Luke 7:8
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπ'
under
G5259
ὑπ'
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 31
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
7 of 31
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τασσόμενος
set
G5021
τασσόμενος
set
Strong's:
G5021
Word #:
8 of 31
to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 31
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὑπ'
under
G5259
ὑπ'
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 31
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἐμαυτὸν
me
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
me
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
11 of 31
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
στρατιώτας
soldiers
G4757
στρατιώτας
soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
12 of 31
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πορεύεται
Go
G4198
πορεύεται
Go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
16 of 31
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύεται
Go
G4198
πορεύεται
Go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
18 of 31
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται
Come
G2064
ἔρχεται
Come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
21 of 31
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται
Come
G2064
ἔρχεται
Come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
23 of 31
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλῳ
servant
G1401
δούλῳ
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
26 of 31
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ποιεῖ
Do
G4160
ποιεῖ
Do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
28 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
A centurion commanded approximately 80-100 soldiers and answered to military tribunes and the legion legate. Roman military discipline was legendary for absolute obedience—orders were executed without hesitation. This centurion saw spiritual reality mirrored in military structure: Jesus' authority came from the Father.
Questions for Reflection
- How does submitting to Christ's authority empower you to exercise spiritual authority in prayer and ministry?
- What does the centurion's reasoning teach about the relationship between obedience to God and effectiveness in service?
- How can understanding Jesus' delegated authority from the Father strengthen your confidence in His promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. The centurion's logic is profound: hypo exousian tassomenos (ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν τασσόμενος, set under authority)—his power to command flows from being under higher authority. He recognizes Jesus operates under divine authority, making His commands absolutely effective.
The present tenses (goes, comes, does) emphasize immediate, unquestioning obedience to authorized commands. The centurion's analogy reasons from lesser to greater: if his limited human authority produces obedience, how much more Christ's divine authority over sickness and death? This understanding of delegated divine authority underlies all biblical faith—we trust Christ's word because it carries God's own authority.