King James Version

What Does Luke 17:9 Mean?

Luke 17:9 in the King James Version says “Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.”

Luke 17:9 · KJV

Context

7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. Jesus concludes the parable with a rhetorical question: Doth he thank that servant (μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ, mē echei charin tō doulō—literally "Does he have gratitude toward the servant?"). The expected answer is negative. The phrase because he did the things that were commanded him (ὅτι ἐποίησεν τὰ διαταχθέντα, hoti epoiēsen ta diatachthenta) emphasizes the commanded nature of the work—these weren't voluntary extras but assigned duties.

I trow not (οὐ δοκῶ, ou dokō—"I think not") is Jesus' assessment, though some manuscripts omit this phrase, leaving the rhetorical question to stand alone. The point is clear: masters don't owe special thanks for servants doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Obedience to commands is baseline expectation, not extraordinary achievement deserving bonus reward.

Applied spiritually (v. 10): when believers obey God's commands, we've done only our duty. We cannot earn salvation through obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9) nor claim special divine favors for doing what God requires. This demolishes works-righteousness and religious pride. Our best obedience is unprofitable—we've given God nothing He wasn't already owed. Yet Scripture also promises rewards for faithful service (Matthew 25:21, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)—not as wages earned but as grace gifts from a generous Master who delights to honor His servants beyond what justice requires.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, slaves who performed assigned duties received no special recognition—obedience was mandatory, not meritorious. Masters might choose to reward exceptional service, but servants had no legal claim to such rewards. Jesus' Jewish audience would understand this clearly. The parable confronts Pharisaic theology that treated Torah obedience as merit earning divine reward. The rabbis debated whether righteous deeds created 'treasury of merit' before God. Jesus rejects this framework entirely: we're servants who owe everything and earn nothing. Paul later develops this theme systematically (Romans 3:20, 4:4-5, 11:35-36)—salvation is grace, not wages; God is never our debtor. This teaching was revolutionary in first-century Judaism and remains countercultural in every era of self-congratulatory religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth that perfect obedience is merely our duty (not meritorious achievement) shatter religious pride?
  2. What's the difference between serving God to earn rewards versus serving faithfully while trusting His gracious generosity?
  3. How should understanding yourself as an unprofitable servant affect your response to criticism or lack of recognition in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
μὴ1 of 13
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

χάριν2 of 13

“thank”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ἔχει3 of 13

“Doth he”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τῷ4 of 13
G3588

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

δούλῳ5 of 13

“servant”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἐκείνῳ,6 of 13

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὅτι7 of 13

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐποίησεν8 of 13

“he did”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰ9 of 13
G3588

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

διαταχθέντα10 of 13

“the things that were commanded”

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

αὐτῷ11 of 13

“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

οὐ12 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δοκῶ13 of 13

“I trow”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

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 17:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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