Luke 7:3
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
6 of 19
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
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
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
9 of 19
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
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
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
14 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἐλθὼν
he would come
G2064
ἐλθὼν
he would come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
15 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
διασώσῃ
and heal
G1295
διασώσῃ
and heal
Strong's:
G1295
Word #:
16 of 19
to save thoroughly, i.e., (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish elders serving as advocates for a Roman centurion was extraordinary, reflecting this soldier's unique relationship with the Jewish community. Most Jews resented Roman occupation, making this cooperation remarkable testimony to the centurion's character.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the centurion's cultural sensitivity and humility model appropriate respect when approaching God in prayer?
- What does his willingness to ask for help teach about faith and vulnerability in times of crisis?
- How can you intercede for others in desperate need while pointing them to Christ's power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. The centurion's approach through Jewish intermediaries demonstrates cultural sensitivity and humility—as a Gentile, he felt unworthy to approach Jesus directly (verse 7). The Greek presbuterōn (πρεσβυτέρων, elders) were synagogue leaders, their mediation showing the centurion's standing in the Jewish community.
The verb erōtōn (ἐρωτῶν, beseeching/asking) carries urgency and respect, not demand. Matthew's parallel (8:5-13) has the centurion approach directly, likely compressed narration—Luke preserves the detail of indirect approach through elders. This demonstrates that faith operates through appropriate means while ultimately trusting Christ's sovereign power.