Luke 7:2
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
Original Language Analysis
δοῦλος
servant
G1401
δοῦλος
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 12
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἔχων
was
G2192
ἔχων
was
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἤμελλεν
and ready
G3195
ἤμελλεν
and ready
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
7 of 12
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
τελευτᾶν
to die
G5053
τελευτᾶν
to die
Strong's:
G5053
Word #:
8 of 12
to finish life (by implication, of g0979), i.e., expire (demise)
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
Roman law gave masters absolute power over slaves, including life and death. A centurion caring deeply for a slave's life was culturally extraordinary, reflecting exceptional humanity and possibly the influence of Jewish monotheism on this God-fearer.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the centurion's compassion for his servant challenge social hierarchies and prejudices in your own context?
- What does this verse teach about the dignity and value God places on every human life, regardless of social status?
- How should Christ's concern for the marginalized shape your priorities and relationships?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. The Greek entimos (ἔντιμος, precious/highly valued) describes the servant's status—not merely useful property but personally cherished, revealing the centurion's exceptional character. The term doulos (δοῦλος, slave) combined with 'dear' shows remarkable compassion crossing social barriers in a culture where slaves were often treated as tools.
The phrase ēmellen teleutān (ἤμελλεν τελευτᾶν, was about to die) indicates imminent death, emphasizing the desperate urgency. This Gentile's love for his servant foreshadows the gospel breaking ethnic and social boundaries—in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free (Galatians 3:28).