About Luke

Luke presents Jesus as the perfect man and Savior of all people, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 59-63Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 42
Universal SalvationSon of ManHoly SpiritPrayerJoyCompassion

King James Version

Luke 10

42 verses with commentary

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.</strong> The Greek <em>anedeixen</em> (ἀνέδειξεν, "appointed") literally means "showed forth" or "publicly designated"—Jesus formally commissioned this missionary band. The number seventy (some manuscripts read seventy-two) likely cor...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**X.** (1) **After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also.**—Some MSS. of importance give “seventy-two,” but the evidence preponderates in favour of the reading “seventy.” The number had a threefold significance. (1) Seventy elders had been appointed by Moses to help him in his work of teaching and judging the people (Numbers 11:16), and to these the spirit of prophecy had been given t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus tells the seventy: 'The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.' The 'harvest' metaphor represents people ready for salvation. 'Great' harvest with 'few' laborers creates urgency—much work, insufficient workers. The solution isn't recruiting but praying—God must 'send forth' (Greek 'ekb...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **The harvest truly is great.**—See Note on Matthew 9:37. The verses that follow contain, as might have been expected from the analogous circumstances, much in common with those spoken on the mission of the Twelve. We have here, as in the sermons on the Mount and on the Plain, an example of our Lord’s repeating the expression of the same thoughts in nearly the same language.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.</strong> This stark imagery employs the Greek <em>arnas en mesō lykōn</em> (ἄρνας ἐν μέσῳ λύκων, "lambs in the midst of wolves"). The term <em>arnas</em> (ἄρνας) specifically means young lambs—defenseless, vulnerable prey. Wolves (<em>lykoi</em>, λύκοι) were the shepherd's chief enemy in Palestine, known for savage attacks on fl...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **As lambs among wolves.**—See Note on Matthew 10:16.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. perplexed--**at a loss, embarrassed. **said of some, that John was risen--**Among many opinions, this was the one which Herod himself adopted, for the reason, no doubt, mentioned on Mr 6:14.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.</strong> This radical instruction mandates complete dependence on God's provision. The Greek <em>ballantian</em> (βαλλάντιον, "purse") refers to a money bag; <em>pēran</em> (πήραν, "scrip") means a traveler's bag for provisions; <em>hypodēmata</em> (ὑποδήματα, "shoes") are sandals. Jesus commands them to travel withou...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Carry neither purse, nor scrip.**—See Notes on Matthew 10:9-10; Mark 6:8.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.</strong> The Greek imperative <em>legete</em> (λέγετε, "say") makes this blessing mandatory, not optional. The phrase <em>Eirēnē tō oikō toutō</em> (Εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ, "Peace to this house") employs <em>eirēnē</em> (εἰρήνη), the Greek equivalent of Hebrew <em>shalom</em> (שָׁלוֹם)—comprehensive wellbeing, wholeness, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5-7) **Peace be to this house.**—See Notes on Matthew 10:12-13. St. Luke gives, what is only implied in St. Matthew, the very form of the salutation.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. desired to see him--**but did not, till as a prisoner He was sent to him by Pilate just before His death, as we learn from Lu 23:8. Lu 9:10-17. On the Return of the Twelve Jesus Retires with Them to Bethsaida, and There Miraculously Feeds Five Thousand. (See on Mr 6:31-44). Lu 9:18-27. Peter's Confession of Christ--Our Lord's First Explicit Announcement of His Approaching Death, and Warni...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.</strong> The phrase <em>huios eirēnēs</em> (υἱὸς εἰρήνης, "son of peace") is a Hebraism meaning one characterized by or destined for peace—someone receptive to the gospel. The genitive construction "son of" indicates essential character or belonging (compare "sons of disobedience," Ephesian...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.</strong> The command <em>en autē de tē oikia menete</em> (ἐν αὐτῇ δὲ τῇ οἰκίᾳ μένετε, "in the same house remain") prohibits moving between houses seeking better accommodations. The present imperative <em>menete</em> (μένετε) indicates continuous action—settle in and stay put....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And in the same house remain.**—See Note on Matthew 10:11. **The labourer is worthy of his hire.**—See Note on Matthew 10:10. The exact reproduction of the words by St. Paul in 1Timothy 5:18, as a citation from “the Scripture,”’ is every way interesting. The Apostle could scarcely have failed to have become acquainted, during his long companionship with St. Luke, with the materials which the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.</strong> The conditional clause <em>kai eis hēn an polin eiserchēsthe kai dechōntai hymas</em> (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέρχησθε καὶ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you") uses the present subjunctive <em>dechōntai</em> (δέχωνται, "they receive"), indicating welc...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Eat such things as are set before you.**—The precise form of the precept is peculiar to St. Luke, but the spirit is the same as that of the words which had been spoken to the Twelve. The Evangelist preachers were to accept whatever was provided for them by a willing host, and to avoid even the appearance of caring for outward comforts.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And heal the sick that are therein , and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.</strong> Jesus couples miraculous power with proclamation. The command <em>therapeuete tous en autē astheneis</em> (θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς, "heal the sick that are therein") uses the present imperative for continuous action—make healing a consistent practice. The term <em>therapeuō</e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.**—Here again the form of the words is peculiar to St. Luke. This was to be the burden of those who, as preachers, were, in the strictest sense, the heralds of the great King.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say...</strong> This verse transitions from receptive cities (vv. 8-9) to those that reject the gospel. The negative conditional <em>kai eis hēn an polin eiselthēte kai mē dechōntai hymas</em> (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέλθητε καὶ μὴ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10, 11) **Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not.**—See Notes on Matthew 10:13.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.</strong> The symbolic act of shaking off dust (<em>kai ton koniorton ton kollēthenta hēmin ek tēs poleōs hymōn eis tous podas apomassometha hymin</em>, καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν τὸν κολληθέντα ἡμῖν ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ὑμῶν εἰς τοὺς πόδας ἀπ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.**—There is something very solemnly impressive in the fact that this is the message to be uttered alike to the believing and the unbelieving. Now, as of old, the prophets of the Lord had to utter their proclamation, whether men would hear or whether they would forbear (Ezekiel 2:7).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.</strong> The phrase <em>legō hymin</em> (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I say unto you") introduces Jesus' authoritative declaration. The comparison to Sodom (<em>Sodomois</em>, Σοδόμοις) is shocking—Sodom epitomized wickedness and experienced fiery judgment from heaven (Genesis 19). Yet Jesus declares rejecting Hi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **It shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom.**—See Note on Matthew 10:15.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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Woe to Unrepentant Cities

