King James Version

What Does Luke 7:8 Mean?

Luke 7:8 in the King James Version says “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,... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 7:8 · KJV


Context

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The centurion's logic is profound: hypo exousian tassomenos (ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν τασσόμενος, set under authority)—his power to command flows from being under higher authority. He recognizes Jesus operates under divine authority, making His commands absolutely effective.

The present tenses (goes, comes, does) emphasize immediate, unquestioning obedience to authorized commands. The centurion's analogy reasons from lesser to greater: if his limited human authority produces obedience, how much more Christ's divine authority over sickness and death? This understanding of delegated divine authority underlies all biblical faith—we trust Christ's word because it carries God's own authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A centurion commanded approximately 80-100 soldiers and answered to military tribunes and the legion legate. Roman military discipline was legendary for absolute obedience—orders were executed without hesitation. This centurion saw spiritual reality mirrored in military structure: Jesus' authority came from the Father.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does submitting to Christ's authority empower you to exercise spiritual authority in prayer and ministry?
  2. What does the centurion's reasoning teach about the relationship between obedience to God and effectiveness in service?
  3. How can understanding Jesus' delegated authority from the Father strengthen your confidence in His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

also

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 31

For

G1063

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

ἐγὼ3 of 31

I

G1473

i, me

ἄνθρωπός4 of 31

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰμι5 of 31

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὑπ'6 of 31

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 (

ἐξουσίαν7 of 31

authority

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

τασσόμενος8 of 31

set

G5021

to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)

ἔχων9 of 31

having

G2192

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

ὑπ'10 of 31

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 (

ἐμαυτὸν11 of 31

me

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

στρατιώτας12 of 31

soldiers

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 31

also

G2532

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

λέγω14 of 31

I say

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

τούτῳ15 of 31

unto one

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

πορεύεται16 of 31

Go

G4198

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

καὶ17 of 31

also

G2532

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

πορεύεται18 of 31

Go

G4198

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

καὶ19 of 31

also

G2532

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

ἄλλῳ20 of 31

to another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔρχεται21 of 31

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ22 of 31

also

G2532

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

ἔρχεται23 of 31

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ24 of 31

also

G2532

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

τῷ25 of 31
G3588

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

δούλῳ26 of 31

servant

G1401

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

μου27 of 31

to my

G3450

of me

ποιεῖ28 of 31

Do

G4160

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

τοῦτο29 of 31

this

G5124

that thing

καὶ30 of 31

also

G2532

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

ποιεῖ31 of 31

Do

G4160

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


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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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