Luke 8 · Robertson's Word Pictures
1Soon afterwards (en to kathexes). In 7:11 we have en to exes. This word means one after the other, successively, but that gives no definite data as to the time, only that this incident in 8:1-3 follows that in 7:36-50. Both in Luke alone.
That (ka). One of Luke's idioms with ka egeneto like Hebrew wav. Went about (diodeuen). Imperfect active of diodeuo, to make one's way through (dia, odos), common in late Greek writers. In the N.T. here only and Ac 17:1 .
Through cities and villages (kata polin ka komen). Distributive use of kata (up and down). The clause is amphibolous and goes equally well with diodeuen or with kerusson (heralding) ka euangelizomenos (evangelizing, gospelizing). This is the second tour of Galilee, this time the Twelve with him.
2Which had been healed (a esan tetherapeumena). 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 (aph' es daimonia epta exeleluthe). Past perfect active third singular for the daimonia are neuter plural. This first mention of Mary Magdalene describes her special cause of gratitude. This fact is stated also in Mr 16:9 in the disputed close of the Gospel. The presence of seven demons in one person indicates special malignity (Mr 5:9 ). See Mt 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.
3Joanna (Ioana). Her husband Chuza, steward (epitropou) of Herod, is held by some to be the nobleman (basilikos) of Joh 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 (Ac 13:1 ), Herod's foster brother. Joanna is mentioned again with Mary Magdalene in Lu 24:10 .
Who ministered unto them (aitines diekonoun autois). Imperfect active of diakoneo, common verb, but note augment as if from dia and akoneo, but from diakonos and that from dia and konis (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 (ek ton uparchonton autais). 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.
4By a parable (dia paraboles). Mr 4:2 says "in parables" as does Mt 13:3 . This is the beginning of the first great group of parables as given in Mr 4:1-34 and Mt 13:1-53 . There are ten of these parables in Mark and Matthew and only two in Lu 8:4-18 (The Sower and the Lamp, 8:16) though Luke also has the expression "in parables" ( 8:10). See Mt 13 and Mr 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.
5His seed (ton sporon autou). Peculiar to Luke.
Was trodden under foot (katepatethe). First aorist passive indicative of katapateo. Peculiar to Luke here.
Of the heavens (tou ouranou). Added in Luke.
6Upon the rock (ep ten petran). Mr 4:5 "the rocky ground" (ep to petrodes), Mt 13:5 "the rocky places.
As soon as it grew (phuen). Second aorist passive participle of phuo, an old verb to spring up like a sprout.
Withered away (exeranthe). First aorist passive indicative of zeraino, old verb, to dry up.
Moisture (ikmada). Here only in the N.T., though common word.
7Amidst the thorns (en meso ton akanthon). Mr 4:7 has eis (among) and Mt 13:7 has ep "upon."
Grew with it (sunphueisa). Same participle as phuen above with sun- (together).
Choked (apepnixan). From apopnigo, to choke off as in Mt 13:7 . In Mr 4:7 the verb is sunepnixan (choked together).
8A hundredfold (ekatonplasiona). Luke omits the thirty and sixty of Mr 4:8; Mt 13:8 .
He cried (ephone). Imperfect active, and in a loud voice, the verb means. The warning about hearing with the ears occurs also in Mr 4:9; Mt 13:9 .
9Asked (eperoton). Imperfect of eperotao (ep and erotao) where Mr 4:10 has eroton (uncompounded imperfect), both the tense and the use of ep 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 (tis aute eie e parabole). A mistranslation, What this parable was (or meant). The optative eie is merely due to indirect discourse, changing the indicative estin (is) of the direct question to the optative eie of the indirect, a change entirely with the writer or speaker and without any change of meaning (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1043f.).
10The mysteries (ta musteria). See for this word on Mt 13:11; Mr 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 (ina). Here Mr 4:11 also has ina while Mt 13:13 has ot (because). On the so-called causal use of ina as here equal to ot see discussion on Mt 13:13; Mr 4:11 . Plummer sensibly argues that there is truth both in the causal ot of Matthew and the final ina 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 ina and the ot. 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" suniosin, present subjunctive from a late omega form sunio instead of the -m verb suniem.
11Is this (estin de aute). Means this. Jesus now proceeds to interpret his own parable.