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.</strong> The repeated <em>ouai</em> (οὐαί, "woe") is a prophetic lament pronouncing divine judgment—not a curse but a declaration of impending disaster. Jesus names specific cities: Chor...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13-16) **Woe unto thee, Chorazin!**—See Notes on Matthew 11:21, where the words appear as spoken at an earlier period. We have again to choose between the two alternative views, (1) that the words were spoken but once, and floated in men’s memories without any very definite note of time or place, and were wrongly placed by one, or, possibly, by both Evangelists; or (2) that they were repeated on ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.</strong> This verse reiterates verse 12's principle with different cities. The phrase <em>plēn Tyrō kai Sidōni anektoteron estai en tē krisei ē hymin</em> (πλὴν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν τῇ κρίσει ἢ ὑμῖν, "But for Tyre and Sidon it will be more tolerable in the judgment than for you") uses the compa...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.</strong> Jesus singles out Capernaum, His ministry headquarters (Matthew 4:13, 9:1). The phrase <em>kai sy, Kapharnaoum, mē heōs ouranou hypsōthēsē</em> (καὶ σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ; "And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?") uses a rhetorical question with the negative particle <em>mē...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus tells the seventy: 'He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.' This establishes apostolic authority—reception or rejection of Jesus' messengers equals reception or rejection of Jesus Himself, and ultimately God the Father. The Greek 'athetōn' (ἀθετῶν, despiseth/rejects) means to set aside, nullify, treat as in...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **He that heareth you heareth me.**—See Note on Matthew 10:40. Another fragment of our Lord’s teaching meets us under the same conditions as before.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 10 Chapter Outline Seventy disciples sent forth.(1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples.(17-24) The good Samaritan.(25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary.(38-42) **Verses 1-16** Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a S...
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The Return of the Seventy-Two

