And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
he laid.
Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
and immediately.
Luke 17:14-17 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed…
Luke 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Psalm 103:1-5 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…
and immediately she straightened up
The immediacy of the healing underscores the divine power of Jesus. Unlike other healings that might require time or process, this miracle happens instantaneously, highlighting Jesus' authority over physical ailments. This immediate transformation is a testament to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 35:5-6, which speak of the Messiah bringing restoration and healing. The woman's straightening up symbolizes liberation from bondage, both physically and spiritually, reflecting the broader theme of Jesus' mission to set captives free (Luke 4:18).
and began to glorify God
The woman's response to her healing is one of worship and gratitude, which is a common reaction to Jesus' miracles throughout the Gospels. This glorification of God aligns with the purpose of Jesus' works, which is to reveal the glory of God and lead people to faith. Her praise is a public acknowledgment of God's power and mercy, serving as a witness to those present. This response is echoed in other healing accounts, such as the healing of the ten lepers, where the one who returned to thank Jesus was commended for his faith (Luke 17:15-19). The act of glorifying God is central to the life of a believer, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 10:31, which calls believers to do everything for the glory of God.
• Jesus chooses physical touch—something compassionate and personal—to convey divine power (Mark 1:41; Matthew 8:15).
• His action occurs in a synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10), demonstrating that mercy outweighs man-made legalism (Matthew 12:11-12).
• The touch underscores His authority over sickness, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would bear our infirmities (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17).
• By laying hands on her, Christ publicly validates her worth before a watching congregation, reflecting God’s heart for the humble and oppressed (Psalm 147:6; James 4:10).
• The healing is instant, leaving no room for natural explanations and confirming Jesus as Lord over the physical realm (Luke 5:25-26).
• Eighteen years of bondage (Luke 13:11) are reversed in a moment, illustrating the complete deliverance available in Christ (John 8:36).
• “Straightened up” pictures restoration to wholeness; it mirrors how salvation lifts believers from spiritual crippling to upright standing before God (Ephesians 2:4-6; Romans 5:1-2).
• The swiftness prefigures the final resurrection, when “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye,” our bodies will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:52).
• Her first response is worship, the proper reaction to divine grace (Psalm 103:2-3; Luke 17:15).
• Public praise turns the synagogue into a testimony hall, challenging onlookers—especially legalistic leaders (Luke 13:14)—to recognize God’s work.
• Glorifying God completes the purpose of miracles: not spectacle, but directing hearts to the Father (John 9:3; Matthew 5:16).
• The verb tense implies ongoing praise; lasting gratitude marks a truly changed life (Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 13:15).
Luke 13:13 showcases Jesus’ tender touch, instantaneous power, and the fitting response of worship. He physically lifts a woman bowed for years, revealing that the Savior delights to free, restore, and receive glory. The verse invites us to trust His compassionate authority and to live in continual gratitude for the wholeness He provides.
(13) And he laid his hands on her.--The bodily act was, as in the analogous cases of the blind and dumb (see Note on Matthew 9:29), a help to the faith which was necessary, on the woman's part, that she might receive the full benefit of the divine act of power. When this was done, she poured forth her joy (as the tense of the verb implies) in a continuous strain of praise.