King James Version

What Does Luke 17:15 Mean?

Luke 17:15 in the King James Version says “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 17:15 · KJV


Context

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,

16

And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One of ten healed lepers returns: 'And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God' (εἷς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἰδὼν ὅτι ἰάθη, ὑπέστρεψεν μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης δοξάζων τὸν θεόν). The participle 'idōn' (ἰδὼν, when he saw) indicates recognition of God's work. The verb 'hypostrephō' (ὑπέστρεψεν, turned back) shows deliberate return. His worship is vocal (μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης, with loud voice) and God-directed (δοξάζων τὸν θεόν, glorifying God). Verse 16 notes he was a Samaritan—an outsider showed gratitude while nine Jews (insiders) did not. This illustrates that genuine faith transcends ethnic boundaries and that God values grateful hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Leprosy (a term covering various skin diseases) rendered sufferers ritually unclean, requiring isolation (Leviticus 13-14). The law mandated healed lepers show themselves to priests for ceremonial cleansing (Luke 17:14). All ten obeyed Jesus' command to go to the priests, but only one (the Samaritan) returned to thank Jesus first. This pattern mirrors Israel's general response to God—receiving blessings while withholding worship. Jesus' question 'Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?' (v.17) expresses divine disappointment at ingratitude.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the contrast between one grateful Samaritan and nine ungrateful Jews teach about true faith versus mere religious observance?
  2. How might you be like the nine—receiving God's blessings while failing to return in grateful worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἷς1 of 14

one

G1520

one

δὲ2 of 14

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐξ3 of 14

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν4 of 14

them

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

ἰδὼν5 of 14

when he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι6 of 14

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἰάθη7 of 14

he was healed

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

ὑπέστρεψεν8 of 14

turned back

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

μετὰ9 of 14

and with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

φωνῆς10 of 14

voice

G5456

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

μεγάλης11 of 14

a loud

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

δοξάζων12 of 14

glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν13 of 14
G3588

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

θεόν14 of 14

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 17:15 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 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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