What does Luke 17:8 mean?

Explanation

This verse, Luke 17:8, is part of a larger passage where Jesus is using a parable to teach about servanthood and humility. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus addresses the expectations of a master towards his servant.

The verse suggests that a master would not thank the servant for doing what is commanded but instead will expect the servant to fulfill his duties fully before attending to his own needs.

The deeper meaning behind this passage is about the nature of service and duty in the context of the Kingdom of God.

It implies that servants should not expect special thanks for doing what is expected of them, as fulfilling their duties is a fundamental part of their role.

Similarly, disciples are to serve God and obey His commands without seeking extra praise or reward, as their service is part of their commitment to their faith.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, servants were common in the households of the wealthy and were expected to perform their duties without question or the need for thanks.

This social structure is reflected in the parable.

The passage is set within the larger context of Jesus' teaching on the way to Jerusalem, where he is addressing his disciples and preparing them for the challenges they will face in their ministry.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives can be drawn from this verse.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the passage can be seen as emphasizing the importance of a humble attitude in serving God and others.

The servant-master relationship can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His followers, where absolute obedience and humility are virtues.

On the other hand, liberation theology might understand this parable as reflecting the harsh realities of class distinctions and the oppression of servants.

Instead of simply accepting this dynamic, proponents of liberation theology might argue that Jesus is pointing out societal injustices that need to be addressed.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse could be applied to everyday life by encouraging believers to serve others selflessly and humbly, without expecting recognition or reward.

This teaching can be extended to all forms of service, whether in the church, community, workplace, or family.

The message is essentially one of putting the needs of others before one's own and fulfilling one's duties faithfully.

Cross-References

• Luke 17:7 - "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?"
• Luke 22:27 - "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth."
• John 13:12-14 - "So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? [...] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."

Language Study

The original language of the New Testament is Greek.

In Luke 17:8, the phrase "gird thyself" comes from the Greek word "ζώννυμι" (zōnnumi), denoting the action of fastening one's clothing with a belt, often in preparation for service or work.

This reflects the servant's readiness to work.

The term "sup" translates from the Greek "δεῖπνον" (deipnon), which typically refers to the main meal of the day, akin to dinner. This underscores the expectation that the servant must ensure the master's needs are met before seeing to their own.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Roman and Egyptian societies, the concept of servanthood was also prevalent, with servants and slaves being a significant part of the socio-economic structures.

Medieval feudal systems similarly had serfs serving their lords without hesitation or the expectation of thanks.

In other religious texts, service and duty are also essential themes. For example, in Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita talks about duty (dharma) without attachment to rewards, which is not too dissimilar from the Christian notion of serving without expectation of gratitude.

Scientific Perspectives

The analysis of this verse from a scientific perspective isn't directly applicable.

However, psychological studies on altruism and pro-social behavior show that performing acts of service can benefit both the giver and receiver, potentially leading to a healthier society. Studies in evolutionary psychology might explore the adaptive benefits of such social behavior.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse vary in their interpretations:

• Some commentators focus on the literal interpretation of a servant's role in society during the time of Jesus, highlighting the cultural understanding of servitude.
• Others, like Matthew Henry, see this as a lesson in humility and a call to duty for Christians, based on the idea that true discipleship involves service without an expectation of earthly rewards.
• Still, other scholars suggest that the verse should not be taken as an endorsement of social stratification but rather as a reflection of it, used by Jesus to communicate spiritual truths to His audience within their own social context.