Luke 7:13 - When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.”
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What does "Luke 7:13" mean?
This verse from Luke 7:13 is packed with meaning, revealing a core aspect of Jesus' character and mission. Let's break it down:
"When the Lord saw her..." This is a crucial starting point. Jesus isn't just passively aware of the woman. The verb "saw" in this context implies more than mere sight. It suggests a deeper perception, an awareness of her inner state and the full weight of her situation. He sees her not just as a woman, but as a person overwhelmed with grief.
"...he had compassion on her..." This is the heart of the verse. "Compassion" (Greek: splanchnizomai) is a powerful word that goes beyond pity. It describes a deep, visceral feeling, almost as if Jesus felt her pain in his own bowels (the splanchna were considered the seat of emotions). It's a profound empathy that moves him to action. It highlights Jesus' ability to deeply connect with and understand human suffering.
"...and said to her, 'Don't cry.'" This is not a dismissive command to simply suppress her feelings. Rather, it's an expression of his compassion combined with a hint of hope. Knowing what he is about to do (raise her son), it's a gentle, comforting statement aimed at easing her immediate pain and preparing her for a miraculous intervention. This is an incredibly considerate act, as Jesus recognized how deep grief could be.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Jesus' deep empathy: He is not detached from human suffering but actively feels it.
His motivation for action: Compassion is the driving force behind his miracles. He does not perform miracles solely to demonstrate power, but because he is moved by the plight of those in need.
His comforting nature: He offers solace and hope in the midst of despair.
A glimpse of his authority: His words, "Don't cry," hint at his power to alleviate suffering.
Context is also important:
This verse occurs in the story of the widow of Nain whose only son has died. Losing her son would leave her destitute with no means of support in that society. The immense grief of this woman would be palpable to anyone who witnessed the funeral procession. Jesus, seeing her intense sorrow, is moved to intervene, demonstrating his power over death and his deep compassion for those who mourn.
Therefore, Luke 7:13 is a concise but profound statement of Jesus' character and purpose: a compassionate savior who sees, feels, and acts to alleviate human suffering.
Luke 7:13 - When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.”
What does "Luke 7:13" mean?
This verse from Luke 7:13 is packed with meaning, revealing a core aspect of Jesus' character and mission. Let's break it down:
"When the Lord saw her..." This is a crucial starting point. Jesus isn't just passively aware of the woman. The verb "saw" in this context implies more than mere sight. It suggests a deeper perception, an awareness of her inner state and the full weight of her situation. He sees her not just as a woman, but as a person overwhelmed with grief.
"...he had compassion on her..." This is the heart of the verse. "Compassion" (Greek: splanchnizomai) is a powerful word that goes beyond pity. It describes a deep, visceral feeling, almost as if Jesus felt her pain in his own bowels (the splanchna were considered the seat of emotions). It's a profound empathy that moves him to action. It highlights Jesus' ability to deeply connect with and understand human suffering.
"...and said to her, 'Don't cry.'" This is not a dismissive command to simply suppress her feelings. Rather, it's an expression of his compassion combined with a hint of hope. Knowing what he is about to do (raise her son), it's a gentle, comforting statement aimed at easing her immediate pain and preparing her for a miraculous intervention. This is an incredibly considerate act, as Jesus recognized how deep grief could be.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Jesus' deep empathy: He is not detached from human suffering but actively feels it.
His motivation for action: Compassion is the driving force behind his miracles. He does not perform miracles solely to demonstrate power, but because he is moved by the plight of those in need.
His comforting nature: He offers solace and hope in the midst of despair.
A glimpse of his authority: His words, "Don't cry," hint at his power to alleviate suffering.
Context is also important:
This verse occurs in the story of the widow of Nain whose only son has died. Losing her son would leave her destitute with no means of support in that society. The immense grief of this woman would be palpable to anyone who witnessed the funeral procession. Jesus, seeing her intense sorrow, is moved to intervene, demonstrating his power over death and his deep compassion for those who mourn.
Therefore, Luke 7:13 is a concise but profound statement of Jesus' character and purpose: a compassionate savior who sees, feels, and acts to alleviate human suffering.