The seed is the word of God (o sporos estin o logos tou theou). 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 (Mr 7:13 ) and John (Joh 10:35 ), but four times in Luke (5:1; 8:11,21; 11:28 ) and twelve times in Acts. In Mr 4:14 we have only "the word." In Mr 3:31 we have "the will of God," and in Mt 12:46 "the will of my Father" where Lu 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.
12Those by the wayside (o para ten odon). As in Mr 4:15; Mt 13:19 so here the people who hear the word = the seed are discussed by metonymy.
The devil (o diabolos). The slanderer. Here Mr 4:15 has Satan.
From their heart (apo tes kardias auton). 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. Mt 13:19 has it "sown in the heart."
That they may not believe and be saved (ina me pisteusantes sothosin). 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.
13Which for a while believe (o pros kairon pisteuousin). Ostensibly they are sincere and have made a real start in the life of faith.
They fall away (aphistanta). 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 Mr 4:17 has it (skandalizonta), 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" (en kairo peirasmou) for these superficial, emotional people who have to be periodically rounded up if kept within the fold.
14They are choked (sunpnigonta). Present passive indicative of this powerfully vivid compound verb sunpnigo used in Mr 4:19; Mt 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" (poreuomeno).
Bring no fruit to perfection (ou telesphorousin). Compound verb common in the late writers (telos, phoreo). To bring to completion. Used of fruits, animals, pregnant women. Only here in the N.T.
15In an honest and good heart (en kardia kale ka agathe). Peculiar to Luke. In verse 8 the land (gen) is called agathen (really good, generous) and in verse 15 we have en te kale ge ( in the beautiful or noble land ). So Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used kalos k' agathos 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" (katechousin), "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 (karpophorousin, an old expressive verb, karpos and phoreo). That is the proof of spiritual life.
In patience (en upomone). 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.
16When he hath lighted a lamp (luchnon apsas). It is a portable lamp (luchnon) that one lights (apsas aorist active participle of apto, to kindle, fasten to, light).
With a vessel (skeue, instrumental case of skeuos). Here Mr 4:21 has the more definite figure "under the bushel" as has Mt 5:15 .
Under the bed (upokato klines). Here Mr 4:21 has the regular upo ten klinen instead of the late compound upokato. Ragg notes that Matthew distributes the sayings of Jesus given here by Lu 8:16-18; Mr 4:21-25 concerning the parable of the lamp and gives them in three separate places (Mt 5:15; 10:26; 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 Mr 4:21 for further discussion of the lamp and stand.
May see the light (Bleposin to phos). In Mt 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 (bleposin), 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.
17That shall not be known (o ou me gnosthe). Peculiar to Luke. First aorist passive subjunctive of ginosko with the strong double negative ou me. See on Mr 4:22 for discussion of krupton and apokruphon.
18How ye hear (pos akouete). The manner of hearing. Mr 4:24 has "what ye hear" (t akouete), 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 (Hos an gar eche). Present active subjunctive of the common verb echo which may mean "keep on having" or "acquiring." See on Mr 4:25 for discussion.
Thinketh he hath (doke echein), 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.
19His mother and brethren (e meter ka o adelpho autou). Mr 3:31-35; Mt 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 Joh 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 (Lu 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 (Joh 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 (Mr 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 Mr 3:31 and Mt 12:46 .
Come to him (suntuchein). Second aorist active infinitive of suntunchano, 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 auto.
20Was told (apengele). Second aorist passive indicative of apangello, to bring word or tidings. Common verb. See on Mr 3:32 and Mt 12:47 for details.
21These which hear the word of God and do it (o ton logon tou theou akouontes ka poiountes). 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 (Joh 1:13 ). "Family ties are at best temporal; spiritual ties are eternal" (Plummer) . Note the use of "hear and do" together here as in Mt 7:24; Lu 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 (Joh 15:14 ).
22And they launched forth (ka anechthesan). First aorist passive indicative of anago, 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 (Ac 13:13; 16:11; 18:21; 20:3,13; 21:I,2; 27:2,4,12,21; 28:10f. ).
23He fell asleep (aphupnosen). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of aphupnoo, to put to sleep, to fall off to sleep, a late verb for which the older Greek used kathupnoo. Originally aphupnoo 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 (katebe). Second aorist active indicative of katabaino, common verb. It was literally true. These wind storms (lailaps. So also Mr 4:37 ) rushed from Hermon down through the Jordan gorge upon the Sea of Galilee and shook it like a tempest (Mt 8:24 ). Mark's (Mr 4:37 ) vivid use of the dramatic present gineta (ariseth) is not so precise as Luke's "came down." See on Mt 8:24 . These sudden squalls were dangerous on this small lake.
