King James Version

What Does Luke 10:33 Mean?

Luke 10:33 in the King James Version says “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,”

Luke 10:33 · KJV

Context

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.

35

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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Commentary

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 for compassion. While religious professionals passed by (probably fearing ritual defilement from a potentially dead body), the despised outsider felt deep compassion. This Samaritan represents Christ Himself—the unexpected savior who crosses ethnic and religious boundaries to rescue the perishing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Samaritans and Jews maintained hostile relations dating to the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) when foreigners intermarried with remaining Israelites. Jews considered Samaritans half-breed heretics who worshiped on Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem. The animosity was mutual—Samaritans had recently defiled the Jerusalem temple by scattering human bones in it (AD 6-9). Jesus' choice of a Samaritan as the hero would shock His Jewish audience, challenging ethnic prejudice and religious superiority. The parable subverts expectations: religious insiders fail, the outsider succeeds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Samaritan's compassion illustrate Christ's redemptive love crossing all human boundaries?
  2. What forms of ethnic, social, or religious prejudice does this parable challenge in contemporary Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Σαμαρείτης1 of 11

“Samaritan”

G4541

a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria

δέ2 of 11

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 11

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὁδεύων4 of 11

“as he journeyed”

G3593

to travel

ἦλθεν5 of 11

“came”

G2064

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

κατ'6 of 11

“where”

G2596

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

αὐτὸν,7 of 11

“he was”

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

καὶ8 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

ἰδὼν9 of 11

“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

αὐτὸν,10 of 11

“he was”

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

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη11 of 11

“he had compassion”

G4697

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

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 10:33 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 10:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:50Luke 7:13Jeremiah 38:7-13Matthew 18:33Proverbs 27:10John 4:9

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