1And it happened soon afterward that he was traveling through city after city and village after village, proclaiming and announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him, [8:2] and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, [8:3] and Joanna the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, and Susanna, and many others, who were ministering to them from their own means.
LUK 8:1-3
Women Minister to Jesus
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, with public participation limited by cultural norms. However, Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts both recognized women as patrons who could financially support religious or philosophical movements. The women mentioned here—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna—are described as having been healed by Jesus, which likely restored their social standing and enabled them to contribute materially. Joanna’s connection to Chuza, Herod’s steward , places her in a position of significant social and economic influence, as stewards managed estates and finances for elite households. The term (were ministering) underscores their active, practical support, likely including financial provision for Jesus and the Twelve. This public association with Jesus would have been striking, as it challenged traditional gender roles while reflecting the inclusive nature of his ministry. The mention of their healing from evil spirits and infirmities highlights Jesus’ authority over both spiritual and physical afflictions, which would have resonated deeply in a culture where such conditions were often stigmatized.
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How other translations render this
LUK 8:1
- KJV
- And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
- BSB
- Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him,
- Koinōnos
- And it happened soon afterward that he was traveling through city after city and village after village, proclaiming and announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him,
LUK 8:2
- KJV
- And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
- BSB
- as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
- Koinōnos
- and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
LUK 8:3
- KJV
- And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
- BSB
- Joanna the wife of Herodʼs household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.
- Koinōnos
- and Joanna the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, and Susanna, and many others, who were ministering to them from their own means.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 8:2
- cured:The word translated 'cured' here often referred to providing care or service, especially to the sick, implying a more holistic attention than just a medical remedy.
- infirmities,:The term translated 'infirmities' refers to a general state of weakness or feebleness, which could manifest as sickness or other physical limitations.
LUK 8:3
- a steward:The word translated 'a steward' indicates someone entrusted with the management of another's affairs or property, often implying significant responsibility and authority.
- were ministering:The word translated 'were ministering' describes active service, often in a practical or humble capacity, such as waiting on tables or providing for needs.