The term “dropsy” is an archaic descriptor for a medical condition now known as edema, which is the swelling of the body. This swelling is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues. The word itself is derived from the Greek word hydrops, meaning “water,” reflecting the visual symptom of excess fluid. Its inclusion in the New Testament connects this historical medical symptom directly to a moment of spiritual and theological significance.
The Sole Biblical Appearance
Dropsy is mentioned only once in the Bible, in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verse 2. The event occurs when Jesus is invited to eat a meal on the Sabbath at the home of a leading Pharisee. A man suffering from this condition was placed before him, likely as a test arranged by the religious leaders who sought to find fault with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.
The man’s ailment, described using the Greek word hudropikos, presented a clear moral dilemma for the observers. Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees whether it was permissible to heal on the Sabbath, but they remained silent. Jesus then healed the man instantly, demonstrating his authority and emphasizing compassion over a rigid interpretation of religious law.
Dropsy as a Historical Symptom
Historically, dropsy was understood as a descriptive term for the symptom of fluid retention, not a specific disease. Ancient and medieval medicine focused on the visible manifestation of swelling, which ranged from localized puffiness to severe, body-wide distention. Physicians differentiated types based on fluid location, such as anasarca (generalized swelling) or ascites (fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity).
The physical manifestation of severe dropsy was dramatically visible, causing discomfort and immobility. The affected skin appeared stretched and taut, often retaining a visible indentation, known as pitting edema, when pressed. In the first century, this condition carried a grave prognosis, often signaling an internal, incurable ailment.
Lacking physiological knowledge, practitioners attempted to treat the symptom using purgatives and strong diuretics to augment bodily secretions. Mechanical intervention, such as lancing swollen areas or performing an abdominal tap, was also common but dangerous. These procedures offered temporary relief but did not address the underlying systemic failure. Because the condition was frequently terminal and disfiguring, it was deeply feared and sometimes carried social stigma.
The Modern Medical Diagnosis
Modern medicine has entirely replaced the term dropsy with edema, recognizing it not as a disease itself but as a symptom of serious underlying systemic issues. Edema occurs when the delicate balance of fluid exchange across the capillaries is disrupted, leading to an excessive leak of plasma fluid into the interstitial tissues. This imbalance is typically caused by either an increase in hydrostatic pressure, which pushes fluid out of the vessels, or a decrease in oncotic pressure, which normally pulls fluid back in.
The severe swelling associated with historical dropsy signals dysfunction in one of the body’s major organ systems.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CHF is a primary cause, as the weakened heart struggles to pump blood effectively. This causes pressure to build up in the veins and capillaries, forcing fluid into the surrounding tissues. Edema often manifests first in the lower extremities.
Severe Liver Disease
Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, leads to edema in two ways. Damage to the liver impairs its ability to produce albumin, a protein that maintains oncotic pressure in the blood, causing fluid to seep out. Liver failure also increases portal vein pressure, forcing fluid into the abdominal cavity, known as ascites.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome, causes edema because damaged kidneys lose large amounts of protein into the urine. This loss of protein drastically lowers the blood’s oncotic pressure, resulting in widespread fluid accumulation. Modern treatment focuses on identifying and managing the specific organ failure, often utilizing targeted diuretics to help the body excrete excess sodium and water.