What does Luke 17:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 17:7 is part of a lesson Jesus is teaching on the nature of duty and servitude.

The verse presents a rhetorical situation where a master has a servant working in the field, doing tasks such as plowing or tending to the cattle.

Upon the servant's return from his labor, the verse questions whether the master would immediately invite the servant to relax and eat, or rather expect the servant to continue his duties by preparing the master's meal and attending to his needs first.

The literal reading suggests that it was customary for the servant to finish his outside work and then proceed with his service inside the house before attending to his own needs.

The deeper meaning, though, points to the expectations between master and servant, namely, that the servant owes the master full completion of his duties and that serving comes before his own comfort or rest.

Historical Context

This verse was spoken in a time when servitude was a common part of the social and economic system in the Roman Empire.

The audience, living under the structures of household management common in the first-century Mediterranean world, would have been familiar with such relationships and the implied hierarchy and duties therein.

The concept of servitude during Jesus' time involved a range of conditions, from indentured servitude to more severe forms of slavery. Masters had authority over their servants, and there were societal norms dictating interactions and responsibilities between the two.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the verse suggests an attitude of humility and commitment to service.

It serves to instruct the followers of Jesus to perform their duties faithfully without expecting immediate reward or recognition.

This aligns with the overall Christian teaching of selflessness and the notion of serving God and others with dedication.

The passage can also be seen as addressing the relationship between humans and God, implying that humans, as servants of God, should not expect divine rewards simply for fulfilling their obligations.

Some theologians might argue that this teaches about the concept of 'works righteousness', the idea that one cannot earn favor or salvation from God solely through deeds, as opposed to faith and grace through Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse advocates for a work ethic that places responsibility and duty before personal convenience, i.e., the idea that one should complete their work before enjoying the fruits of their labor.

It also teaches about servant leadership, a concept where leading involves serving others first and setting an example of dedication to responsibilities.

In relationships and communities, this can instill values of loyalty, humility, and the importance of fulfilling one's role before expecting rewards or accolades.

Cross-References

• Luke 12:37: "Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."
• Luke 17:10: "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
• John 12:26: "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

Language Study

• "Having a servant" (Greek: ἔχων δοῦλον) - The term “δοῦλον” (doulon) refers to a bond-servant or slave, indicating possession and authority over the servant.
• "Plowing" (Greek: ἀροτριῶν), and "feeding cattle" (Greek: ποιμαίνων) - These terms represent typical agricultural labor, suggesting hard, manual work.
• "By and by" (Greek: εὐθέως) - More accurately translated as "immediately" or "straight away," indicating the expectation of continuous service without delay.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of master and servant is a common trope in ancient cultures.

In Greco-Roman literature, parables similar to those in the Gospels depict social hierarchies and expectations.

Ancient myths from various cultures also explore the dynamics of service and loyalty, often as a way of illustrating moral and ethical principles.

In the wider religious context, the role of obedience and service appears in many traditions. For example, in Hinduism, the concept of "seva" is service performed without any expectation of result, similar to the principles discussed in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and sociological studies on the concept of servanthood and authority roles would approach the dynamics presented in this parable from the standpoint of power structures, group dynamics, and inter-personal relationships.

The idea of completing assigned tasks before attending to personal needs might be analyzed in terms of job satisfaction, motivation, and organizational behavior.

Commentaries

Commentators such as William Barclay note that in this parable, Jesus is remarking on the nature of duty, emphasizing that when one has done all one is commanded to do, one should not expect gratitude, as they have only done their duty.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that believers should not be puffed up or grow weary in the services of Christ, but rather recognize their work as their duty.

It echoes the sentiment that any good done is owed to God, and therefore even the most diligent service is merely fulfilling one’s obligation.