King James Version

What Does Luke 10:30 Mean?

Luke 10:30 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 .

Luke 10:30 · KJV


Context

28

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30

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 .

31

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.


Commentary

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 helplessness and desperate need. This parable uniquely appears in Luke's Gospel, emphasizing his theme of God's compassion for the helpless and breaking down ethnic and religious barriers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jericho road was a dangerous route even in Jesus' time, requiring travelers to band together for safety. The priest and Levite who pass by (verses 31-32) would have had religious concerns about ritual purity from touching what might be a corpse, illustrating how religious rules can sometimes conflict with mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'half dead' people in your life that you have passed by due to inconvenience or discomfort?
  2. How does this parable challenge your definition of who deserves your compassion and help?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὑπολαβὼν1 of 26

answering

G5274

to take from below, i.e., carry upward; figuratively, to take up, i.e., continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume)

δέ2 of 26

And

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν5 of 26

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἄνθρωπός6 of 26

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τις7 of 26

A certain

G5100

some or any person or object

κατέβαινεν8 of 26

went down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ9 of 26

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ10 of 26

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

εἰς11 of 26

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰεριχὼ12 of 26

Jericho

G2410

jericho, a place in palestine

καὶ13 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λῃσταῖς14 of 26

thieves

G3027

a brigand

περιέπεσεν15 of 26

fell among

G4045

to fall into something that is all around, i.e., light among or upon, be surrounded with

οἳ16 of 26

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ17 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκδύσαντες18 of 26

of his raiment

G1562

to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest

αὐτὸν19 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πληγὰς21 of 26

wounded

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

ἐπιθέντες22 of 26
G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

ἀπῆλθον23 of 26

him and departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἀφέντες24 of 26

leaving

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἡμιθανῆ25 of 26

him half dead

G2253

half dead, i.e., entirely exhausted

τυγχάνοντα26 of 26
G5177

akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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