Luke Chapter 17 · Verse 10
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
likewise
G2532
καὶ
likewise
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 19
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
πεποιήκαμεν
to do
G4160
πεποιήκαμεν
to do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαταχθέντα
those things which are commanded
G1299
διαταχθέντα
those things which are commanded
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
8 of 19
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Δοῦλοι
servants
G1401
Δοῦλοι
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
12 of 19
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ὅτι
G3754
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὠφείλομεν
was our duty
G3784
ὠφείλομεν
was our duty
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
17 of 19
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
Cross References
Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Romans 11:35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?Romans 3:12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.Isaiah 6:5Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.Matthew 25:30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Historical Context
This parable addressed the apostles (v.5), warning against spiritual pride. First-century Judaism emphasized merit—good works earning divine favor and heavenly reward. Jesus' parable subverts this system: if perfect obedience earns nothing, no one can claim salvation by works. This prepares for Paul's doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 3:20-28, Ephesians 2:8-9). The parable's logic—servants owe complete obedience and deserve no special thanks—establishes the proper creature-Creator relationship: we owe God everything, He owes us nothing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as an unprofitable servant protect against both pride in achievement and despair over failure?
- What would change in your spiritual life if you fully embraced that salvation is entirely grace, not earned reward?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes the parable of the unprofitable servant: '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' (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὅταν ποιήσητε πάντα τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν, λέγετε ὅτι Δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν· ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν). The term 'achreios' (ἀχρεῖοί, unprofitable) means unworthy of special merit or reward. Even perfect obedience (ποιήσητε πάντα, having done all things commanded) merits no boasting—it is simply duty (ὃ ὠφείλομεν, what we owed). This teaching crushes self-righteousness and merit-based religion, establishing that salvation is grace alone, not earned reward.