Luke 17:15
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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?
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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.