Luke 10:33

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him],

But {G1161} a certain {G5100} Samaritan {G4541}, as he journeyed {G3593}, came {G2064} where {G2596} he was {G846}: and {G2532} when he saw {G1492} him {G846}, he had compassion {G4697} on him,

“But a man from Shomron who was traveling came upon him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion.

But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion,

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 10:33 (KJV)

Luke 10:33 is a pivotal verse within the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan, narrated by Jesus in response to a lawyer's question, "Who is my neighbour?" This verse introduces the unexpected hero of the story, setting the stage for a profound lesson on true compassion and neighborliness.

Context

The parable (Luke 10:25-37) begins with a man assaulted and left for dead on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Two religious figures, a priest and a Levite, pass by the injured man, avoiding interaction. This verse dramatically shifts the narrative to a Samaritan. In Jesus' time, there was deep-seated animosity and prejudice between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from historical, religious, and ethnic differences. Jews typically despised Samaritans, considering them outsiders and heretics. Therefore, the very presence of a Samaritan in this role would have been shocking and counter-cultural to Jesus' Jewish audience, immediately challenging their preconceived notions of who was "righteous" or "neighborly."

Key Themes

  • Compassion Beyond Prejudice: The Samaritan, an ethnic and religious outsider to the Jewish victim and audience, is the one who acts with genuine care. This highlights that true compassion transcends social, ethnic, and religious barriers, defying expectations and challenging ingrained biases.
  • Active Mercy: Unlike the priest and Levite who "passed by on the other side," the Samaritan actively approaches the suffering man. His compassion is not merely an emotion but leads directly to action, demonstrating that love for one's neighbor requires tangible help.
  • True Neighborliness: Jesus uses this unexpected character to redefine "neighbor." It's not about proximity, shared background, or mutual affinity, but about who acts as a neighbor to someone in need.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "he had compassion" from the Greek word splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι). This is a very strong and visceral term, literally meaning to be "moved in one's bowels" or "inward parts." It signifies a deep, gut-wrenching pity and empathy, not just a fleeting feeling of sympathy. This is the same word often used to describe Jesus' own profound compassion for the suffering, such as when He saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd.

Practical Application

Luke 10:33 challenges believers today to look beyond superficial differences and societal prejudices when encountering those in need. It calls us to emulate the Samaritan's radical compassion, which is active, self-sacrificial, and extends to anyone, regardless of their background, status, or our personal feelings towards them. This verse prompts us to ask: "Who is my neighbor?" and then, like the Samaritan, to "go and do likewise," as Jesus instructs at the parable's conclusion in Luke 10:37.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:50

    And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

  • Jeremiah 38:7

    Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

  • Jeremiah 38:13

    So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

  • Luke 7:13

    And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

  • Proverbs 27:10

    Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.

  • Matthew 18:33

    Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

  • Matthew 10:5

    ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: