King James Version

What Does Luke 10:34 Mean?

Luke 10:34 in the King James Version says “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 i... — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 10:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?


Commentary

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 and wine for wounds (expensive commodities), his own animal (walking while the victim rides), time and effort at the inn. The verb 'epimeleomai' (ἐπεμελήθη, took care) indicates careful, ongoing attention. This models gospel ministry—meeting physical needs, personal involvement, costly sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century medical practice used oil (soothing) and wine (antiseptic due to alcohol content) for wound treatment. Inns (πανδοχεῖον, pandocheion, literally 'all-receiving place') along major roads provided lodging for travelers, though they had unsavory reputations. The Samaritan's willingness to personally escort the victim and pay expenses (v.35) demonstrates extraordinary generosity in a culture where such kindness to strangers (especially ethnic enemies) was virtually unknown. The two denarii he paid (v.35) represented two days' wages—significant expense.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Samaritan's costly, personal involvement challenge superficial or distant forms of charity?
  2. In what ways does this parable illustrate gospel truths about Christ's saving work and Christian responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

προσελθὼν2 of 24

went

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

κατέδησεν3 of 24

to him and bound up

G2611

to tie down, i.e., bandage (a wound)

τὰ4 of 24
G3588

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

τραύματα5 of 24

wounds

G5134

a wound

αὐτοῦ6 of 24

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

ἐπιχέων7 of 24

pouring in

G2022

to pour upon

ἔλαιον8 of 24

oil

G1637

olive oil

καὶ9 of 24

And

G2532

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

οἶνον10 of 24

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιβιβάσας11 of 24

set

G1913

to cause to mount (an animal)

δὲ12 of 24

and

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ13 of 24

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

ἐπὶ14 of 24

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ15 of 24
G3588

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

ἴδιον16 of 24

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

κτῆνος17 of 24

beast

G2934

property, i.e., (specially) a domestic animal

ἤγαγεν18 of 24

and brought

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτοῦ19 of 24

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

εἰς20 of 24

to

G1519

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

πανδοχεῖον21 of 24

an inn

G3829

all-receptive, i.e., a public lodging-place (caravanserai or khan)

καὶ22 of 24

And

G2532

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

ἐπεμελήθη23 of 24

took care

G1959

to care for (physically or otherwise)

αὐτοῦ24 of 24

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


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 10:34 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 10:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study