Luke 13:16

Luke 13:16 Meaning and Explanation

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

King James Version (KJV)

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Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater: ought not this daughter of Abraham, bound by Satan eighteen years, be loosed on the sabbath day?

What Does Luke 13:16 Mean?

Jesus sets the two loosings side by side. An ox is untied after a single night so it can drink; here stands a daughter of Abraham — a child of the covenant, not a stranger — whom Satan has bound for eighteen years. Ought not she be loosed today?

The word ought is strong: for Jesus her release is not a permitted exception but a sabbath necessity, exactly what the day is for. He names her dignity, a daughter of Abraham; he names her enemy, Satan; and he names the fitness of the hour. The sabbath remembers the God who delivers from bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15), and a woman standing straight is that day kept perfectly.

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What does Luke 13:16 mean?

Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater: ought not this daughter of Abraham, bound by Satan eighteen years, be loosed on the sabbath day?

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