Greek papyrus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Peruse” is an interesting word, according to Merriam-Webster it has an original meaning (15^th century): to examine or consider with attention and in detail : study.  That makes sense given its derivative from Middle English in which “per” meant completely.  But “peruse” acquired a different meaning over time:  to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner.  Etymology studies only indicate the shift in meaning in the 20^th century (some argue for 19^th century) – not the reasons why.  If I had to offer an uninformed guess, it would be because the word sounds “casual” and so people, not realizing the actual meaning, began to use “peruse” in a different, almost opposite way from its original meaning. Words can be like that.

Luke 10:13 is like that, too. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” The New American Bible even carries this footnote for the verse: “The call to repentance that is a part of the proclamation of the kingdom brings with it a severe judgment for those who hear it and reject it.”  We understand “woe” as a kind of judgment in the common usage … but perhaps we should peruse the verse (in the original meaning of “peruse”).

I think the common context would lend itself to an understanding, “Wow…some mighty and awesome signs have been done for you – and you aren’t repenting?  No way this turns out good.”  [Clearly a paraphrase at best and not a perusal of the underlying Greek text.]

We have heard “woe” in this context for so long, we associated “woe” with the judgment. But there is the interesting thing – the underlying Greek word is οὐαί  which is a NT Semitism  for the Hebrew (hôy, ’ôy).  It is used as an interjection expressing pain or lament – and often is associated with the pronouncement of salvific judgment in the New Testament. [1]

But… it seems to me that our image is often of a fiery Jesus, shaking his first, as he indicates that there is coming judgment unless repentance comes first.  An understanding and image nurtured in time by the way the passage has been proclaimed aloud, taught, and nuanced (or not) in countless homilies.

I think a perusal of the passage should suggest that “woe” expresses Jesus inner reaction – an expression of pain or lament that unless things change judgment is coming – and that saddens Jesus whose desire is that all be saved.

Of course that is just my perusal of the passage.