Commentary

What does Luke 17:18 mean?

“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” — Luke 17:18

Luke 17:18 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus heals ten lepers. Only one of the ten, who is a Samaritan, returns to give thanks and praise to God for his healing.

The context of this verse is important to understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, Jesus encounters ten lepers who call out to him for mercy. In ancient times, leprosy was a dreaded and highly contagious disease, and those afflicted with it were often shunned and isolated from society. Therefore, these lepers were desperate for healing and restoration. In response, Jesus instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they obey, they are miraculously healed. However, only one of them, the Samaritan, returns to express gratitude and praise to Jesus for his healing.

The significance of the Samaritan's actions in returning to give thanks to God cannot be overstated. Samaritans were often looked down upon and marginalized by the Jewish population, yet it is the Samaritan who displays gratitude and faith in this passage. This serves to emphasize the theme of unexpected faith and the inclusive nature of God's grace. The Samaritan's response highlights the idea that faith and gratitude can come from unexpected places, and that God's love and mercy transcends barriers of ethnicity, culture, and social status.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and giving glory to God. Despite being healed from a devastating disease, the other nine lepers do not return to thank God for their restoration. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers, reminding them to not take God's blessings for granted and to always express gratitude for His goodness.

Moreover, the verse speaks to the broader theme of the transformative power of faith. The Samaritan's faith in Jesus as the source of his healing demonstrates the profound impact that belief in Christ can have on an individual's life. Through his gratitude, the Samaritan not only receives physical healing but also experiences spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.

Symbolically, the act of returning to give glory to God can be seen as a demonstration of humility and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. By returning and bowing down before Jesus, the Samaritan expresses his recognition of Jesus as the source of his healing and his willingness to submit to God's will. This symbolizes the surrender of one's heart to God and the acknowledgment of His authority over all aspects of life.

In conclusion, Luke 17:18 from the King James Version of the Bible conveys important themes of unexpected faith, gratitude, and the transformative power of belief in Christ. It serves as a reminder to believers to always express gratitude for God's blessings and to recognize His sovereignty in our lives. The verse also carries a powerful message of inclusivity and the ability of faith to transcend societal barriers. Overall, the passage provides valuable insights into the nature of faith and the response that God desires from His people.

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Luke 17:18 - "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."

"There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." - Luke 17:18

Luke 18:17 - "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."

Matthew 17:17-18

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 13:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 13:18-19

Luke 10:17-19

Luke 18:16-17 - "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."