Luke 10:35

KJV

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} on {G1909} the morrow {G839} when he departed {G1831}, he took out {G1544} two {G1417} pence {G1220}, and gave {G1325} them to the host {G3830}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Take care {G1959} of him {G846}; and {G2532} whatsoever {G3748}{G302} thou spendest more {G4325}, when I {G3165} come again {G1722}{G1880}, I {G1473} will repay {G591} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, he took out two days’ wages, gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Look after him; and if you spend more than this, I’ll pay you back when I return.’

Berean Standard Bible

The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

American Standard Version

And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:35 captures the climactic expression of the Good Samaritan's extraordinary compassion and commitment to the man he rescued. After providing immediate first aid, the Samaritan demonstrates remarkable foresight and generosity by entrusting the injured man to an innkeeper, providing a substantial initial payment, and unequivocally promising to cover any additional expenses upon his return, thereby ensuring comprehensive and ongoing care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the Samaritan's actions within the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which Jesus tells in response to a lawyer's question, "And who is my neighbor?" [Luke 10:29](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29 - The Lawyer's Question"). The narrative begins with a man attacked by robbers and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho [Luke 10:30](/luke/10-30 "Luke 10:30 - The Robbed Man"). A priest and a Levite, religious figures expected to show compassion, pass by on the other side [Luke 10:31-32](/luke/10-31-32 "Luke 10:31-32 - The Priest and Levite Pass By"), highlighting their failure. The Samaritan, a member of a group despised by Jews, then acts with profound mercy, binding the man's wounds, pouring oil and wine on them, and bringing him to an inn [Luke 10:33-34](/luke/10-33-34 "Luke 10:33-34 - The Samaritan's Initial Compassion"). Verse 35 extends this compassion from immediate aid to a long-term, financially committed responsibility, setting up Jesus' concluding challenge to the lawyer in [Luke 10:37](/luke/10-37 "Luke 10:37 - Go and Do Likewise").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously dangerous, known for its steep, winding terrain and prevalence of robbers. Travelers often journeyed in groups for safety. Samaritans and Jews were deeply antagonistic, stemming from historical, religious, and ethnic differences, making the Samaritan's act of mercy profoundly counter-cultural and shocking to Jesus' Jewish audience. An "inn" (πανδοχεῖον, _pandocheion_) was typically a public lodging place, often a caravanserai, providing basic shelter and a host (πανδοχεύς, _pandocheus_) who would oversee the premises. The "two pence" (δύο δηνάρια, _duo dēnaria_) refers to two denarii, a Roman silver coin that represented a day's wage for a common laborer. This sum was a significant amount, sufficient for several days' lodging and basic care, underscoring the Samaritan's immediate generosity. His promise to repay "whatsoever thou spendest more" highlights an open-ended commitment, going far beyond social expectation.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:35 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the parable and the broader Gospel of Luke. It exemplifies **radical compassion and selfless love**, demonstrating that true neighborliness transcends ethnic, religious, or social boundaries, as seen in the Samaritan's actions contrasting with the religious leaders' indifference. The verse also underscores **practical, sustained generosity**, moving beyond initial acts of kindness to a long-term commitment to another's well-being, even at personal cost. This commitment is a hallmark of the kingdom values Jesus consistently teaches, emphasizing active love over mere religious observance. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **going above and beyond**, challenging the listener to exceed minimal expectations in service and care for others, echoing the call to abundant living and sacrificial discipleship found throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According to Luke").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pence (Greek, _dēnárion'_):** This term refers to a denarius, a Roman silver coin equivalent to a day's wage for a common laborer. The "two pence" (two denarii) given by the Samaritan was a substantial sum, indicating a significant initial investment in the injured man's care, enough to cover several days' lodging and basic needs. It signals the Samaritan's immediate and practical generosity.
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a broad act of giving, bestowing, or delivering. In this context, it highlights the Samaritan's deliberate and intentional transfer of resources to the innkeeper, not merely as a loan, but as an act of provision for the injured man. It underscores the active nature of his compassion.
* **repay (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** This word means to give away, give back, or pay back. The Samaritan's promise to "repay" any additional expenses upon his return demonstrates a profound and open-ended commitment. It signifies a complete assumption of financial responsibility for the man's full recovery, regardless of the ultimate cost, extending his care indefinitely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the morrow when he departed":** This phrase emphasizes the Samaritan's continued journey and the practical necessity of leaving the injured man in the care of another. It highlights his foresight in making arrangements before his departure, ensuring the man's needs would be met even in his absence.
* **"he took out two pence, and gave them to the host":** This action signifies the Samaritan's immediate and tangible financial commitment. The "two pence" (two denarii) was a significant sum, representing at least two days' wages, demonstrating a substantial initial investment in the man's care and a trust placed in the innkeeper.
* **"and said unto him, Take care of him":** This is a direct instruction to the innkeeper, entrusting the injured man's ongoing well-being to his charge. It reveals the Samaritan's concern for the quality and continuity of care, ensuring the man would not be abandoned.
* **"and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee":** This is the most striking part of the verse, showcasing the Samaritan's extraordinary and open-ended generosity. He not only covers initial expenses but also promises to bear any additional costs, demonstrating an unlimited commitment to the man's full recovery. This pledge extends his compassion into the indefinite future, far beyond what would be expected.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is present in the Samaritan's promise to "come again" and "repay," which subtly hints at a future return and complete restitution, a theme that resonates with broader biblical narratives of divine provision and ultimate recompense. **Hyperbole** is evident in the open-ended promise "whatsoever thou spendest more," which, while not literally infinite, conveys an extraordinary and boundless commitment that far exceeds typical expectations or obligations. This emphasizes the radical nature of the Samaritan's love. The entire scene functions as a **parable**, a narrative teaching tool, where the Samaritan's actions serve as a vivid **exemplum** of true neighborliness and sacrificial love, directly contrasting with the failures of the priest and Levite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:35 profoundly illustrates the practical outworking of God's love, challenging believers to embody a compassion that is not merely emotional or momentary, but active, sacrificial, and sustained. The Samaritan's commitment to the injured man, extending to future financial responsibility, mirrors God's own covenantal faithfulness and generous provision for humanity. It calls us to see every person in need as our "neighbor," regardless of background or perceived worth, and to respond with a love that bears burdens and ensures holistic well-being. This radical generosity reflects the very heart of the Gospel, where God, in Christ, bore the ultimate cost for our redemption.

