Luke 10:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:37
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, prayer, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 10:37
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Analysis
The lawyer answers: 'He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise' (ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔλεος μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ. εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως). Jesus' command 'poreuou kai sy poiei homoiōs' (Πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως, Go and do likewise) is present imperative—continuous, habitual action. The standard is not minimal compliance but the Samaritan's costly, comprehensive love. This impossible demand should drive the lawyer (and us) to recognize our inability to perfectly fulfill the law and our need for grace. Yet it also establishes the Christian ethic: those saved by grace must extend costly love to all, especially enemies and outcasts.
Historical Context
Jesus' command challenged the entire social structure of first-century Judaism, which maintained strict boundaries between clean/unclean, Jew/Gentile, righteous/sinner. The early church struggled to implement this radical inclusion (Acts 10-11, Galatians 2). Yet the gospel's power broke down these walls, creating communities where 'there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free' (Galatians 3:28). The parable became foundational for Christian ethics of universal neighbor-love and care for the marginalized.
Reflection
- How should the impossible standard of this parable drive us both to despair of self-righteousness and to radical love?
- What contemporary 'Samaritans' (despised outsiders) might Jesus use as examples of genuine faith to challenge our prejudices?
Word Studies
- Mercy: ἔλεος (Eleos) G1656 - Mercy, compassion
Cross-References
- Grace: Proverbs 14:21, Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:8, Matthew 23:23, 2 Corinthians 8:9
- Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:2, 1 Peter 2:21