King James Version

What Does Luke 17:12 Mean?

Luke 17:12 in the King James Version says “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 17:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went , they were cleansed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lepers approach: 'And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off.' The 'ten men that were lepers' (δέκα λεπροὶ ἄνδρες, deka leproi andres) formed a community of afflicted outcasts. They 'stood afar off' (ἔστησαν πόρρωθεν, estēsan porrōthen) as Mosaic law required—lepers had to maintain distance and warn approaching people (Leviticus 13:45-46). Their compliance with this law demonstrates they still identified as part of the Jewish community despite exclusion. The number ten is significant—enough for a synagogue minyan (minimum prayer quorum). These outcast sufferers formed their own worshiping community in exile, bound together by shared affliction and desperate hope.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Leprosy in Scripture encompasses various skin diseases causing ritual uncleanness, social exclusion, and often physical disfigurement. Lepers lived outside communities, depending on charity for survival. The disease's progressive nature and lack of cure made diagnosis a living death sentence—families mourned lepers as if dead. That Jews and a Samaritan (v. 16) were together in this group shows how suffering erases social barriers. Desperation creates unlikely fellowship. The lepers' positioning 'afar off' wasn't just legal requirement but cruel reality—they were separated from family, friends, worship, normal life. Their encounter with Jesus represented their only hope for restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does leprosy picture sin's effects—separation, defilement, progressive destruction, hopelessness apart from divine intervention?
  2. What does the mixed Jewish-Samaritan leper community teach about how shared suffering can transcend social divisions?
  3. How should the church demonstrate compassion to modern 'lepers'—those whom society marginalizes and excludes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

εἰσερχομένου2 of 14

“entered”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ3 of 14

“as 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

εἴς4 of 14

“into”

G1519

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

τινα5 of 14

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

κώμην6 of 14

“village”

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

ἀπήντησαν7 of 14

“there met”

G528

to meet away, i.e., encounter

αὐτῷ8 of 14

“as 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

δέκα9 of 14

“ten”

G1176

ten

λεπροὶ10 of 14

“that were lepers”

G3015

scaly, i.e., leprous (a leper)

ἄνδρες11 of 14

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

οἳ12 of 14

“which”

G3739

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

ἔστησαν13 of 14

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

πόῤῥωθεν14 of 14

“afar off”

G4207

from far, or (by implication) at a distance, i.e., distantly

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 17:12 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 17:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 13:45-46Luke 5:122 Kings 7:3Luke 18:132 Chronicles 26:20-212 Kings 5:27

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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