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.</strong> The disciples return with <em>chara</em> (χαρᾶς, joy)—not mere happiness but deep spiritual delight at witnessing God's power. Their exclamation focuses on demon subjection: the Greek <em>hypotassetai</em> (ὑποτάσσεται) is present passive, indicating ongoing subordination. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **And the seventy returned again with joy.**—It is obvious from the immediate sequence of the two facts that the mission of the Seventy was, as stated above, confined within narrow limits of space and time. **Lord, even the devils are subject unto us.**—Better, *the demons.* The tone in which the disciples speak is that of a joyful surprise. They had not looked for such great and immediate re...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.</strong> The verb <em>etheōroun</em> (ἐθεώρουν, "I beheld") is imperfect tense—Jesus was continually watching Satan's fall, suggesting ongoing vision rather than single past event. The comparison <em>hōs astrapēn</em> (ὡς ἀστραπὴν, "as lightning") emphasizes suddenness, brightness, and irreversible descent. Satan fell fro...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.**—The tense of the first Greek verb implies continuous action: *I was beholding Satan as he fell* . . . While they were working their Master had been following them in spirit, gazing, as it were, on each stage of their victorious conflict. Their triumph over the demons was the beginning and the earnest of a final conquest over Satan as “the prin...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus tells the returning seventy: 'Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.' The authority to 'tread on serpents and scorpions' likely is metaphorical (though may include literal protection)—authority over evil spirits and Satan's power. The phrase 'all the power of the enemy' (Greek 'pasan tēn ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Behold, I give unto you . . .**—The better MSS. have, “I have given,” as of something already bestowed in its completeness. In the power to “tread on serpents and scorpions,” we have a manifest reference to the words of Psalm 91:13. Those words stand in closest sequence with the promise which had been wrested from its true meaning by the Tempter in the great struggle in the wilderness; and ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus continues: 'Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.' Jesus redirects the disciples' joy from spiritual power to spiritual position—from successful ministry to secure salvation. The phrase 'your names are written in heaven' (Greek 'ta onomata hymōn engegraptai en tois ouranois,' τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν ἐ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Notwithstanding in this rejoice not.**—Above all exercise of power was the consciousness of the divine life, the feeling that they had a Father in heaven who had, to speak after the manner of men, registered their names as citizens of His kingdom. That was the great blessing for them, and for all believing souls after them. The words leave open the question whether that registration conferr...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. will save--**"Is minded to save," bent on saving. The pith of this maxim depends--as often in such weighty sayings (for example, "Let the dead bury the dead," Mt 8:22)--on the double sense attached to the word "life," a lower and a higher, the natural and the spiritual, temporal and eternal. An entire sacrifice of the lower, or a willingness to make it, is indispensable to the preservation o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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Jesus Rejoices in the Father's Will

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus prays: 'I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.' Jesus thanks God for revealing kingdom truth to 'babes' (Greek 'nēpiois,' νηπίοις, infants, simple ones) while hiding it from 'wise and prudent' (Greek 'sophōn kai synetōn,' σοφῶν καὶ συνε...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21, 22) **in that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit.**—The words that follow are found also in Matthew 11:25-27 (see Notes on those verses), but the opening clause that introduces them is peculiar to St. Luke, and is noticeable as the one instance where the word “rejoiced,” which appears in the Magnificat (Luke 1:47), is used of our Lord’s human feeling of exultation. It indicates what one may call t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. many ancient copies add these words at the beginning of verse, and turning to his Disciples, he said

