New Testament
Luke 13:15
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The Lord then answered him, saying, "You hypocrite! Doesn't each of you untie his ox or donkey from the stall on the Sabbath and lead it to get water?"
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The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
What Luke 13:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus confronts a religious leader who criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath. He points out the hypocrisy of the leader and others who would care for their animals on the Sabbath but condemn Him for helping a person in need. Jesus emphasizes that if it is acceptable to untie an animal for water, then it is even more important to help a human being. This highlights the principle that compassion and mercy should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules. Jesus challenges the understanding of the Sabbath, suggesting that it should be a day for doing good rather than merely following laws. His response reveals the heart of God's law, which prioritizes love and care for others over legalistic interpretations.
How to apply Luke 13:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own actions and attitudes. Are we sometimes more focused on rules than on helping others? We should strive to show compassion and prioritize the well-being of those around us, especially in times of need.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 13:15 mean?
In Luke 13:15, Jesus rebukes a religious leader for criticizing Him for healing on the Sabbath. He highlights the hypocrisy of caring for animals while neglecting human needs, emphasizing that compassion should take precedence over strict rule-following.
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Luke 13:15?
The Sabbath is traditionally a day of rest, but in this verse, Jesus teaches that it should also be a day for doing good. He argues that helping others, especially those in need, is more important than merely observing rules.
How does Luke 13:15 address hypocrisy?
Luke 13:15 addresses hypocrisy by showing that the religious leaders would prioritize their animals' needs over a person's well-being. Jesus points out this inconsistency to challenge their understanding of compassion and mercy.
What does Jesus mean by 'hypocrite' in Luke 13:15?
By calling the leader a 'hypocrite,' Jesus is criticizing the inconsistency between their actions and their beliefs. They allow for exceptions to the Sabbath rules for their animals but condemn Him for healing a person.
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