Luke Chapter 17 · Verse 15
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
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
ἰδὼν
when he saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
when he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑπέστρεψεν
turned back
G5290
ὑπέστρεψεν
turned back
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
8 of 14
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
μετὰ
and with
G3326
μετὰ
and with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
10 of 14
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μεγάλης
a loud
G3173
μεγάλης
a loud
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
11 of 14
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
δοξάζων
glorified
G1392
δοξάζων
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
12 of 14
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
Cross References
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.John 9:38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.John 5:14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Historical Context
Leprosy (a term covering various skin diseases) rendered sufferers ritually unclean, requiring isolation (Leviticus 13-14). The law mandated healed lepers show themselves to priests for ceremonial cleansing (Luke 17:14). All ten obeyed Jesus' command to go to the priests, but only one (the Samaritan) returned to thank Jesus first. This pattern mirrors Israel's general response to God—receiving blessings while withholding worship. Jesus' question 'Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?' (v.17) expresses divine disappointment at ingratitude.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the contrast between one grateful Samaritan and nine ungrateful Jews teach about true faith versus mere religious observance?
- How might you be like the nine—receiving God's blessings while failing to return in grateful worship?
Analysis & Commentary
One of ten healed lepers returns: 'And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God' (εἷς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἰδὼν ὅτι ἰάθη, ὑπέστρεψεν μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης δοξάζων τὸν θεόν). The participle 'idōn' (ἰδὼν, when he saw) indicates recognition of God's work. The verb 'hypostrephō' (ὑπέστρεψεν, turned back) shows deliberate return. His worship is vocal (μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης, with loud voice) and God-directed (δοξάζων τὸν θεόν, glorifying God). Verse 16 notes he was a Samaritan—an outsider showed gratitude while nine Jews (insiders) did not. This illustrates that genuine faith transcends ethnic boundaries and that God values grateful hearts.