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.</strong> The phrase <em>panta moi paredothē</em> (πάντα μοι παρεδόθη, "all things are delivered to me") uses the aorist passive of <em>paradidōmi</em>—the Father has transferred complete authority to the Son. This "all t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **All things are delivered to** me.—The marginal reading, which prefixes “And turning to His disciples” to this verse instead of the next, can hardly be regarded as more than a transcriber’s error.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. ashamed of me, and of my words--**The sense of shame is one of the strongest in our nature, one of the social affections founded on our love of reputation, which causes instinctive aversion to what is fitted to lower it, and was given us as a preservative from all that is properly shameful. When one is, in this sense of it, lost to shame, he is nearly past hope (Zec 3:5; Jr 6:15; 3:3). But w...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately , Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see.</strong> The phrase <em>strapheis pros tous mathētas kat' idian</em> (στραφεὶς πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, "turning to the disciples privately") indicates Jesus deliberately shifts from public teaching to intimate instruction. This blessing is for disciples alone—those with ey...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23-24) **Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see . . .**—Another instance of repeated words, St. Matthew reporting them as spoken after the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:16. See Note on that verse).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. not taste of death fill they see the kingdom of God--**"see it come with power" (Mr 9:1); or see "the Son of man coming in His kingdom" (Mt 16:28). The reference, beyond doubt, is to the firm establishment and victorious progress, in the lifetime of some then present, of that new Kingdom of Christ, which was destined to work the greatest of all changes on this earth, and be the grand pledge ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.</strong> The emphatic <em>legō hymin</em> (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I tell you") introduces solemn declaration of truth. The verb <em>ēthelēsan</em> (ἠθέλησαν, "desired") conveys intense longing—prophets and kings <em>yearne...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Many prophets and kings. . . .**—There is a slight verbal difference here as compared with St. Matthew’s report, which gives “prophets and righteous men.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Lu 9:28-36. Jesus Transfigured. **28. an eight days after these sayings--**including the day on which this was spoken and that of the Transfiguration. Matthew and Mark say (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2) "after six days," excluding these two days. As the "sayings" so definitely connected with the transfiguration scene are those announcing His death--at which Peter and all the Twelve were so startled and scanda...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-24** All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in...
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The Parable of the Good Samaritan

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

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KJV Study Commentary

The lawyer's question 'Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' (διδάσκαλε, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω;) reveals a works-based understanding of salvation. The participle 'poiēsas' (ποιήσας, having done) assumes earning eternal life through performance. Jesus redirects him to Scripture (v.26), then tells the Good Samaritan parable to expose self-righteousness and demonstrate that ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up.**—On the word “lawyer” and its difference from the more generic “scribe,” see Note on Matthew 22:35. Here, as there, the “tempting” does not necessarily imply hostile purpose. It was simply a test-question to see if the new Teacher was sound in His view of the ethical obligations of the Law. The question, though the same as that of the young man in Ma...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. as he prayed, the fashion, &amp;c.--**Before He cried He was answered, and while He was yet speaking He was heard. Blessed interruption to prayer this! Thanks to God, transfiguring manifestations are not quite strangers here. Ofttimes in the deepest depths, out of groanings which cannot be uttered, God's dear children are suddenly transported to a kind of heaven upon earth, and their soul is...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?</strong> Jesus responds to the lawyer's question ("What shall I do to inherit eternal life?") by redirecting him to Scripture. The Greek phrase <em>en tō nomō ti gegraptai</em> (ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τί γέγραπται) asks "in the law what has been written?" The perfect tense <em>gegraptai</em> (γέγραπται) indicates something written in the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-31. there talked with him two men ... Moses and Elias ... appeared in glory--**"Who would have believed these were not angels had not their human names been subjoined?" [Bengel]. (Compare Ac 1:10; Mr 16:5). Moses represented "the law," Elijah "the prophets," and both together the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ; now not borne in a book,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.</strong> This verse records the lawyer's response to Jesus' question, quoting and combining two Old Testament commands: Deuteronomy 6:5 (the Shema) and Leviticus 19:18. This synthesis became Jesus' own summary of ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-31. there talked with him two men ... Moses and Elias ... appeared in glory--**"Who would have believed these were not angels had not their human names been subjoined?" [Bengel]. (Compare Ac 1:10; Mr 16:5). Moses represented "the law," Elijah "the prophets," and both together the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ; now not borne in a book,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.</strong> Jesus affirms the lawyer's correct summary of the law: love God completely (Deuteronomy 6:5) and neighbor as self (Leviticus 19:18). The phrase <em>orthōs apekrithēs</em> (ὀρθῶς ἀπεκρίθης, "you have answered right") acknowledges theological accuracy. The lawyer knows Scripture intellectually—but knowledg...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Thou hast answered right.**—The acceptance of the lawyer’s answer as theoretically true was part of the method of our Lord’s teaching. The words that followed, “This do, and thou shalt live,” were those of a Prophet who knew what was in the man, and read the secrets of his heart, and saw how little love was to be found there. In the command “*This do . . .* ,” however, our Lord does somethi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32. and when they were awake--**so, certainly, the most commentators: but if we translate literally, it should be "but having kept awake" [Meyer, Alford]. Perhaps "having roused themselves up" [Olshausen] may come near enough to the literal sense; but from the word used we can gather no more than that they shook off their drowsiness. It was night, and the Lord seems to have spent the whole night...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?</strong> The phrase <em>thelōn dikaiōsai heauton</em> (θέλων δικαιῶσαι ἑαυτόν, "willing to justify himself") reveals the lawyer's heart. The verb <em>dikaiōsai</em> (δικαιῶσαι) means to declare righteous, vindicate, or prove oneself just. He's not seeking truth—he's seeking self-justification, attempting to prove...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **But he, willing to justify himself . . .**—The question implied a conscience half-awakened and uneasy. It is characteristic that no doubt seems to cross his mind as to his love of God. There he felt that he was safe. But there were misgivings as to the second commandment, and, as if feeling that there had been a tone of rebuke in our Lord’s answer, he vindicates himself by asking the questi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. they departed--**Ah! bright manifestations in this vale of tears are always "departing" manifestations.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead .

