Luke 14:2Behold, a certain man who had dropsy was in front of him.
The setting
Inside a Pharisee's home, northern Israel, ~30 AD. A man with severe fluid retention sits visibly suffering, used as bait...
The emotion here: compassionate concern for both the sick man and Jesus
The original word
hydrōpikos (ὑδρωπικὸς) — abnormal accumulation of fluid causing painful swelling, often fatal
Why it matters
Dropsy victims were often ostracized because the swelling was considered a sign of divine judgment
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 14:2
The sick man was likely placed there intentionally - the Pharisees used his suffering as a test for Jesus
Common misconceptionPeople assume this man just happened to be there. The Pharisees likely arranged for him to be present, using his desperation as a weapon against Jesus.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 14:2
Bible Genome reading
Luke 14:2 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 14:2 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Luke. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include illness, opportunity. Notable phrases: man who had dropsy; in front of him.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Luke 14:2 mean to you, today?
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