King James Version

What Does Luke 10:31 Mean?

Luke 10:31 in the King James Version says “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. The phrase kata synkyrian (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, and should exemplify covenant love.

The priest saw him (idōn, ἰδών)—he wasn't ignorant of the need. This is knowing, conscious decision to avoid involvement. The phrase passed by on the other side (antiparēlthen, ἀντιπαρῆλθεν) literally means "passed by opposite," deliberately crossing to the far side of the road to maximize distance. This isn't passive neglect—it's active avoidance.

Why would a priest avoid helping? Possible reasons: (1) Fear of ritual defilement from touching a potentially dead body (Numbers 19:11-16), prioritizing ceremonial purity over mercy—exactly what God condemns (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13); (2) Fear of robbers still nearby; (3) Simple callousness and selfishness. Whatever the motive, Jesus' point is devastating: religious position and knowledge don't guarantee compassion. The priest knew Leviticus 19:18 ("love thy neighbour") but failed to do it. This exposes the lawyer questioning Jesus (v. 29) and all who substitute religious performance for genuine love. James 2:15-16 echoes this: faith without works—seeing need and ignoring it—is dead.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho descended 3,600 feet over 17 miles through rocky, desolate terrain notorious for robbers—it was called "the Way of Blood." Priests and Levites regularly traveled this route, as many lived in Jericho and served in Jerusalem on rotating schedules. The priest in Jesus' parable was likely heading home after temple service. Jewish purity laws strictly regulated contact with corpses; a priest who touched a dead body became unclean for seven days, requiring purification rituals (Numbers 19). But these laws included exceptions for unavoidable encounters and acts of mercy—the priest chose ritual over righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious activities and concerns about 'propriety' sometimes become excuses for avoiding costly, inconvenient love?
  2. What does the priest's deliberate avoidance teach about the difference between knowing God's law and doing it?
  3. In what ways might we 'pass by on the other side' while maintaining outward religiosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
κατὰ1 of 14

“by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

συγκυρίαν2 of 14

“chance”

G4795

concurrence, i.e., accident

δὲ3 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἱερεύς4 of 14

“priest”

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

τις5 of 14

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

κατέβαινεν6 of 14

“there came down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐν7 of 14

“that”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ8 of 14
G3588

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

ὁδῷ9 of 14

“way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἐκείνῃ10 of 14
G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἰδὼν12 of 14

“when he saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτὸν13 of 14

“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

ἀντιπαρῆλθεν·14 of 14

“he passed by on the other side”

G492

to go along opposite

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 10:31 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 10:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:201 John 3:16-18Jeremiah 5:31Hosea 6:9Proverbs 21:13Psalms 142:4

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