They were filling (suneplerounto). Imperfect passive. It was the boat that was being filled (Mr 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 (8:23; 9:51; Ac 2:1 ).
Were in jeopardy (ekinduneuon). Imperfect active, vivid description. Old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Ac 19:27; 1Co 15:30 .
24Master, Master (Epistata, epistata). See on Lu 5:5 for discussion. Mr 4:38 has
Teacher (Didaskale), Mt 8:25 has
Lord (Kurie). The repetition here shows the uneasiness of the disciples.
We perish (apollumetha). So in Mr 4:38; Mt 8:25 . Linear present middle indicative, we are perishing.
The raging of the water (to kludon tou udatos). Kludon, common Greek word, is a boisterous surge, a violent agitation. Here only in the N.T. save Jas 1:6 . Kuma (Mr 4:37 ) is the regular swell or wave. A
calm (galene). Only in the parallels in the N.T., though common word. Here Mr 4:39; Mt 8:26 add
great (megale).
That (ot). This use of ot as explanatory of the demonstrative pronoun outos occurs in the parallels Mr 4:36; Mt 8:27 and also in Lu 4:36 . It is almost result.
He commandeth (epitasse). Peculiar to Luke.
26They arrived (katepleusan). First aorist active indicative of katapleo, common verb, but here only in the N.T. Literally,
they sailed down from the sea to the land, the opposite of
launched forth (anechthesan) of verse 22. So we today use like nautical terms, to bear up, to bear down.
The Gerasenes (ton Gerasenon). This is the correct text here as in Mr 5:1 while Gadarenes is correct in Mt 8:28 . See there for explanation of this famous discrepancy, now cleared up by Thomson's discovery of Khersa (Gersa) on the steep eastern bank and in the vicinity of Gadara.
Over against Galilee (antipera tes Galilaias). Only here in the N.T. The later Greek form is antiperan (Polybius, etc.). Some MSS. here have peran like Mr 5:1; Mt 8:28 .
27And for a long time (ka chrono ikano). 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 (ouk enedusato imation). 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 enduo or enduno. This item in Luke alone, though implied by Mr 5:15 "clothed" (imatismenon).
And abode not in any house (ka en oikia ouk emenen). Imperfect active. Peculiar to Luke, though implied by the mention of tombs in all three (Mr 5:3; Mt 8:28; Lu 8:27 ).
28Fell down (prosepesen). Second aorist active of prospipto, to fall forward, towards, prostrate before one as here. Common verb. Mr 5:6 has prosekunesen (worshipped).
The Most High God (tou theou tou upsistou). Uncertain whether tou theou genuine or not. But "the Most High" clearly means God as already seen (Lu 1:32,35,36; 6:35 ). The phrase is common among heathen (Nu 24:16; Mic 6:6; Isa 14:14 ). The demoniac may have been a Gentile, but it is the demon here speaking. See on Mr 2:7; Mt 8:29 for the Greek idiom (t emo ka so). "What have I to do with thee?" See there also for "Torment me not."
29For he commanded (parengellen gar). Imperfect active, correct text, for he was commanding.
Often times (pollois chronois). Or "for a long time" like chrono pollo of verse 27 (see Robertson, Grammar, p. 537, for the plural here).
It had seized (sunerpake). Past perfect active of sunarpazo, to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N.T. (Lu 8:29; Ac 6:12; 19:29; 27:15 ).
Was kept under guard (edesmeueto). Imperfect passive of desmeuo to put in chains, from desmos, bond, and that from deo to bind. Old, but rather rare verb. Only here and Ac 22:4 in this sense. In Mt 23:4 it means to bind together. Some MSS. read desmeo in Lu 8:29 .
Breaking the bands asunder (diaresson ta desma). Old verb, the preposition dia (in two) intensifying the meaning of the simple verb resso or regnum, to rend.
Was driven (elauneto). Imperfect passive of elauno, 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.
30Legion (Legion). See on Mr 5:9 .
31Into the abyss (eis ten abusson). Rare old word common in LXX from a privative and bathus (deep). So bottomless place (supply chora). The deep sea in Ge 1:2; 7:11 . The common receptacle of the dead in Ro 10:7 and especially the abode of demons as here and Re 9:1-11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3 .
