this sense. In Matthew 23:4 it means to bind together. Some MSS. read δεσμεω in Luke 8:29.

Breaking the bands asunder (διαρησσων τα δεσμα). Old verb, the preposition δια (in two) intensifying the meaning of the simple verb ρησσω or ρηγνυμ, to rend.

Was driven (ηλαυνετο). Imperfect passive of ελαυνω, to drive, to row, to march (Xenophon). Only five times in the N.T. Here alone in Luke and peculiar to Luke in this incident.

Verse 30

Legion (Λεγιων). See on Mark 5:9.

Verse 31

Into the abyss (εις την αβυσσον). Rare old word common in LXX from α privative and βαθυς (deep). So bottomless place (supply χωρα). The deep sea in Genesis 1:2; Genesis 7:11. The common receptacle of the dead in Romans 10:7 and especially the abode of demons as here and Revelation 9:1-11; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:1; Revelation 20:3.

Verse 32

A herd of many swine (αγελη χοιρων ικανων). Word herd (αγελη) old as Homer, but in N.T. only here and parallels (Mark 5:11; Matthew 8:30). Luke shows his fondness for adjective ικανος here again (see verse Luke 8:27) where Mark has μεγαλη and Matthew πολλων.

Verse 33

Rushed down the steep (ωρμησεν κατα του κρημνου). Ablative with κατα as in Mark 5:13; Matthew 8:32 and the same vivid verb in each account, to hurl impetuously, to rush.

Were choked (απεπνιγη). Second aorist (constative) passive indicative third singular (collective singular) where Mark 5:13 has the picturesque imperfect επνιγοντο.

Verse 34

Saw what had come to pass (ιδοντες το γεγονος). This item only in Luke. Note the neat Greek idiom το γεγονος, articular second perfect active participle of γινομα. Repeated in verse Luke 8:35 and in Mark 5:14. Note numerous participles here in verse Luke 8:35 as in Mark 5:15.

Verse 36

He that was possessed with devils (demons) (only two words in Greek, ο δαιμονισθεις, the demonized).

Was made whole (εσωθη). First aorist passive indicative of σωζω to save from σως (safe and sound). This is additional information to the news carried to them in verse Luke 8:34.

Verse 37

Were holden with great fear (φοβω μεγαλω συνειχοντο). Imperfect passive of συνεχω with the instrumental case of φοβος. See a similar use of this vigorous verb in Luke 12:50 of Jesus and in Philippians 1:23 of Paul.

Verse 38

From whom the devils (demons) were gone out (αφ' ου εξεληλυθε τα δαιμονια). Past perfect active of εξερχομα, state of completion in the past.

Prayed him (εδεειτο αυτου). Imperfect middle, kept on begging.

Verse 39

Throughout the whole city (καθ' ολην την πολιν). Mark 5:20 has it "in Decapolis." He had a great story to tell and he told it with power. The rescue missions in our cities can match this incident with cases of great sinners who have made witnesses for Christ.

Verse 40

Welcomed (απεδεξατο). Peculiar to Luke. To receive with pleasure, from αποδεχομα, a common verb.

For they were all waiting for him (ησαν γαρ παντες προσδοκωντες αυτον). Periphrastic imperfect active of

prosdokao , an old verb for eager expectancy, a vivid picture of the attitude of the people towards Jesus. Driven from Decapolis, he is welcomed in Capernaum.

Verse 41

Was (υπηρχεν). Imperfect of υπαρχω in sense of ην as in modern Greek. Common in Luke, and Acts, but not in other Gospels.

Verse 42

An only daughter (θυγατηρ μονογενης). The same adjective used of the widow's son (Luke 7:12) and the epileptic boy (Luke 9:38) and of Jesus (John 1:18; John 3:16).

She lay a dying (απεθνησκεν). Imperfect active, she was dying. Matthew 9:18 has it that she has just died.

Thronged (συνεπνιγον). Imperfect active of συμπνιγω, to press together, the verb used of the thorns choking the growing grain (Luke 8:14). It was a jam.

Verse 43

Had spent all her living upon physicians (εις ιατρους προσαναλωσασα ολον τον βιον). First aorist active participle of an old verb προσαναλισκω, only here in the N.T. But Westcott and Hort reject this clause because it is not in B D Syriac Sinaitic. Whether genuine or not, the other clause in Mark 5:26 certainly is not in Luke: "had suffered many things of many physicians." Probably both are not genuine in Luke who takes care of the physicians by the simple statement that it was a chronic case:

could not be healed of any (ουκ ισχυσεν απ' ουδενος θεραπευθηνα). He omitted also what Mark has: "and was nothing bettered but rather grew worse."

Verse 44

The border of his garment (του κρασπεδου του ιματιου). Probably the tassel of the overgarment. Of the four corners two were in front and two behind. See on Matthew 9:20.

Stanched (εστη). Second aorist active indicative,

stopped at once (effective aorist).

Verse 45

Press thee and crush thee (συνεχουσιν σε κα αποθλιβουσιν). Hold thee together, hold thee in (συνεχω, see verse Luke 8:37).

Crush thee (αποθλιβω) here only in the N.T., a verb used of pressing out grapes in Diodorus and Josephus. Mark 5:31 has συνθλιβω, to press together.

Verse 46

For I perceived that power had gone forth from me (εγω γαρ εγνων δυναμιν εξεληλυθυιαν απ' εμου). Εγνων is second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω, knowledge by personal experience as here. It is followed by the second perfect active participle εξεληλυθυιαν in indirect discourse (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1040-42). Jesus felt the sensation of power already gone. Who does not know what this sense of "goneness" or exhaustion of nervous energy means?

Verse 47

Trembling (τρεμουσα). Vivid touch of the feeling of this sensitive woman who now had to tell everybody of her cure, "in the presence of all the people" (ενωπιον παντος του λαου). She faced the widest publicity for her secret cure.

Verse 49

From the ruler of the synagogue's house (παρα του αρχισυναγωγου). The word "house" is not in the Greek here as in Mark 5:35 where απο is used rather than παρα, as here. But the ruler himself had come to Jesus (Luke 8:41) and this is the real idea. Trouble not (μηκετ σκυλλε). See on Luke 7:6 for this verb and also Mark 5:35; Matthew 9:36.

Verse 50

And she shall be made whole (κα σωθησετα). This promise in addition to the words in Mark 5:36. See there for discussion of details.

Verse 53

Knowing that she was dead (ειδοτες οτ απεθανεν). That she died (απεθανεν), second aorist active indicative of αποθνησκω.

Verse 54

Called (εφωνησεν). Certainly not to wake up the dead, but to make it plain to all that she rose in response to his elevated tone of voice. Some think that the remark of Jesus in verse Luke 8:52 (Mark 5:39; Matthew 9:24) proves that she was not really dead, but only in a trance. It matters little. The touch of Christ's hand and the power of his voice restored her to life.

Maiden (η παις) rather than Mark's (Mark 5:41) το κορασιον (vernacular Koine).

Verse 55

Her spirit returned (επεστρεψεν το πνευμα αυτης). The life came back to her at once.

Be given her to eat (αυτη δοθηνα φαγειν). The first infinitive δοθηνα is an indirect command. The second φαγειν (second aorist active of εσθιω) is epexegetic purpose.