PrevLuke 17:19Next

Luke 17

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

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.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Remember Lot's wife.

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

What does Luke 17:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 17:19 is a statement made by Jesus Christ in the Christian New Testament.

This verse is the conclusion of an account where Jesus heals ten men who had leprosy.

Only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to show gratitude to Jesus and praise God for his healing.

Jesus addresses this one man who came back, acknowledging the man's faith as the catalyst for his healing.

There is a literal meaning that the man's faith in Jesus has restored him to health.

Deeper meanings suggest themes of gratitude, faith, and salvation.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. The location of this event is on the border between Samaria and Galilee, as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem.

It is significant that the healed man who returns to give thanks is a Samaritan, a group often despised by Jews during this time due to historical and religious conflicts. This narrative emphasizes the breaking down of social barriers and commends the faith of an outsider.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives can extract various lessons from this verse.

Some scholars see it as evidence of Jesus' divine power to heal and his authority to forgive sins, since "being made whole" could imply not just physical healing but spiritual restoration as well.

From another perspective, the importance of faith is highlighted , a theme common in Christian theology where belief is seen as a key component in one's relationship with the divine.

The returning of the Samaritan has also been interpreted as a commentary on true worship , in giving thanks and praise to God.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse can inspire individuals to practice gratitude, regardless of their circumstances.

It serves as a reminder to be thankful for the blessings one receives and to acknowledge those who have helped.

This passage also encourages believers to maintain a strong faith and trust in the higher power they believe in.

Moreover, it can challenge individuals to break down social barriers and prejudices as Jesus did in his interaction with the Samaritan.

Cross-References

Luke 17:11-18: The full account of Jesus healing the ten lepers.
Psalm 107:20-21: "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

Mark 10:52: "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."

Language Study

Key Greek words in this verse include:

"Arise" (ἀναστὰς - anastas): to stand up or get up, often used metaphorically in a spiritual sense.
"Faith" (πίστις - pistis): as in belief or trust, especially with an implication of a strong conviction.
"Made thee whole" (σέσωκέν - sesoken): from the root σῴζω (sozo), meaning to save, keep safe, or preserve.

This term is the perfect active indicative of the verb and indicates a completed action with ongoing effects.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse's message of faith and gratitude can be seen in other religious traditions.

Similar themes occur in Hinduism and Buddhism, where faith in the divine and the cultivation of an attitude of gratitude is valued.

The return of the Samaritan to give thanks contrasts with the nine who did not return.

In other ancient myths, such acts of acknowledgment or failure to show gratitude often lead to blessings or curses upon the individuals involved.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives typically do not comment directly on religious texts, the concepts of gratitude and its impact on health have been studied in psychology.

Research suggests that a thankful attitude can improve overall well-being.

As for the healing itself, modern medicine acknowledges there is much about human health and recovery that is not fully understood, including the effects of a person's beliefs and mental state on their physical condition.

commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 17:19 offer insights into its interpretation:

The Expositor's Greek Testament notes the rarity of the word for "made thee whole" in this context, emphasizing its spiritual connotation.
Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights the significance of the man being a Samaritan, suggesting that those who are "least raised in expectation" are often most influenced by grace.
The New International Commentary on the New Testament emphasizes the role of faith in the healing, suggesting it is a model for how faith must be exercised in order to be beneficial.

Luke 17

Luke 17

What does Luke 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 17:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?