New Testament
Luke 5:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One day while Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby. They had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea, and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present for him to heal.
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And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
What Luke 5:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus teaching a crowd that includes Pharisees and teachers of the law, who have traveled from various regions to hear him. Their presence indicates the significance of Jesus' ministry and the growing interest in his teachings. The mention of the 'power of the Lord' being present highlights that Jesus was not just teaching but also had the divine authority to heal. This sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, emphasizing the connection between Jesus' teachings and his ability to perform miracles. The gathering of religious leaders suggests a mix of curiosity and scrutiny, as they were often skeptical of Jesus' authority. This moment illustrates the intersection of faith, healing, and the challenge of religious norms, as Jesus begins to reveal his true identity and mission.
How to apply Luke 5:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek out Jesus' teachings and recognize the power of God in our lives. It reminds us that healing and transformation are possible when we are open to his presence. We should also be aware of our own openness to spiritual truths.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Paralyzed Man (Luke 5:17–26)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 5:17
Key themes
Related topics
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 5:17 say about Jesus' teaching?
Luke 5:17 describes a moment when Jesus was teaching a crowd that included Pharisees and teachers of the law. This highlights the importance of his message and the growing interest in his ministry, as these religious leaders traveled from various regions to hear him speak.
Why were Pharisees and teachers of the law present in Luke 5:17?
The presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law in Luke 5:17 indicates their curiosity and scrutiny of Jesus' teachings. They came from different towns to observe his ministry, reflecting both their interest in his authority and their skepticism about his claims.
What does 'the power of the Lord was present to heal' mean?
The phrase 'the power of the Lord was present to heal' signifies that Jesus had divine authority and capability to perform miracles, including healing. This emphasizes that his teachings were accompanied by the ability to bring physical and spiritual restoration, showcasing the connection between faith and healing.
How does Luke 5:17 relate to the themes of healing and authority?
Luke 5:17 illustrates the themes of healing and authority by showing that Jesus not only taught profound truths but also had the power to heal those who were suffering. This dual aspect of his ministry reveals his identity as the Messiah and the divine source of healing and transformation.
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