King James Version

What Does Luke 17:11 Mean?

Luke 17:11 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 17:11 · KJV


Context

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:

13

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Journey context: 'And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.' Luke again notes Jesus' determined journey 'to Jerusalem' (εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, eis Ierousalēm), emphasizing the cross's centrality. The route 'through the midst of Samaria and Galilee' (διὰ μέσον Σαμαρείας καὶ Γαλιλαίας, dia meson Samareias kai Galilaias) took Jesus through the border region between these territories. This geographical note sets up the healing of ten lepers (vv. 12-19), one of whom was a Samaritan. The detail establishes that Jesus' ministry transcended ethnic boundaries and that gratitude (or its absence) isn't determined by ethnicity—even despised Samaritans could demonstrate faith and thankfulness lacking in Jews.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The journey to Jerusalem dominates Luke 9:51-19:27, providing the narrative framework for much of Jesus' teaching. Jerusalem represented both Israel's religious center and the place of prophets' deaths (Luke 13:33-34). Jesus' determined progress toward His crucifixion demonstrates His obedient fulfillment of the Father's will. The border region between Samaria and Galilee was ethnically mixed, which explains how the leper band included both Jews and Samaritans (v. 16). Normally, Jews and Samaritans avoided each other due to centuries of ethnic and religious hostility (John 4:9). But shared affliction created community among these outcasts—leprosy transcended ethnic divisions, uniting sufferers in common misery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' journey to Jerusalem demonstrate obedience to God's will despite knowing suffering awaited?
  2. What does the mixed Jewish-Samaritan leper group teach about how suffering can transcend social divisions?
  3. How should Jesus' deliberate movement toward the cross shape Christian willingness to embrace difficult callings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 16

it came to pass

G1096

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

ἐν3 of 16

as

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 16
G3588

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

πορεύεσθαι5 of 16

went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

αὐτὸς6 of 16

he

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

εἰς7 of 16

to

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ8 of 16

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ9 of 16

And

G2532

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

αὐτὸς10 of 16

he

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

διήρχετο11 of 16

passed

G1330

to traverse (literally)

διὰ12 of 16

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

μέσου13 of 16

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

Σαμαρείας14 of 16

of Samaria

G4540

samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine

καὶ15 of 16

And

G2532

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

Γαλιλαίας16 of 16

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine


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 17:11 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 17:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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