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus begins His most famous parable in response to a lawyer's question 'Who is my neighbor?' The road from Jerusalem to Jericho descended 3,300 feet over 17 miles through desolate rocky terrain notorious for bandits, making this scenario immediately recognizable to His audience. The phrase 'fell among thieves' (Greek 'lēstais'—robbers/bandits) and 'half dead' establishes the man's complete helple...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **A certain man went down.**—Better, *was going down.* We enter here upon the first of a series of parables, which differ from those in St. Matthew in having more the character of actual human histories, illustrating a truth, rather than mere similitudes (“parables” in the usual sense of the word) composed for the purpose of illustration. There is obviously no reason why we should not believe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. a cloud--**not one of our watery clouds, but the Shekinah-cloud (see on Mt 23:39), the pavilion of the manifested presence of God with His people, what Peter calls "the excellent" of "magnificent glory" (2Pe 1:17). **a voice--**"such a voice," says Peter emphatically; "and this voice [he adds] we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount" (2Pe 1:17, 18).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.</strong> The phrase <em>kata synkyrian</em> (κατὰ συγκυρίαν, "by chance") indicates coincidental timing—no divine appointment here, just human choice revealed. The priest's presence is significant: he represents the religious elite, those who minister in God's temple, teach His law...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **By chance**.** . . .**—The passage is the only one in the New Testament in which the phrase occurs. Our Lord seems to use it as with a touch of what we have elsewhere termed irony. It seemed so casual, as such opportunities always do to men who neglect them, and yet it was, in the purpose of God, the test-moment of each man’s character and life. **There came down.**—Better, as before, *ther...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. a cloud--**not one of our watery clouds, but the Shekinah-cloud (see on Mt 23:39), the pavilion of the manifested presence of God with His people, what Peter calls "the excellent" of "magnificent glory" (2Pe 1:17). **a voice--**"such a voice," says Peter emphatically; "and this voice [he adds] we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount" (2Pe 1:17, 18).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.</strong> The repetition intensifies the indictment. The Levite <em>likewise</em> (<em>homoiōs</em>, ὁμοίως) follows the priest's example—religious caste solidarity in neglect. But there's a subtle difference: the Levite <strong>came and looked on him</strong> (<em>elthōn kata ton topon...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Likewise a Levite.**—The passage is memorable as the only mention of Levites in the Gospels. He is represented as at once better and worse than the priest—better in that he does not altogether turn aside, but “comes” and looks; worse in that his second thoughts are at variance with his first, and prevail against them. If he has more light, he also sins more against it. He, too, may have bee...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36. Jesus was found alone--**Moses and Elias are gone. Their work is done, and they have disappeared from the scene, feeling no doubt with their fellow servant the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease." The cloud too is gone, and the naked majestic Christ, braced in spirit, and enshrined in the reverent affection of His disciples, is left--to suffer! **kept it close--**feeling, for ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

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KJV Study Commentary

The Samaritan's response contrasts sharply with the priest and Levite: 'But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him' (Σαμαρίτης δέ τις ὁδεύων ἦλθεν κατ᾽ αὐτὸν καὶ ἰδὼν ἐσπλαγχνίσθη). The verb 'splagchnizomai' (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, had compassion) is visceral—it refers to being moved in one's bowels/innermost being, the strongest Greek term fo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **A certain Samaritan.**—For the chief facts connected with the Samaritans and their relation to the Jews, see Note on Luke 9:52. There is something noticeable in the change of word. It was not likely that the hated alien should be coming down from Jerusalem. His journey would probably be to, or from, Bethel and Gerizim. He was not, as the others were, near a home to which they might have tak...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Samaritan's actions demonstrate costly love: 'And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him' (καὶ προσελθὼν κατέδησεν τὰ τραύματα αὐτοῦ ἐπιχέων ἔλαιον καὶ οἶνον, ἐπιβιβάσας δὲ αὐτὸν ἐπὰ τὸ ἴδιον κτῆνος ἤγαγεν αὐτὸν εἰς πανδοχεῖον καὶ ἐπεμελήθη αὐτοῦ). Each action involves personal sacrifice: oil ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **And went to him.**—Every detail is in harmony with the tender pity described in the previous verse. All fear of risk from robbers, or from the police of Rome, who might take him for a robber, is put aside; the “oil and wine,” which had been provided for personal refreshment, are freely given to be used, according to the primitive surgery of the time, the latter for cleansing the wounds, the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again , I will repay thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.</strong> The Samaritan's care extends beyond immediate rescue to ongoing provision. The phrase <em>epi tēn aurion</em> (ἐπὶ τὴν αὔριον, "on the morrow") shows this wasn't hurried charity—he stayed...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **Two pence**—*i.e., two denarii,* according to Matthew 20:2 the average wages of a labourer for two days; or, taking the estimate of Mark 6:37, enough for a meal of twenty-five men. It was therefore a sufficient and liberal provision for all probable contingencies. This, however, was not, in the Samaritan’s judgment, enough, and he gave a *carte blanche* for whatever else might be required.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus reverses the lawyer's question: 'Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?' (τίς τούτων τῶν τριῶν πλησίον δοκεῖ σοι γεγονέναι τοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς τοὺς λῃστάς;). The lawyer had asked 'Who is my neighbor?' (v.29), seeking to limit obligation. Jesus asks 'Who proved neighbor?' shifting focus from receiving to giving, from rights to responsibilit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **Which now of these three** **. . .?—**There is a certain subtle discernment in the form of the question. The point under discussion was as to whom the Jew should look on as his neighbour. It is answered indirectly by the narrative, which showed who had proved himself a neighbour to the Jew. The Samaritan had shown himself a better interpreter of the commandment than the orthodox scribe. He ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

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KJV Study Commentary

The lawyer answers: 'He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise' (ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔλεος μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ. εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως). Jesus' command 'poreuou kai sy poiei homoiōs' (Πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως, Go and do likewise) is present imperative—continuous, habitual action. The standard is not minimal compliance but the Samaritan's costly...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **Go, and do thou likewise.**—This was the practical, though not the formal, answer to the question of the lawyer. If he acted in the spirit of the Samaritan, he would need no “nicely-calculated less or more” of casuistic distinctions as to who was and who was not his neighbour. Fellowship in the same human nature, and any kind of even passing contact, were enough to constitute a ground for n...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-37** If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samar...
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Martha and Mary

