Luke 10:34

KJV

And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} went {G4334} to him, and bound up {G2611} his {G846} wounds {G5134}, pouring in {G2022} oil {G1637} and {G2532} wine {G3631}, and {G1161} set {G1913} him {G846} on {G1909} his own {G2398} beast {G2934}, and brought {G71} him {G846} to {G1519} an inn {G3829}, and {G2532} took care {G1959} of him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he went up to him, put oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Berean Standard Bible

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

American Standard Version

and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:34 vividly portrays the Good Samaritan's profound and active compassion towards the injured man. Unlike the priest and Levite who passed by, the Samaritan immediately approached the victim, meticulously bandaged his wounds with medicinal oil and wine, and then personally transported him to a safe haven, demonstrating selfless care that extended beyond immediate aid to ongoing provision. This verse encapsulates the practical and costly nature of true neighborly love, setting a powerful example within Jesus' parable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the [Parable of the Good Samaritan](/luke/10-25 "Luke 10:25 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), which Jesus tells in response to a lawyer's question, "And who is my neighbour?" ([Luke 10:29](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29 - The Lawyer's Question")). The narrative builds tension by first presenting two religious figures, a priest ([Luke 10:31](/luke/10-31 "Luke 10:31 - The Priest Passes By")) and a Levite ([Luke/10-32](/luke/10-32 "Luke 10:32 - The Levite Passes By")), who both observe the injured man but choose to pass by on the other side. The Samaritan's actions in [Luke 10:33-35](/luke/10-33-35 "Luke 10:33-35 - The Samaritan's Compassion") stand in stark contrast, highlighting his exemplary compassion and practical intervention, thereby redefining the very concept of "neighbor."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, approximately 17 miles long, was notoriously dangerous, winding through desolate terrain and known for ambushes by robbers. This historical reality underscores the victim's vulnerability and the Samaritan's courage in stopping. Culturally, Samaritans and Jews harbored deep-seated animosity, stemming from historical, religious, and ethnic differences. Jews typically viewed Samaritans as heretics and half-breeds, making the Samaritan's act of mercy towards a Jew (implied by the setting) profoundly counter-cultural and shocking to Jesus' Jewish audience. His actions defied social prejudice and religious boundaries, emphasizing that true neighborliness transcends such divisions.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:34 contributes significantly to several key themes in the broader book of Luke. Foremost is **Active Compassion**, demonstrating that genuine love for others is not merely an emotion but translates into tangible, sacrificial action. This aligns with Luke's emphasis on care for the marginalized and vulnerable, as seen in Jesus' ministry to the poor, sick, and outcasts ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Another theme is **Redefining Neighborliness**, challenging the narrow, legalistic interpretations of the law prevalent among some religious leaders. The Samaritan's actions illustrate that a "neighbor" is anyone in need, regardless of their background, and that true love requires crossing traditional boundaries. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Practical Righteousness**, contrasting external religious observance (priest, Levite) with genuine, self-sacrificial obedience to God's command to love ([Luke 10:27](/luke/10-27 "Luke 10:27 - Love God and Neighbor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound up (Greek, _katadéō'_):** From G2611, meaning "to tie down, i.e. bandage (a wound)." This word signifies a deliberate, careful, and thorough action of applying bandages. It suggests not a hasty or superficial treatment, but a methodical and caring process of securing the wound, indicating the Samaritan's attention to detail and genuine concern for the injured man's well-being.
* **pouring in (Greek, _epichéō'_):** From G2022, meaning "to pour upon." This action describes the application of oil and wine directly onto the wounds. The preposition "epi" (upon) emphasizes the direct and intentional nature of the pouring, suggesting a generous and unreserved application of the remedies, not merely a token gesture.
* **took care (Greek, _epimeléomai'_):** From G1959, meaning "to care for (physically or otherwise)." This word conveys a sense of diligent, continuous, and responsible oversight. It implies more than just dropping the man off at the inn; it speaks of a commitment to his ongoing welfare, even arranging for future care, underscoring the Samaritan's profound and sustained compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And went to him":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the Samaritan's decisive and compassionate response. Unlike the priest and Levite who avoided the injured man, the Samaritan actively approached him, demonstrating a willingness to engage with suffering and overcome any potential fear or inconvenience.
* **"and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine":** This clause describes the Samaritan's immediate and practical first aid. The act of "binding up" indicates careful bandaging, while "pouring in oil and and wine" refers to ancient medical practices. Wine, with its alcoholic content, served as an antiseptic to cleanse the wounds, and oil (likely olive oil) was used as a soothing agent, moisturizer, and to promote healing. This detail highlights the Samaritan's practical knowledge and tender care.
* **"and set him on his own beast":** This action reveals the Samaritan's personal sacrifice and commitment. He not only provided immediate medical attention but also used his own mode of transport (likely a donkey or mule), giving up his own comfort and time to ensure the injured man's safe passage. This was an act of profound humility and selflessness.
* **"and brought him to an inn, and took care of him":** This final part of the verse shows the Samaritan's extended and diligent care. He transported the man to a public lodging place ("inn" or _pandocheîon_), where he could receive shelter and further attention. The phrase "took care of him" implies not just a drop-off, but a personal oversight of his immediate needs upon arrival, setting the stage for the ongoing provision described in the following verse.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:34 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, as the Samaritan's actions are starkly juxtaposed with the indifference of the priest and Levite, amplifying the Samaritan's exceptional compassion. This contrast serves to highlight the true meaning of neighborliness versus mere religious observance. **Symbolism** is present in the oil and wine, which represent not only ancient remedies but also the soothing and healing balm of active love and mercy. The Samaritan's "own beast" can be seen as a symbol of **personal sacrifice**, as he literally gives of his own resources and comfort to help a stranger. The entire scene functions as an **exemplum**, a moral illustration designed to teach a profound lesson about ethical conduct and theological truth, making the abstract concept of "love your neighbor" concrete and actionable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:34 profoundly illustrates the call to active, costly compassion that transcends social and religious boundaries. It challenges believers to move beyond mere sympathy or intellectual assent to love, urging them into tangible acts of mercy and service for those in need, regardless of their background or perceived worthiness. The Samaritan's actions embody the very heart of God's character—a God who actively intervenes in human suffering, pouring out grace and healing. This verse underscores that true faith is demonstrated not by ritualistic adherence or social status, but by self-sacrificial love for others, reflecting the divine love poured out for humanity.

* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These")
* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works is Dead")
* [Proverbs 3:27-28](/proverbs/3-27-28 "Proverbs 3:27-28 - Do Not Withhold Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:34 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for all who claim to follow Christ. It compels us to examine our own hearts and ask if our compassion extends beyond comfortable boundaries, beyond those we naturally like or agree with. The Samaritan's willingness to "go to" the injured man, to touch and tend to his wounds, and to bear the cost of his recovery, challenges us to move from passive pity to proactive intervention. In a world still rife with suffering, division, and neglect, this verse calls us to be agents of healing and hope, to use our resources—time, talent, and treasure—to alleviate the burdens of others, embodying the selfless love that Christ demonstrated. It reminds us that our "neighbor" is anyone God places in our path who is in need, and that true spirituality is expressed through sacrificial service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to "pass by on the other side" when confronted with someone in need, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **What "oil and wine" (resources, skills, time) has God given me that I can pour into the wounds of others?**
* **Am I willing to incur personal cost or inconvenience to truly care for a "neighbor" who is different from me or whom society might deem unworthy?**
* **How can my church or community better embody the active, sustained care demonstrated by the Good Samaritan?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Samaritan use oil and wine for the wounds? Was this a common practice?**

Answer: Yes, the use of oil and wine for treating wounds was a well-established and common medical practice in the ancient world. Wine, particularly fermented wine, contains alcohol and acidic properties that would have served as an effective antiseptic, cleansing the open wounds and helping to prevent infection. Oil, often olive oil, was used for its soothing, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It would have helped to lubricate the bandages, prevent them from sticking to the wound, and promote healing by keeping the skin supple. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate not only compassion but also practical, knowledgeable care, reflecting the best available medical remedies of his time. This detail adds authenticity to the narrative and underscores the thoroughness of his intervention, going beyond mere sympathy to provide genuine, effective aid to the injured man.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Good Samaritan's actions in [Luke 10:34](/luke/10-34 "Luke 10:34 - The Good Samaritan's Compassion") powerfully foreshadow and embody the ultimate compassion of Christ. Just as the Samaritan crossed social and ethnic boundaries to rescue a stranger, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left the glory of heaven to enter a broken world and rescue humanity, who lay spiritually wounded and helpless, robbed of their dignity by sin ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the true Physician who binds up our deepest wounds, pouring out the healing balm of His grace and the cleansing blood of His atoning sacrifice ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Christ did not merely pass by; He actively came to us, bore our burdens, and carried us to the ultimate "inn" of salvation, His Church, where we receive ongoing care and spiritual nourishment ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His love is the ultimate example of self-sacrificial neighborliness, demonstrating that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")), providing eternal care and restoration that goes infinitely beyond any earthly provision.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Exodus 4:24

¶ And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.

Mark 14:8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.