Luke 10:30
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπολαβὼν
answering
G5274
ὑπολαβὼν
answering
Strong's:
G5274
Word #:
1 of 26
to take from below, i.e., carry upward; figuratively, to take up, i.e., continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
10 of 26
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιέπεσεν
fell among
G4045
περιέπεσεν
fell among
Strong's:
G4045
Word #:
15 of 26
to fall into something that is all around, i.e., light among or upon, be surrounded with
οἳ
which
G3739
οἳ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκδύσαντες
of his raiment
G1562
ἐκδύσαντες
of his raiment
Strong's:
G1562
Word #:
18 of 26
to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πληγὰς
wounded
G4127
πληγὰς
wounded
Strong's:
G4127
Word #:
21 of 26
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
ἐπιθέντες
G2007
ἀπῆλθον
him and departed
G565
ἀπῆλθον
him and departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
23 of 26
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Psalms 88:4I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:Luke 18:31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.Luke 19:28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.Jeremiah 51:52Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.
Historical Context
The Jericho road was a dangerous route even in Jesus' time, requiring travelers to band together for safety. The priest and Levite who pass by (verses 31-32) would have had religious concerns about ritual purity from touching what might be a corpse, illustrating how religious rules can sometimes conflict with mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'half dead' people in your life that you have passed by due to inconvenience or discomfort?
- How does this parable challenge your definition of who deserves your compassion and help?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins His most famous parable in response to a lawyer's question 'Who is my neighbor?' The road from Jerusalem to Jericho descended 3,300 feet over 17 miles through desolate rocky terrain notorious for bandits, making this scenario immediately recognizable to His audience. The phrase 'fell among thieves' (Greek 'lēstais'—robbers/bandits) and 'half dead' establishes the man's complete helplessness and desperate need. This parable uniquely appears in Luke's Gospel, emphasizing his theme of God's compassion for the helpless and breaking down ethnic and religious barriers.