King James Version

What Does Luke 17:10 Mean?

Luke 17:10 in the King James Version says “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Luke 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9

Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

10

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

11

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes the parable of the unprofitable servant: 'So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do' (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὅταν ποιήσητε πάντα τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν, λέγετε ὅτι Δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν· ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν). The term 'achreios' (ἀχρεῖοί, unprofitable) means unworthy of special merit or reward. Even perfect obedience (ποιήσητε πάντα, having done all things commanded) merits no boasting—it is simply duty (ὃ ὠφείλομεν, what we owed). This teaching crushes self-righteousness and merit-based religion, establishing that salvation is grace alone, not earned reward.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This parable addressed the apostles (v.5), warning against spiritual pride. First-century Judaism emphasized merit—good works earning divine favor and heavenly reward. Jesus' parable subverts this system: if perfect obedience earns nothing, no one can claim salvation by works. This prepares for Paul's doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 3:20-28, Ephesians 2:8-9). The parable's logic—servants owe complete obedience and deserve no special thanks—establishes the proper creature-Creator relationship: we owe God everything, He owes us nothing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding yourself as an unprofitable servant protect against both pride in achievement and despair over failure?
  2. What would change in your spiritual life if you fully embraced that salvation is entirely grace, not earned reward?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὕτως1 of 19

So

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 19

likewise

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς3 of 19

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ὅταν4 of 19

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

πεποιήκαμεν5 of 19

to do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πάντα6 of 19

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ7 of 19
G3588

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

διαταχθέντα8 of 19

those things which are commanded

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

ὑμῖν9 of 19

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγετε10 of 19

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι11 of 19
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Δοῦλοι12 of 19

servants

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀχρεῖοί13 of 19

unprofitable

G888

useless, i.e., (euphemistically) unmeritorious

ἐσμεν14 of 19

We are

G2070

we are

ὅτι15 of 19
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

16 of 19

that which

G3739

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

ὠφείλομεν17 of 19

was our duty

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

πεποιήκαμεν18 of 19

to do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πεποιήκαμεν19 of 19

to do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 17:10 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 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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