King James Version

What Does Luke 7:10 Mean?

Luke 7:10 in the King James Version says “And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Luke 7:10 · KJV


Context

8

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. one: Gr. this man

9

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

10

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

11

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. The passive participle hygiainonta (ὑγιαίνοντα, being in health/sound) confirms the healing's completeness—not gradual improvement but instant restoration to perfect health. The perfect participle asthenēsanta (ἀσθενήσαντα, having been sick) emphasizes the prior state, highlighting the miraculous transformation.

Luke, the physician, emphasizes medical verification—those sent found the servant already healed when they returned. The healing occurred at Jesus' word, across distance, without physical contact. This demonstrates Christ's sovereignty over space and matter, His word alone accomplishing what it declares. The centurion's faith was vindicated: Christ's word proved sufficient. This previews resurrection power: Christ's voice will call forth the dead (John 5:28-29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture valued eyewitness testimony. Luke carefully notes that multiple witnesses (the Jewish elders sent to Jesus) verified the healing upon returning home. This medical verification from Luke the physician adds credibility to the miracle account.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this instant, distant healing demonstrate that Christ's power is not limited by physical proximity or presence?
  2. What does the complete healing ('whole') teach about Christ's ability to fully restore what is broken in your life?
  3. How should the vindication of the centurion's faith encourage you to trust Christ's promises even before seeing results?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

ὑποστρέψαντες2 of 12

returning

G5290

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

οἱ3 of 12
G3588

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

πεμφθέντες4 of 12

they that were sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

εἰς5 of 12

to

G1519

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

τὸν6 of 12
G3588

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

οἶκον7 of 12

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

εὗρον8 of 12

found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸν9 of 12
G3588

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

ἀσθενοῦντα10 of 12

that had been sick

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

δοῦλον11 of 12

the servant

G1401

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

ὑγιαίνοντα12 of 12

whole

G5198

to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)


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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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