What does Luke 17:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 17:18 is part of the narrative where Jesus heals ten lepers.

These ten lepers had called out to Jesus for mercy and were healed as they went to show themselves to the priests, as was required by Jewish law for the purification from leprosy.

Despite this miraculous healing, only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to give thanks and praise God.

This verse reflects Jesus' disappointment that only one healed person, and moreover a foreigner, had come back to give glory to God for his healing.

The focus here is on gratitude and the recognition of God's work in one's life.

It also underscores the theme of inclusion and the breaking of social barriers, as it was the Samaritan, a group generally despised by the Jews of the time, who exemplified the proper response to divine intervention.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, leprosy was a dreaded disease and those afflicted were often marginalized from society.

The Levitical law required that lepers live outside the community and that they present themselves to priests for inspection if they believed themselves to be healed (Leviticus 13-14).

Samaritans, on the other hand, were ethnically distinct from the Jewish population and were often viewed as heretical and unclean.

The fact that Luke highlights the Samaritan as the only one to return to thank Jesus reflects the Gospel's theme of the expansion of God's salvation beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles.

Theological Insights

This verse has provided rich material for theological reflection.

From a Christian perspective, the emphasis is often on the importance of gratitude and praising God for all blessings received.

It also touches on the theme of salvation being available to all people, not just the chosen few, as highlighted by the thankfulness of the Samaritan, an outsider to the Jewish faith.

Some theologians also see this as a foreshadowing of the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, demonstrating that faith is recognized not by ethnicity or societal standing but by the response of the heart to God's gracious acts.

Practical Applications

The lesson from Luke 17:18 is directly applicable in everyday life.

It calls for individuals to practice gratitude, not only towards God but also in interpersonal relationships.

Recognizing and appreciating the good done by or for us can foster positive relationships and a more content and fulfilling life.

Additionally, it encourages the extension of kindness and mercy beyond cultural, religious, or ethnic boundaries, emphasizing the universal nature of compassion and thankfulness.

Cross-References

• Luke 17:12-19 - The wider narrative of the healing of the ten lepers.
• Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws regarding the isolation of lepers.
• Leviticus 14 - Rituals for the cleansing of leprosy.
• Ephesians 2:11-22 - The breaking down of the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Instructing believers to give thanks in all circumstances.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "glory" is δόξαν (doxan), which refers to belief, opinion, or in a religious context, glory and honor attributed to God. Θεός (Theos) is the Greek word for God, emphasizing the divine nature.

"Stranger," as used in this context, is translated from ἀλλογενής (allogenes), which can mean "foreign," "of another race," or "nation." These word choices underline the emphasis on glorifying God and the notion of an outsider demonstrating insight or virtue that the insiders (the nine Jewish lepers) failed to show.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of this event, the Samaritans had their own temple on Mount Gerizim and accepted only the first five books of the Bible as scripture.

Their worship practices and status as half-Jews made them objects of scorn by full Jews.

In other cultural and religious contexts, themes of thankfulness and praise for divine healing can be found, though the specifics may differ.

For instance, Roman gods and Greek deities were often thanked with offerings and sacrifices in response to perceived blessings or interventions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science offers insights into the psychological and physical benefits of gratitude.

Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can improve well-being, reduce stress, and strengthen the immune system.

Though the Bible was written long before these findings, the practical wisdom of fostering gratitude for healing and well-being echoes in the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Luke 17:18.

Some emphasize the theme of thankfulness as fundamental to the Christian life.

Others focus on the social implications, examining how Jesus subverts cultural expectations by lifting up the Samaritan as an example of faith and gratitude.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, notes the duty of giving thanks for mercies received and bemoans the ingratitude of the nine that did not return.

He also points out that Christ took notice of the ingratitude.

Other theologians like John Calvin highlight the passage to underscore God's grace to the unworthy and the importance of praising God alone for the gifts He bestows.