Luke 9:52
And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 15
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ἀγγέλους
messengers
G32
ἀγγέλους
messengers
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
3 of 15
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
4 of 15
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
προσώπου
face
G4383
προσώπου
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
5 of 15
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτῷ·
for him
G846
αὐτῷ·
for him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορευθέντες
they went
G4198
πορευθέντες
they went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
8 of 15
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Σαμαρειτῶν,
of the Samaritans
G4541
Σαμαρειτῶν,
of the Samaritans
Strong's:
G4541
Word #:
12 of 15
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria
Cross References
Matthew 10:5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:Luke 17:16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.Luke 10:33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,Luke 10:1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Historical Context
Jews and Samaritans had despised each other for over 700 years since the Assyrian exile and resettlement (2 Kings 17). Samaritans worshiped at Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem; accepted only the Pentateuch; and were considered ethnically and religiously impure by Jews. Galilean Jews traveling to Jerusalem feasts typically crossed the Jordan to avoid Samaria. Jesus's deliberate choice to pass through Samaria was culturally provocative and theologically significant—the Messiah came for all.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern ethnic, cultural, or denominational 'Samarias' might Jesus be calling you to enter as His messenger, despite historical animosity or mutual suspicion?
- How does the detail that even logistical preparation participates in kingdom mission challenge the sacred/secular divide in your understanding of service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And sent messengers before his face (ἀπέστειλεν ἀγγέλους, apesteilen angelous)—Luke uses the verb apostellō (to send with authority) and noun angelous (messengers/angels), the same terms used for apostolic commissioning. Even mundane advance work participates in Christ's mission. And they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans (Σαμαριτῶν, Samaritōn)—this detail is crucial. Jesus deliberately routes through Samaria en route to Jerusalem, crossing centuries-old ethnic and religious boundaries.
To make ready for him (ἑτοιμάσαι, hetoimasai)—the purpose was practical hospitality, securing lodging and provisions. But symbolically, this preparation foreshadows the gospel's spread to Samaria (Acts 8). Jesus's journey through enemy territory demonstrates the kingdom's boundary-breaking mission. His messengers model the later apostolic pattern: going to unexpected, even hostile places to prepare the way for Christ's presence.