What does Luke 10:35 mean?

Explanation

Luke 10:35 is part of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which Jesus tells to illustrate the concept of "loving your neighbor" in response to a question from a lawyer asking who his neighbor is.

The verse depicts the action of the Samaritan who, after encountering a man left for dead on the side of the road by robbers, tends to his wounds and then brings him to an inn where he can recover.

The Samaritan gives the innkeeper two pence (or two denarii) and instructs him to take care of the injured man, promising to reimburse any additional expenses upon his return.

At a literal level, this verse shows a gesture of kindness and responsibility; the Samaritan ensures that the injured man receives ongoing care even after he himself must leave.

The two pence given is understood to be a significant amount of money at the time, suggesting the Samaritan's willingness to pay generously for the care of a stranger.

On a deeper level, the verse emphasizes the call to go above and beyond mere obligation, showing mercy and compassion to someone in need, regardless of their identity.

The injured man is helped by the Samaritan, a group often despised by the Jews, which further illustrates the breaking down of social and ethnic barriers in the act of love and compassion.

Historical Context

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is told by Jesus in first-century Judea, a time and place marked by rigid social structures and animosity between different ethnic groups, notably between Jews and Samaritans.

The use of a Samaritan as the story's protagonist would have been shocking to Jesus' audience, as Samaritans were considered heretics and enemies by the Jewish people.

The payment of two denarii is also significant historically.

A denarius was roughly the equivalent of a day's wage for a laborer, so two denarii would cover a stay at the inn and care for a couple of days.

In this era, there was no formal system of public healthcare or welfare, so an injured person's recovery often depended on the charity of others.

Theological Insights

Theologians often view the Good Samaritan parable as an embodiment of Jesus' teaching on love and mercy.

It is a tangible expression of the second great commandment, to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

Some Christian theologians suggest the Samaritan represents Christ himself, who provides care to humanity wounded by sin, pays the price for our healing (a symbol of redemption), and promises to return (a reference to the Second Coming).

Others see this narrative as a challenge to broaden their understanding of who their neighbors are and to serve even those who are different or potentially hostile.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are manifold.

It encourages individuals to be attentive to the needs of others and to take tangible steps to provide aid, regardless of the person's identity or social status.

The promise to cover additional costs also speaks to the idea of commitment in helping others, not just offering token assistance but being prepared to offer ongoing support.

This verse inspires acts of philanthropy, community support, and personal sacrifice for the good of others, promoting an ethic of empathy and generosity.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 19:18 - "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
• Mark 12:31 - "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

There is none other commandment greater than these."

• Matthew 25:40 - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
• James 2:15-16 - "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

Language Study

Two key Greek terms are used in Luke 10:35:

• "δύο δηνάρια" (duo denaria): Translated as "two pence" or "two denarii", where δηνάριον (denarion) was a Roman silver coin, which was commonplace in Judea due to the Roman occupation and standard wage for a day's labor.
• "πανδοχεῖ" (pandochei): Refers to the "host" or "innkeeper".

The term comes from "πάνδοχος" (pandochos), meaning one who receives all or a host, indicating the responsibility of the innkeeper to care for all who come to the inn, including strangers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of providing aid to those in need can be found across various religious and mythological traditions.

In the Jewish tradition, the concept of "tzedakah" is a form of charity that resembles the Samaritan's actions.

In the broader Greco-Roman world, hospitality to strangers (xenia) was an important value, with hosts being expected to provide for guests' needs.

Such concepts are echoed in various ancient myths, where gods sometimes visited humans in disguise to test their hospitality.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, acts of altruism and compassion like those displayed by the Good Samaritan can be analyzed through the lens of psychology and sociology.

Research has shown that altruistic behavior benefits both givers and receivers and tends to foster stronger communal ties and overall societal well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various interpretations of Luke 10:35.

For example, John Calvin highlights the indiscriminate love of the Samaritan as a model for Christian behavior.

Meanwhile, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary focuses on the practical generosity of the Samaritan's actions and their implications for how Christians should conduct themselves.

Contemporary scholars often emphasize the subversive nature of the parable, breaking down ethnic and religious boundaries by portraying a despised Samaritan as the compassionate neighbor.