Luke 17:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:15
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, faith, grace. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 17:15
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Analysis
One of ten healed lepers returns: 'And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God' (εἷς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἰδὼν ὅτι ἰάθη, ὑπέστρεψεν μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης δοξάζων τὸν θεόν). The participle 'idōn' (ἰδὼν, when he saw) indicates recognition of God's work. The verb 'hypostrephō' (ὑπέστρεψεν, turned back) shows deliberate return. His worship is vocal (μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης, with loud voice) and God-directed (δοξάζων τὸν θεόν, glorifying God). Verse 16 notes he was a Samaritan—an outsider showed gratitude while nine Jews (insiders) did not. This illustrates that genuine faith transcends ethnic boundaries and that God values grateful hearts.
Historical Context
Leprosy (a term covering various skin diseases) rendered sufferers ritually unclean, requiring isolation (Leviticus 13-14). The law mandated healed lepers show themselves to priests for ceremonial cleansing (Luke 17:14). All ten obeyed Jesus' command to go to the priests, but only one (the Samaritan) returned to thank Jesus first. This pattern mirrors Israel's general response to God—receiving blessings while withholding worship. Jesus' question 'Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?' (v.17) expresses divine disappointment at ingratitude.
Reflection
- What does the contrast between one grateful Samaritan and nine ungrateful Jews teach about true faith versus mere religious observance?
- How might you be like the nine—receiving God's blessings while failing to return in grateful worship?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Glory: Matthew 9:8
- Parallel theme: John 5:14, 9:38