32A herd of many swine (agele choiron ikanon). Word
herd (agele) old as Homer, but in N.T. only here and parallels (Mr 5:11; Mt 8:30 ). Luke shows his fondness for adjective ikanos here again (see verse 27) where Mark has megale and Matthew pollon.
33Rushed down the steep (ormesen kata tou kremnou). Ablative with kata as in Mr 5:13; Mt 8:32 and the same vivid verb in each account, to hurl impetuously, to rush.
Were choked (apepnige). Second aorist (constative) passive indicative third singular (collective singular) where Mr 5:13 has the picturesque imperfect epnigonto.
34Saw what had come to pass (idontes to gegonos). This item only in Luke. Note the neat Greek idiom to gegonos, articular second perfect active participle of ginoma. Repeated in verse 35 and in Mr 5:14 . Note numerous participles here in verse 35 as in Mr 5:15 .
36He that was possessed with devils (demons) (only two words in Greek, o daimonistheis, the demonized).
Was made whole (esothe). First aorist passive indicative of sozo to save from sos (safe and sound). This is additional information to the news carried to them in verse 34.
37Were holden with great fear (phobo megalo suneichonto). Imperfect passive of sunecho with the instrumental case of phobos. See a similar use of this vigorous verb in Lu 12:50 of Jesus and in Php 1:23 of Paul.
38From whom the devils (demons) were gone out (aph' ou exeleluthe ta daimonia). Past perfect active of exerchoma, state of completion in the past.
Prayed him (edeeito autou). Imperfect middle, kept on begging.
39Throughout the whole city (kath' olen ten polin). Mr 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.
40Welcomed (apedexato). Peculiar to Luke. To receive with pleasure, from apodechoma, a common verb.
For they were all waiting for him (esan gar pantes prosdokontes auton). 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.
41Was (uperchen). Imperfect of uparcho in sense of en as in modern Greek. Common in Luke, and Acts, but not in other Gospels.
42An only daughter (thugater monogenes). The same adjective used of the widow's son ( 7:12) and the epileptic boy ( 9:38) and of Jesus (Joh 1:18; 3:16 ).
She lay a dying (apethnesken). Imperfect active, she was dying. Mt 9:18 has it that she has just died.
Thronged (sunepnigon). Imperfect active of sumpnigo, to press together, the verb used of the thorns choking the growing grain (Lu 8:14 ). It was a jam.
43Had spent all her living upon physicians (eis iatrous prosanalosasa olon ton bion). First aorist active participle of an old verb prosanalisko, 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 Mr 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 (ouk ischusen ap' oudenos therapeuthena). He omitted also what Mark has: "and was nothing bettered but rather grew worse."
44The border of his garment (tou kraspedou tou imatiou). Probably the tassel of the overgarment. Of the four corners two were in front and two behind. See on Mt 9:20 .
Stanched (este). Second aorist active indicative,
stopped at once (effective aorist).
45Press thee and crush thee (sunechousin se ka apothlibousin). Hold thee together, hold thee in (sunecho, see verse 37).
Crush thee (apothlibo) here only in the N.T., a verb used of pressing out grapes in Diodorus and Josephus. Mr 5:31 has sunthlibo, to press together.
46For I perceived that power had gone forth from me (ego gar egnon dunamin exeleluthuian ap' emou). Egnon is second aorist active indicative of ginosko, knowledge by personal experience as here. It is followed by the second perfect active participle exeleluthuian 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?
47Trembling (tremousa). 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" (enopion pantos tou laou). She faced the widest publicity for her secret cure.
49From the ruler of the synagogue's house (para tou archisunagogou). The word "house" is not in the Greek here as in Mr 5:35 where apo is used rather than para, as here. But the ruler himself had come to Jesus (Lu 8:41 ) and this is the real idea. Trouble not (meket skulle). See on Lu 7:6 for this verb and also Mr 5:35; Mt 9:36 .
50And she shall be made whole (ka sotheseta). This promise in addition to the words in Mr 5:36 . See there for discussion of details.
53Knowing that she was dead (eidotes ot apethanen). That she died (apethanen), second aorist active indicative of apothnesko.
54Called (ephonesen). 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 52 (Mr 5:39; Mt 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 (e pais) rather than Mark's (Mr 5:41 ) to korasion (vernacular Koine).
55Her spirit returned (epestrepsen to pneuma autes). The life came back to her at once.
Be given her to eat (aute dothena phagein). The first infinitive dothena is an indirect command. The second phagein (second aorist active of esthio) is epexegetic purpose.
Luke 9