King James Version

What Does Luke 17:13 Mean?

Luke 17:13 in the King James Version says “And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 17:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Read Luke 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lepers cry out: 'And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.' From their required distance, 'they lifted up their voices' (αὐτοὶ ἦραν φωνήν, autoi ēran phōnēn)—they had to shout to be heard. They address Him as 'Jesus, Master' (Ἰησοῦ ἐπιστάτα, Iēsou epistata)—acknowledging His authority. Their plea: 'have mercy on us' (ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, eleēson hēmas). They don't specify what mercy they need—healing is implied but not demanded. This demonstrates appropriate faith: recognizing Jesus' authority, acknowledging their need, throwing themselves on His mercy without dictating terms. They come empty-handed, offering nothing, claiming nothing, simply begging grace. This is the right posture for approaching God—desperate, humble, pleading.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'Master' (ἐπιστάτα, epistata) appears only in Luke's Gospel and indicates recognized authority and teaching role. That all ten address Jesus identically suggests they'd discussed approaching Him and agreed on their approach. Their unified cry demonstrates corporate faith—they came together, believing together, hoping together. The simplicity of their request—'have mercy'—shows they understood their helplessness. Unlike the rich young ruler who approached Jesus confidently trusting his merit (Luke 18:18-23), these lepers had nothing to offer, no claims to make, only desperate need. This is the essence of saving faith: recognizing total spiritual bankruptcy and casting yourself on God's mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lepers' cry 'have mercy' model the right approach to God in prayer and salvation?
  2. What's significant about all ten coming together with unified faith rather than individually?
  3. How does helpless desperation position people to receive God's grace more readily than self-sufficient confidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ2 of 9

“they”

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

ἦραν3 of 9

“lifted up”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

φωνὴν4 of 9

“their voices”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

λέγοντες5 of 9

“and said”

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

Ἰησοῦ6 of 9

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐπιστάτα7 of 9

“Master”

G1988

an appointee over, i.e., commander (teacher)

ἐλέησον8 of 9

“have mercy”

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

ἡμᾶς9 of 9

“on us”

G2248

us

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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:30-31Matthew 15:22Matthew 9:27Luke 18:38-39Mark 9:22Luke 5:5

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