* [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due")
* [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith")
* [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:35 serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to move beyond superficial acts of kindness to embrace a deep, enduring commitment to those in need. It challenges us to consider not just immediate relief, but the long-term well-being and recovery of individuals and communities. This requires foresight, generosity that may stretch our resources, and a willingness to bear ongoing burdens for the sake of another. In a world often characterized by fleeting attention and limited empathy, the Samaritan's example compels us to cultivate a love that is comprehensive, proactive, and sacrificial, reflecting the boundless love of God. It asks us to be responsible stewards of compassion, ensuring that those we help are truly cared for until they are whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Beyond immediate aid, how can I demonstrate sustained commitment to someone in need in my life or community?**
* **What "additional expenses" (time, resources, emotional energy) am I willing to commit to ensure the full recovery or well-being of others?**
* **In what ways might I be passing by on the "other side" by not committing to long-term care for those around me?**
* **How does the Samaritan's open-ended generosity challenge my own limits of giving and service?**

### FAQ
**What was the value of "two pence" in ancient times?**

Answer: The "two pence" mentioned in Luke 10:35 refers to two denarii (δύο δηνάρια in Greek). A denarius was a common Roman silver coin, equivalent to a day's wage for a common laborer or soldier. Therefore, two denarii represented approximately two days' wages. This was a significant sum, enough to cover several days of lodging and basic care at an inn, demonstrating the Samaritan's substantial initial generosity and commitment to the injured man's well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:35, while a powerful human example of compassion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Samaritan's actions—his willingness to cross social boundaries, his self-sacrificial care, his initial provision, and his open-ended promise to return and cover all remaining costs—beautifully prefigure Christ's redemptive work. Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan, who, seeing humanity "half dead" and robbed by sin, did not pass by. He descended from heaven, entered our broken world, bound our wounds with His grace, and poured out the oil and wine of His Spirit and atoning blood [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His stripes we are healed"). He brought us to the "inn" of His Church, entrusting us to its care, and has given the "two pence" of the Holy Spirit and the Word, empowering His people to continue His work of healing and restoration [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit"). Most significantly, like the Samaritan, Christ has promised, "whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." This speaks powerfully to His second coming, when He will return to fully complete our salvation, wipe away every tear, and perfectly restore all things, bearing the full and final cost of our redemption and glorification [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God will wipe away every tear"). The Samaritan's pledge of future repayment is a poignant echo of Christ's guaranteed return and the complete fulfillment of His redemptive work for all who trust in Him.

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

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Luke 14:13

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

Romans 16:23

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

Matthew 20:2

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.