Luke 17:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:14
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, righteousness. 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 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 17:14
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
Analysis
Jesus' unusual command: 'And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.' Jesus doesn't touch them, speak healing, or even pronounce them clean. Instead, He commands: 'Go shew yourselves unto the priests' (Πορευθέντες ἐπιδείξατε ἑαυτοὺς τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν, Poreuthentes epideixate heautous tois hiereusin). Levitical law required priests to examine healed lepers and pronounce them clean before restoration to community (Leviticus 14). Jesus' command assumes healing will occur. The miracle happens en route: 'as they went, they were cleansed' (ἐν τῷ ὑπάγειν αὐτοὺς ἐκαθαρίσθησαν, en tō hypagein autous ekatharisthēsan). They were healed in the act of obedience. This teaches that faith must act on Jesus' word before seeing results.
Historical Context
This healing method differs from others where Jesus touched lepers (Matthew 8:3, Mark 1:41) or spoke direct healing. Here, obedience precedes evidence. The ten had to start walking toward priests while still leprous, trusting that healing would occur. This demonstrates faith's essential nature: believing God's word and acting on it before seeing fulfillment. Abraham left Ur not knowing his destination (Hebrews 11:8). Noah built an ark before rain came (Hebrews 11:7). The Israelites marched around Jericho before walls fell (Joshua 6). True faith obeys God's commands even when outcomes are unclear. The healing's timing—'as they went'—validates their faith-filled obedience.
Reflection
- What does healing occurring 'as they went' teach about faith's relationship to obedience?
- How does this miracle challenge expectations that God must provide evidence before we obey?
- What commands from God might you need to obey without seeing immediate results, trusting He'll fulfill promises as you obey?
Word Studies
- Priest: ἱερεύς (Hiereus) G2409 - Priest
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 5:14, 2 Kings 5:14, Matthew 3:15, John 11:10