The Woman with Dropsy

Gerard Dou - The Dropsical Woman - WGA06647

The Woman with Dropsy is a biblical event described in the Gospel of Luke within the New Testament. This event is significant in the teachings of Jesus Christ, illustrating his compassion and power, as well as his stance on the Sabbath and the interpretation of Jewish law. The story is found in Luke 14:1-6, where Jesus heals a woman suffering from dropsy, a condition known today as edema, characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues.

Biblical Account

The account begins when Jesus is invited to the house of a prominent Pharisee to eat a meal on the Sabbath. There, he encounters a woman afflicted with dropsy. Observing the guests, Jesus asks the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" They remain silent, and Jesus heals the woman, then addresses them with a rhetorical question, highlighting the hypocrisy in their interpretation of the Sabbath law. He asks if any of them would not immediately pull their son or ox from a well if they fell into it on the Sabbath. The passage concludes with them being unable to respond to his reasoning.

Interpretation and Significance

The healing of the woman with dropsy is rich in theological and moral implications. Firstly, it demonstrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to heal physical suffering, regardless of the day. Secondly, it challenges the prevailing interpretations of the Sabbath law, suggesting a more humane and merciful approach. Jesus' actions and words argue that acts of kindness and necessity do not break the Sabbath's sanctity, a principle that was revolutionary at the time.

This event also serves as a critique of the religious leaders' hypocrisy and their focus on the letter rather than the spirit of the law. Jesus uses this miracle to teach that the law should serve humanity, not enslave it, emphasizing the value of human life and well-being over ritual purity or adherence to tradition.

Cultural and Theological Impact

The story of the woman with dropsy has been the subject of various theological discussions and interpretations over the centuries. It has been used to discuss the nature of Jesus' miracles, the interpretation of the Sabbath, and the broader theme of law versus grace in Christian theology. In art and literature, this event is less commonly depicted than other miracles performed by Jesus but remains a powerful example of his mercy and the inclusive nature of his ministry.

See Also

• Miracles of Jesus
• Sabbath in Christianity
• Pharisees
• Edema