Luke 7:4
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραγενόμενοι
when they came
G3854
παραγενόμενοι
when they came
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
3 of 16
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 16
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,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
παρεκάλουν
they besought
G3870
παρεκάλουν
they besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
7 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 16
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἄξιός
worthy
G514
Ἄξιός
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
12 of 16
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
ᾧ
for whom
G3739
ᾧ
for whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
Jewish leaders advocating for a Roman military officer reveals the centurion's extraordinary impact on Capernaum. His benefaction to the synagogue and fair treatment of Jews had earned genuine respect, despite representing occupying forces.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you approach God—based on your worthiness and works, or on His grace and mercy?
- Why is it significant that Jesus responded to faith rather than to the arguments about the centurion's worthiness?
- In what ways might you be tempted to base your access to God on your performance rather than Christ's finished work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this. The elders' axios estin (ἄξιός ἐστιν, he is worthy) presents human merit-theology—they argue the centurion deserves healing because of his good works. This stands in stark contrast to the centurion's own confession (verse 6-7) that he is unworthy. The Greek parakalein (παρακαλεῖν, earnestly begged) shows their intense advocacy.
Ironically, the elders misunderstand grace—they present works-based worthiness while the centurion exhibits faith-based humility. Jesus responds not to the centurion's supposed merit but to his remarkable faith. This previews Paul's doctrine: salvation is 'not of works, lest any man should boast' (Ephesians 2:9), but through faith alone.