Luke 10:36
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
Which
G5101
τίς
Which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκεῖ
thinkest
G1380
δοκεῖ
thinkest
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
6 of 14
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
πλησίον
neighbour
G4139
πλησίον
neighbour
Strong's:
G4139
Word #:
8 of 14
(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)
γεγονέναι
was
G1096
γεγονέναι
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
9 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμπεσόντος
unto him that fell
G1706
ἐμπεσόντος
unto him that fell
Strong's:
G1706
Word #:
11 of 14
to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Luke 7:42And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?Matthew 17:25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?Matthew 22:42Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Historical Context
Jesus' question forces the lawyer to acknowledge that the despised Samaritan fulfilled the law's love command better than Jewish religious leaders. This was deeply humbling—he must praise the enemy and condemn his own people. Some manuscripts suggest the lawyer could not bring himself to say 'the Samaritan,' instead answering 'he that shewed mercy on him' (v.37). The parable exposes hypocrisy in religion that maintains theological correctness while lacking compassionate action (James 2:14-17).
Questions for Reflection
- How does shifting from asking who deserves our help to asking whom we can help transform Christian ethics?
- What forms of religious correctness without compassionate action does this parable challenge in your own life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus reverses the lawyer's question: 'Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?' (τίς τούτων τῶν τριῶν πλησίον δοκεῖ σοι γεγονέναι τοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς τοὺς λῃστάς;). The lawyer had asked 'Who is my neighbor?' (v.29), seeking to limit obligation. Jesus asks 'Who proved neighbor?' shifting focus from receiving to giving, from rights to responsibilities. The perfect infinitive 'gegonenai' (γεγονέναι, to have become) emphasizes completed action—which one became a neighbor through his actions? This reframes ethics from minimalist compliance ('How little must I do?') to maximalist love ('How can I most fully love?').