King James Version

What Does Luke 7:4 Mean?

Luke 7:4 in the King James Version says “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:”

Luke 7:4 · KJV

Context

2

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

3

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

4

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

5

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this. The elders' axios estin (ἄξιός ἐστιν, he is worthy) presents human merit-theology—they argue the centurion deserves healing because of his good works. This stands in stark contrast to the centurion's own confession (verse 6-7) that he is unworthy. The Greek parakalein (παρακαλεῖν, earnestly begged) shows their intense advocacy.

Ironically, the elders misunderstand grace—they present works-based worthiness while the centurion exhibits faith-based humility. Jesus responds not to the centurion's supposed merit but to his remarkable faith. This previews Paul's doctrine: salvation is 'not of works, lest any man should boast' (Ephesians 2:9), but through faith alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish leaders advocating for a Roman military officer reveals the centurion's extraordinary impact on Capernaum. His benefaction to the synagogue and fair treatment of Jews had earned genuine respect, despite representing occupying forces.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you approach God—based on your worthiness and works, or on His grace and mercy?
  2. Why is it significant that Jesus responded to faith rather than to the arguments about the centurion's worthiness?
  3. In what ways might you be tempted to base your access to God on your performance rather than Christ's finished work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἱ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

παραγενόμενοι3 of 16

“when they came”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

πρὸς4 of 16

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν5 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν6 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

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

παρεκάλουν7 of 16

“they besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτὸν8 of 16

“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

σπουδαίως9 of 16

“instantly”

G4709

earnestly, promptly

λέγοντες10 of 16

“saying”

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

ὅτι11 of 16

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἄξιός12 of 16

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ἐστιν13 of 16

“he was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ᾧ14 of 16

“for whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρέξει15 of 16

“he should do”

G3930

to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion

τοῦτο·16 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:37-38Revelation 3:4Luke 7:6-7Matthew 10:11Matthew 10:13Luke 20:35

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