Luke 10:36

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Which {G5101} now {G3767} of these {G5130} three {G5140}, thinkest {G1380} thou {G4671}, was {G1096} neighbour {G4139} unto him that fell {G1706} among {G1519} the thieves {G3027}?

Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the ‘neighbor’ of the man who fell among robbers?”

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?

Luke 10:36 is the pivotal question Jesus poses to a lawyer, concluding the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan. This verse marks the turning point where Jesus challenges the lawyer's initial, self-justifying question, "Who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10:29).

Context

The lawyer, seeking to justify himself and perhaps limit his obligations, had asked Jesus to define "neighbour." In response, Jesus tells the story of a man robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Two religious figures, a priest and a Levite, pass by without offering aid, likely to avoid ritual impurity or inconvenience. It is a Samaritan—a person ethnically and religiously despised by Jews of that era—who stops, shows profound compassion, and provides extensive, sacrificial care, even arranging for the man's ongoing recovery. After recounting this detailed narrative of practical, selfless love, Jesus turns the question back to the lawyer, forcing him to confront the implications of the story directly.

Key Themes

  • Redefining "Neighbour": Jesus powerfully shifts the focus from identifying who one's neighbour is (a passive identification based on social or religious boundaries) to being a neighbour (an active demonstration of love and mercy). The question is no longer about who deserves our help, but about our responsibility to offer it.
  • Active Compassion Over Ritual: The parable highlights that true righteousness and adherence to God's law are found not merely in religious status or strict interpretations, but in merciful, tangible action towards those in need, regardless of their background or perceived worthiness.
  • Challenging Prejudice: By making the Samaritan the hero, Jesus directly challenges the deep-seated ethnic and religious prejudices of his day. The one least expected by the Jewish audience to act charitably is the one who embodies true neighbourliness, demonstrating that love transcends societal divisions.

Linguistic Insights

The profound impact of this verse lies in Jesus' subtle yet crucial rephrasing of the lawyer's original question. The lawyer asked, "Who is my neighbour?" (Greek: ho plēsion mou, focusing on identifying a specific person or group). Jesus, however, asks, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him?" (Greek: tis toutōn tōn triōn plēsion gegonen). The shift from the noun "neighbour" to the verb "was neighbour" (perfect active indicative of ginomai, meaning "to become" or "to be") powerfully transforms the inquiry from a quest for definition to a call for active participation. This linguistic pivot forces the lawyer to acknowledge that neighbourliness is defined by compassionate deeds, not by social or religious affiliation.

Practical Application

Luke 10:36 compels us to examine our own understanding of love and service in the modern world. It calls believers to:

  • Actively Seek Opportunities to Serve: Rather than waiting for someone to fit our preconceived definition of "neighbour," we are challenged to be a neighbour to anyone in need whom God places in our path, whether they are across the street or across the globe.
  • Break Down Barriers: This parable urges us to overcome social, ethnic, cultural, or religious prejudices that might prevent us from showing unconditional love and compassion to others. True Christian love, as commanded in Matthew 22:39, extends to all humanity.
  • Demonstrate Love Through Action: Faith is not merely intellectual assent or religious observance; it is lived out through tangible acts of kindness, mercy, and selfless service, echoing the principle that faith without works is dead.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine love for God is intrinsically linked to active, unconditional love for others, urging us to "go, and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 7:42

    And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

  • Matthew 21:28

    But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

  • Matthew 21:31

    Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

  • Matthew 17:25

    He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

  • Matthew 22:42

    Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The Son] of David.

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