Luke 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

What does Luke 7:9 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:9 captures a moment when Jesus responds to the faith of a Roman centurion.

Prior to this verse, the centurion sent elders of the Jews to Jesus, asking him to heal his servant.

Instead of coming to Jesus himself, he sent friends to say that he did not consider himself worthy to come to Jesus or even to have Jesus enter his house.

Instead, he believed that Jesus could heal his servant from a distance just by speaking a word.

Jesus hears of the centurion's humility and faith and is astonished.

He turns to the people following him and acknowledges the great faith of the centurion, which he states he has not found even among the Israelites, God's chosen people.

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Historical Context

This event occurs during the ministry of Jesus Christ in first-century Palestine, in a town called Capernaum.

At the time, Israel was part of the Roman Empire and hence was also home to Roman officials and soldiers, like the centurion.

A centurion was an officer in the Roman army, commanding about a hundred soldiers.

The Jews were under Roman rule and generally had an antagonistic relationship with their occupiers.

However, this particular centurion appears to have had respect for Jewish customs and had built a synagogue for them (Luke 7:5).

The interaction between Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi, and a Roman military officer is therefore significant in the context of the ethnic and religious tensions typical of the period.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse illustrates the concept of faith without barriers. The faith of a Gentile (non-Jew) is lifted up as an example, highlighting the inclusivity of Jesus' message and his global mission. This reinforces the idea that faith in Jesus is not confined to a single nation or race.

Additionally, it emphasizes that faith, and not just lineage or religious observance, is highly valued by Jesus.

Theomatically, this incident foreshadows the opening of the Gospel to all nations, something that the early church, especially through the work of the apostle Paul, would come to understand and enact.

Practical Applications

The verse suggests that faith is an equalizer: no matter one's background or status, anyone can express great faith.

One can apply this teaching by moving beyond prejudices, welcoming faith expressions from diverse backgrounds, and cultivating a deep personal faith.

It underscores the importance of humility and the belief in Jesus' power to work beyond our physical presence or efforts, encouraging believers to trust in his authority over all situations.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:10: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
Matthew 15:28: "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.

And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

Acts 10:34-35: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Language Study

The key word from the original Greek in this passage is "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō), which translates to "marvelled" or "wondered at." It indicates a sense of astonishment or admiration.

When Jesus uses this word, it signifies that the centurion's faith was extraordinary and commendable. "πίστις" (pistis), translated "faith," is another pivotal word.

In the New Testament, pistis often denotes trust, belief, or confidence in Jesus' power and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader scope of ancient religions, a figure acknowledging the faith or devotion of someone outside their own cultural or religious group as exemplary is quite significant, as religious circles tended to be ethnocentric.

The centurion's faith, praised by Jesus, could be compared to stories of outsiders or foreigners who show exceptional understanding or piety in other religious traditions.

Such stories often serve to break down cultural barriers and emphasize universal human principles.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community typically does not weigh in on theological matters of faith, as they fall outside the scope of empirical analysis.

The healing account associated with this verse, however, might be of interest to medical researchers exploring psychosomatic conditions, where the state of mind influences physical health.

The passage also touches on communication and the impact of belief and authority, subjects studied in psychology and social sciences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this passage, lauding the centurion for his exceptional faith.

Some highlight the historical and cultural humility displayed by the centurion as significant, considering his high military rank and the prejudices of the time. Others focus on the eschatological implications, seeing this as a shift towards the acceptance of Gentiles in the plan of salvation.

Many scholars see in Jesus' marvel a fulfilment of the prophecy that the Gentiles would come to faith.

Commentators from the Reformation period, such as John Calvin, emphasized the instructional nature of this event for teaching Christians about true faith and reliance on Christ's word alone.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 7:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?