Luke 7:10
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑποστρέψαντες
returning
G5290
ὑποστρέψαντες
returning
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
2 of 12
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεμφθέντες
they that were sent
G3992
πεμφθέντες
they that were sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
4 of 12
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
the house
G3624
οἶκον
the house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
7 of 12
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 8:13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.Matthew 15:28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture valued eyewitness testimony. Luke carefully notes that multiple witnesses (the Jewish elders sent to Jesus) verified the healing upon returning home. This medical verification from Luke the physician adds credibility to the miracle account.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this instant, distant healing demonstrate that Christ's power is not limited by physical proximity or presence?
- What does the complete healing ('whole') teach about Christ's ability to fully restore what is broken in your life?
- How should the vindication of the centurion's faith encourage you to trust Christ's promises even before seeing results?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. The passive participle hygiainonta (ὑγιαίνοντα, being in health/sound) confirms the healing's completeness—not gradual improvement but instant restoration to perfect health. The perfect participle asthenēsanta (ἀσθενήσαντα, having been sick) emphasizes the prior state, highlighting the miraculous transformation.
Luke, the physician, emphasizes medical verification—those sent found the servant already healed when they returned. The healing occurred at Jesus' word, across distance, without physical contact. This demonstrates Christ's sovereignty over space and matter, His word alone accomplishing what it declares. The centurion's faith was vindicated: Christ's word proved sufficient. This previews resurrection power: Christ's voice will call forth the dead (John 5:28-29).