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.</strong> The phrase <em>en tō poreuesthai autous</em> (ἐν τῷ πορεύεσθαι αὐτούς, "as they went") places this event during Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and crucifixion (9:51). The village is Bethany (John 11:1), about two miles from Jerusalem, home of si...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **He entered into a certain village.**—The identity of the two names that follow, and, we may add, of the characters connected with the names, leaves hardly room for doubt that the village thus spoken of was Bethany. (See Note on Matthew 21:1.) St. Luke’s reason for not giving the name is probably connected with the singular reticence of the first three Gospels as to the family of Lazarus. St...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-42** A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lo...
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And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.</strong> The name <strong>Mary</strong> (Μαριάμ/Μαρία, from Hebrew מִרְיָם, Miriam) was common in first-century Judaism. This Mary is distinguished from others (Magdalene, Jesus' mother) by her relationship to Martha and Lazarus. The phrase <em>kai parakathestheisa pros tous podas tou kyriou</em> (καὶ παρα...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **A sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet.**—The better MSS. give, “at the Lord’s feet.” Few readers can fail to notice the identity of character here and in the entirely independent narratives of John 11, 12. There also Martha is active (John 11:20) and conspicuous in serving (John 12:2); Mary, meditative and emotional, pouring her whole soul into one act of love (John 11:31; Joh...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**43-45. the mighty power of God--**"the majesty" or "mightiness" of God in this last miracle, the transfiguration, &amp;c.: the divine grandeur of Christ rising upon them daily. By comparing Mt 17:22, and Mr 9:30, we gather that this had been the subject of conversation between the Twelve and their Master as they journeyed along.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-42** A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lo...
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But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.</strong> The verb <em>periespāto</em> (περιεσπᾶτο, "was cumbered") literally means "to be dragged around" or "distracted"—Martha is pulled in multiple directions, fragmented by many tasks. The phrase <strong>much ser...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **Martha was cumbered.**—Literally, *was distracted;* drawn hither and thither by conflicting cares. **About much serving.**—We may probably infer from this that our Lord had been invited as an honoured guest, and that Mary had been asked to meet Him; and, so far, the narrative agrees with what is suggested by the narrative of John 11 as to the social position of the household at Bethany. The...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**43-45. the mighty power of God--**"the majesty" or "mightiness" of God in this last miracle, the transfiguration, &amp;c.: the divine grandeur of Christ rising upon them daily. By comparing Mt 17:22, and Mr 9:30, we gather that this had been the subject of conversation between the Twelve and their Master as they journeyed along.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-42** A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lo...
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And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds to Martha: 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' The repeated 'Martha, Martha' shows affectionate concern. Jesus doesn't condemn her service but her anxiety—'careful and troubled' (Greek 'merimnās kai thorybazē,' μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ, anxious and troub...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And Jesus answered.**—The better MSS. give, “And *the Lord* answered.” (See Note on Luke 7:13.) **Martha, Martha.**—We note a special tenderness of reproof in the two-fold utterance of the name, of which this and the like iteration of “Simon, Simon,” in Luke 22:31, are the only examples in our Lord’s recorded utterances during His earthly ministry. (Comp. “Saul, Saul,” in Acts 9:4.) **Thou ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**43-45. the mighty power of God--**"the majesty" or "mightiness" of God in this last miracle, the transfiguration, &amp;c.: the divine grandeur of Christ rising upon them daily. By comparing Mt 17:22, and Mr 9:30, we gather that this had been the subject of conversation between the Twelve and their Master as they journeyed along.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-42** A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lo...
Read full commentary →

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus corrects Martha: 'But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her' (ἑνὸς δέ ἐστιν χρεία· Μαρία γὰρ τὴν ἀγαθὴν μερίδα ἐξελέξατο, ἥτις οὐκ ἀφαιρεθήσεται ἀπ᾽ αὐτῆς). The phrase 'one thing is needful' (ἑνὸς ἐστιν χρεία) emphasizes singular priority—hearing Jesus' word. Mary 'chose' (ἐξελέξατο, aorist middle, deliberately selected) 'the good p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **But one thing is needful.**—Some of the better MSS. present a singular various-reading, *There is need of few things, or of one only.* It is obvious that this might be taken either literally or spiritually. They might mean (1) that He who spoke, and the others who were coming, needed not the many things about which Martha was troubled, but a few only, or even but a single dish, to supply th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Lu 9:46-48. Strife among the Twelve Who Should Be Greatest--John Rebuked for Exclusiveness. 46-48. (See on Mt 18:1-5).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 38-42** A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lo...
Read full commentary →

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