Divine Healing: ὑδρωπικός (Strong’s G5203: hydropikos) Shows Messiah’s Sabbath Mercy

Strong’s G5203: From ὕδωρ (water); describing someone suffering from edema or dropsy (abnormal fluid retention). Used once in Luke’s Gospel during a Sabbath healing, demonstrating the Messiah’s compassion and authority over human affliction, particularly on the sacred day.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ὑδρωπικός refers specifically to a person suffering from dropsy (modern edema), a condition where fluid accumulates in body tissues. In its sole New Testament appearance, the word carries profound theological significance as it appears in a Sabbath healing narrative. The condition was well-known in ancient medicine and considered particularly difficult to treat. The Messiah’s healing of the ὑδρωπικός man becomes a powerful demonstration of both His divine authority and His compassion, especially as it occurs on the Sabbath. Early church fathers often used this account to illustrate how divine mercy transcends religious legalism. Today, this word continues to remind us that physical healing serves as a sign of the Messiah’s authority and points to His deeper work of spiritual healing.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑδρωπικός, hydropikos, /hoo-dro-pee-KOSS/
• Detailed pronunciation: hoo (as in “who”) – dro (as in “droll”) – pee (as in “peak”) – KOSS (as in “cost”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective (used substantively as a noun)

Etymology:

• Root: ὕδωρ (hydor) meaning “water”
• Suffix: -ωπ (-op) indicating appearance or condition
• Suffix: -ικός (-ikos) forming an adjective describing someone affected
• Combined meaning: “one affected by water retention”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Suffering from dropsy/edema
2. Having fluid retention
3. Swollen with water

For compound words:
ὕδωρ indicates the fluid nature of the condition
-ωπ shows the visible manifestation
-ικός indicates the affected state

Translation Options:

1. “Dropsical” – traditional medical term
2. “Having edema” – modern medical equivalent
3. “Swollen with fluid” – descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑδρεύομαι (hydreuomai) /hoo-DREV-oh-mai/ – to draw water See G5202
• μαλακία (malakia) /mal-ak-EE-ah/ – sickness, disease See G3119
• νόσος (nosos) /NO-sos/ – disease, sickness See G3554

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples when used substantively:

• ὑδρωπικός (masculine nominative singular)
• ὑδρωπικόν (masculine accusative singular)
• ὑδρωπικοῦ (masculine genitive singular)
• ὑδρωπικοί (masculine nominative plural)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the medical precision of Luke’s usage, noting its technical nature as a medical term. Thayer’s connects it to ancient medical understanding of fluid retention diseases. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical medical texts, particularly in the Hippocratic corpus. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Luke’s Gospel, connecting it to the physician-author’s medical knowledge. Moulton and Milligan note its technical usage in medical papyri. The lexicons collectively demonstrate that this term represents precise medical terminology, reflecting Luke’s professional background while highlighting the miraculous nature of the healing.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 14:2: “And behold, there was a certain man before him which had the [ὑδρωπικός] dropsy.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The use of ὑδρωπικός in Luke’s Gospel powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s authority over human affliction and His priority of mercy over legalistic observance. This precise medical term, used by the physician-evangelist Luke, underscores the reality of the condition and the magnitude of the miracle. The good news shown here is that the Messiah’s healing power knows no limitations – whether physical ailments or religious restrictions. His compassion transcends both medical impossibilities and religious regulations, pointing to His ultimate mission of bringing complete restoration to humanity.

D – Did You Know?

1. This is one of several precise medical terms used exclusively by Luke
2. Ancient medical texts prescribed complex treatments for this condition
3. The term represents one of the earliest known specific disease descriptions in Greek medicine

Strong’s G5203: From ὕδωρ (water); describing someone suffering from edema or dropsy (abnormal fluid retention). Used once in Luke’s Gospel during a Sabbath healing, demonstrating the Messiah’s compassion and authority over human affliction, particularly on the sacred day.

Part of speech: Adjective (used substantively)

Tags: dropsy, edema, healing, Sabbath, Luke, medical, disease, miracle, compassion, mercy, physician, suffering, restoration, divine power, religious authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​