King James Version

What Does Luke 7:6 Mean?

Luke 7:6 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto hi... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Luke 7:6 · KJV


Context

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:

7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof. The centurion's ouk eimi hikanos (οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανός, I am not worthy/sufficient) demonstrates profound humility contrasting sharply with the elders' insistence he was worthy (verse 4). The verb skulloú (σκύλλου, trouble/bother) shows concern for Jesus' burden—extraordinary sensitivity from a man accustomed to command.

Jewish law forbade entering Gentile homes (Acts 10:28), making the centurion's concern both culturally aware and spiritually perceptive. He recognizes his unworthiness not merely socially (Gentile before Jew) but morally (sinner before Holy God). This echoes the publican's prayer: 'God be merciful to me a sinner' (Luke 18:13). True faith begins with acknowledging unworthiness, not asserting rights.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Entering a Gentile home would render a Jew ceremonially unclean. The centurion's awareness of this restriction shows deep respect for Jewish purity laws and sensitivity to the potential cost to Jesus' ministry among His own people. Peter would later learn this barrier was abolished (Acts 10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the centurion's humility ('I am not worthy') contrast with modern assumptions about deserving God's blessing?
  2. What does his concern for troubling Jesus teach about approaching God with both boldness and reverence?
  3. How does genuine faith combine confidence in Christ's power with humble acknowledgment of personal unworthiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
1 of 36
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 36

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 36

Jesus

G2424

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

ἐπορεύετο4 of 36

went

G4198

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

σὺν5 of 36

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ,6 of 36

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

ἤδη7 of 36

now

G2235

even now

δὲ8 of 36

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ,9 of 36

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

οὐ10 of 36

not

G3756

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

μακρὰν11 of 36

far

G3112

at a distance (literally or figuratively)

ἀπέχοντος12 of 36

when he was

G568

(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ13 of 36

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς14 of 36
G3588

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

οἰκίας15 of 36

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἔπεμψεν16 of 36

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

πρὸς17 of 36

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,

αὐτῷ,18 of 36

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

19 of 36
G3588

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

ἑκατόνταρχος20 of 36

the centurion

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

φίλους21 of 36

friends

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

λέγων22 of 36

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

αὐτῷ,23 of 36

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

Κύριε24 of 36

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μὴ25 of 36

not

G3361

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

σκύλλου26 of 36

thyself

G4660

to flay, i.e., (figuratively) to harass

οὐ27 of 36

not

G3756

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

γὰρ28 of 36

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰμι29 of 36

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἱκανός30 of 36

worthy

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ἵνα31 of 36

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑπὸ32 of 36

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὴν33 of 36
G3588

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

στέγην34 of 36

roof

G4721

a roof

μου35 of 36

my

G3450

of me

εἰσέλθῃς·36 of 36

thou shouldest enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)


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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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