King James Version

What Does Luke 10:32 Mean?

Luke 10:32 in the King James Version says “And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 10:32 · KJV

Context

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,

34

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. The repetition intensifies the indictment. The Levite likewise (homoiōs, ὁμοίως) follows the priest's example—religious caste solidarity in neglect. But there's a subtle difference: the Levite came and looked on him (elthōn kata ton topon kai idōn, ἐλθὼν κατὰ τὸν τόπον καὶ ἰδών), suggesting closer approach and more careful examination than the priest's passing glance.

This makes the Levite's failure even more culpable. He came to the place (perhaps hoping for valuables?), saw the extent of the injuries, assessed the situation—and still passed by on the other side (antiparēlthen, ἀντιπαρῆλθεν). Knowledge increased responsibility; closer proximity heightened guilt. The Levite couldn't claim ignorance or distance—he investigated and rejected helping.

Why include both priest and Levite? Jesus systematically demolishes religious pretension. These represented the temple hierarchy: priests (descendants of Aaron) performed sacrifices; Levites (from Levi's tribe) assisted in temple service, music, and teaching. Together they constitute Israel's spiritual leadership. If even they fail to love their neighbor, who can claim righteousness? The parable anticipates Jesus' later condemnation of scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23)—religious position doesn't equal spiritual reality. Paul later makes this explicit: having the law doesn't justify; doing it does (Romans 2:13)—and no one does it perfectly except Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Levites occupied a middle position in Jewish religious hierarchy between priests (who alone could offer sacrifices) and ordinary Israelites. They served in temple support roles: gatekeepers, musicians, teachers, administrators. Their religious knowledge and daily involvement in temple worship should have produced exemplary moral character. That both priest and Levite—those most schooled in God's law and most engaged in religious service—failed to show mercy devastates any confidence in self-righteousness through religious activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does closer examination of need without responding make guilt worse rather than better?
  2. How does Jesus' inclusion of both priest and Levite demolish the idea that religious knowledge or service equals genuine righteousness?
  3. What modern equivalents exist to these religious leaders who knew truth but failed to practice love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὁμοίως1 of 12

“likewise”

G3668

similarly

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

Λευίτης4 of 12

“a Levite”

G3019

a levite, i.e., descendant of levi

γενόμενος5 of 12

“when he was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

κατὰ6 of 12

“at”

G2596

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

τὸν7 of 12
G3588

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

τόπον8 of 12

“the place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ἐλθὼν9 of 12

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ10 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

ἰδὼν11 of 12

“looked”

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

ἀντιπαρῆλθεν12 of 12

“on him and 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 10:32 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 10:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 27:10Acts 18:17Psalms 109:252 Timothy 3:2

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