Luke 10:35

Analysis

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. The Samaritan's care extends beyond immediate rescue to ongoing provision. The phrase epi tēn aurion (ἐπὶ τὴν αὔριον, "on the morrow") shows this wasn't hurried charity—he stayed overnight, monitoring the victim's condition. Two pence (duo dēnaria, δύο δηνάρια)—two denarii—represented two days' wages for a laborer, sufficient for extended lodging and care.

The instructions Take care of him (epimelēthēti autou, ἐπιμελήθητι αὐτοῦ) use the imperative of epimeleomαι, meaning to care for diligently, attend carefully. The Samaritan doesn't dump the victim and leave—he arranges ongoing care, accepts financial responsibility, and promises to return. The phrase whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee (ho ti an prosdapanēsēs egō en tō epanerchestahai me apodōsō soi, ὅ τι ἂν προσδαπανήσῃς ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ ἐπανέρχεσθαί με ἀποδώσω σοι) constitutes an open-ended commitment—blank check compassion.

This extravagant generosity pictures Christ's redemptive work. Like the Samaritan, Jesus found us beaten, robbed (by sin), left for dead. He provided immediate rescue (justification), ongoing care (sanctification through the Spirit and church), and promised return to complete our healing (glorification). The 'inn' represents the church, where believers are cared for until Christ returns. The 'two pence' may symbolize Word and Spirit, or the dual command to love God and neighbor—resources for our journey. Commentators through church history have seen this parable as gospel allegory: we are the wounded traveler; Christ is the Samaritan; the inn is the church; the promised return is the Second Coming.

Historical Context

Two denarii (approximately two days' wages) would cover several days at a first-century inn, which provided basic lodging for travelers along major routes. The Samaritan's promise to return and settle any additional costs was legally binding—he made himself personally responsible for a stranger's complete recovery. This radical generosity contrasted sharply with cultural expectations, especially given Jewish-Samaritan animosity. The host (innkeeper) would have found this arrangement unusual but financially attractive—guaranteed payment from a returning customer.

Reflection

• How does the Samaritan's open-ended financial commitment illustrate the costliness of genuine love?
• In what ways does this verse picture Christ's ongoing care for believers between His first and second comings?
• What does the Samaritan's promise to return and repay teach about Christian responsibility to follow through on commitments to help others?