King James Version

What Does Luke 17:19 Mean?

Luke 17:19 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Luke 17:19 · KJV


Context

17

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

18

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

20

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: with: or, with outward shew

21

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. within you: or, among you


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' pronouncement: 'And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.' Jesus tells him 'Arise, go thy way' (ἀναστὰς πορεύου, anastas poreuou)—you may leave. Then the crucial statement: 'thy faith hath made thee whole' (ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε, hē pistis sou sesōken se). The verb 'sesōken' (σέσωκέν, perfect tense of sōzō) means saved, healed, made whole—comprehensive restoration. All ten were healed (v. 14), but only this one was 'made whole.' The difference: he returned in faith and gratitude. Physical healing without spiritual transformation is incomplete. True wholeness requires recognizing Jesus as Lord, not merely miracle-worker. The nine received temporal healing; this one received eternal salvation. Ingratitude reveals incomplete faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The perfect tense 'has saved you' indicates completed action with ongoing results—this Samaritan stands in a state of complete salvation. Jesus attributes this not to His power (though He performed the miracle) but to the man's faith—not the faith that merely cried for healing (all ten had that) but faith that returned to worship and thank Jesus. This illustrates the difference between receiving God's blessings and knowing God Himself. Many seek God for benefits without desiring God. The nine wanted healing; this one wanted Jesus. The passage challenges professed Christians to examine whether they love Jesus or merely His benefits—salvation, prosperity, answered prayer, eternal life. True saving faith treasures Christ Himself above all His gifts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between the physical healing all ten received and the wholeness this one received?
  2. How does returning to thank Jesus distinguish genuine saving faith from mere desire for benefits?
  3. Do you love Jesus primarily for who He is or for what He gives you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 10

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ3 of 10

unto him

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

Ἀναστὰς4 of 10

Arise

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

πορεύου·5 of 10

go thy way

G4198

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

6 of 10
G3588

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

πίστις7 of 10

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

σου8 of 10

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

σέσωκέν9 of 10

hath made

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

σε10 of 10

thee

G4571

thee


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 17:19 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 17:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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