Luke 10:37

KJV

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, He that shewed {G4160} mercy {G1656} on {G3326} him {G846}. Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto him {G846}, Go {G4198}, and {G2532} do {G4160} thou {G4771} likewise {G3668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Yeshua said to him, “You go and do as he did.”

Berean Standard Bible

“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

American Standard Version

And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:37 serves as the climactic conclusion to Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan, delivering a profound and actionable command that redefines the essence of neighborly love. Following the lawyer's reluctant acknowledgment of the Samaritan's compassionate actions, Jesus issues a direct imperative, urging not merely intellectual understanding of the law, but its active, self-sacrificial embodiment in daily life, thereby revealing the true path to inheriting eternal life through radical love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a pivotal dialogue between Jesus and a lawyer, initiated by the lawyer's loaded question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" ([Luke 10:25](/luke/10-25 "Luke 10:25 - The Lawyer's Question")). After Jesus directs him back to the Mosaic Law, the lawyer correctly identifies the two great commandments: to love God and to love one's neighbor. However, seeking to "justify himself," the lawyer then poses the follow-up question, "And who is my neighbour?" ([Luke 10:29](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29 - Who is My Neighbor?")). Jesus responds not with a definition, but with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a masterclass in narrative pedagogy. The parable vividly portrays a man left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite (figures of religious authority), but shown extraordinary compassion by a Samaritan (a member of a group despised by Jews). After recounting the Samaritan's costly and comprehensive care, Jesus turns the lawyer's original question on its head, asking, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" The lawyer's answer, while avoiding the despised name "Samaritan," implicitly acknowledges the true neighbor. Jesus' subsequent command in Luke 10:37 is thus a direct, personal application of the parable's truth, moving from intellectual assent to ethical imperative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deeply entrenched, stemming from historical, religious, and ethnic differences, including disputes over proper worship sites and interpretations of the Torah. Jews considered Samaritans ritually impure and heretical, often avoiding all contact with them. Against this backdrop, Jesus' choice of a Samaritan as the hero of the parable was revolutionary and provocative, challenging the lawyer's (and the audience's) ethnocentric prejudices. Priests and Levites, on the other hand, were figures of religious piety and authority within Judaism; their failure to help the injured man would have been particularly shocking to Jesus' Jewish audience, perhaps even more so than the Samaritan's compassion. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, where the incident occurs, was notorious for its dangers, being a desolate, winding path prone to banditry. The Samaritan's actions—binding wounds, pouring oil and wine (antiseptic and soothing agents), placing the man on his own animal, taking him to an inn, and promising further payment—were not merely acts of charity but significant personal sacrifice, involving time, resources, and risk.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:37 powerfully encapsulates several major themes central to Jesus' teaching and the broader Lukan narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Active Mercy and Compassion**, emphasizing that true love for neighbor is not a passive feeling but a tangible, costly act of benevolence toward those in need, regardless of their background. The Samaritan's actions exemplify the kind of practical kindness that echoes the Old Testament call to care for the vulnerable, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord"). Secondly, the verse, through the parable it concludes, presents a radical **Redefinition of "Neighbor."** Jesus shatters the narrow, ethnocentric understanding of neighbor prevalent in His day, expanding it to include anyone in need, even those traditionally considered enemies or outsiders. This challenges all forms of prejudice and discrimination, aligning with Jesus' broader mission to bring salvation to all peoples, as highlighted throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke"). Thirdly, Jesus' command, "Go, and do thou likewise," highlights the theme of **Obedience Through Action**. It moves beyond mere intellectual understanding or theological debate to demand practical application of God's law. This resonates with the New Testament emphasis that genuine faith is demonstrated through works of love and mercy, as articulated in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead"). Finally, the parable and its concluding command illuminate a core aspect of **Discipleship**, calling believers to embody the second great commandment—to [love one's neighbor as oneself](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")—without reservation, discrimination, or self-justification, making it a hallmark of true followers of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mercy (Greek, _éleos_):** This term (G1656) denotes compassion, often active in nature, whether human or divine. In the context of the lawyer's answer, "He that shewed mercy on him," it refers specifically to the Samaritan's demonstrated, tangible pity and assistance. It is not merely a feeling but a benevolent act.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō_):** This versatile verb (G4160) means "to make or do" in a very wide application. When the lawyer states "He that shewed mercy on him," the underlying Greek implies "he who did mercy" or "he who made mercy happen." In Jesus' subsequent command, "Go, and do thou likewise," _poiéō_ carries the imperative force of actively performing or carrying out the same kind of merciful actions. It emphasizes the necessity of putting compassion into practice.
* **likewise (Greek, _homoíōs_):** This adverb (G3668) means "similarly" or "in the same way." Jesus' command "Go, and do thou likewise" is a direct and forceful imperative to imitate the Samaritan's specific, active, and self-sacrificial compassion. It demands not just general goodness, but a replication of the Samaritan's radical, barrier-breaking love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, He that shewed mercy on him."**: This phrase captures the lawyer's reluctant yet accurate answer to Jesus' question, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" The lawyer avoids uttering the despised name "Samaritan," instead identifying the true neighbor by his actions: "He that shewed mercy." This demonstrates that even the lawyer, despite his initial self-justifying posture, could not deny the evident compassion displayed by the Samaritan. His answer implicitly affirms that true neighborliness is defined by active benevolence, not by ethnic or religious affiliation.
* **"Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."**: This is Jesus' direct and powerful command, the culmination of the entire dialogue and parable. The imperative "Go" signifies a call to action, to move beyond intellectual understanding or passive agreement. "Do thou likewise" is a clear directive to imitate the Samaritan's example of active, costly, and indiscriminate mercy. It is a call to embody the very spirit of the law in practical, compassionate deeds, thereby demonstrating genuine love for one's neighbor and, by extension, for God. This command transforms the abstract question of "who is my neighbor?" into the concrete imperative of "be a neighbor."

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the despised Samaritan, an outsider, becomes the exemplary figure of neighborly love, while the religiously esteemed priest and Levite fail in their moral duty. This subverts the audience's expectations and challenges their prejudices. Jesus' use of a **Parable** is itself a powerful didactic device, allowing for complex moral and theological truths to be conveyed through a relatable narrative, engaging the listener's imagination and conscience more effectively than a direct lecture. The concluding command, "Go, and do thou likewise," is an **Imperative Mood**, highlighting the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Jesus' call to action. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as a prime example of **Didacticism**, where Jesus uses a real-life scenario and a compelling story to teach a fundamental truth about God's law and the nature of true righteousness, compelling His listener to self-reflection and transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:37 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that authentic love for God is inextricably linked to active, indiscriminate love for humanity. It transcends mere sentiment or intellectual assent, demanding a costly, practical engagement with the suffering of others. The parable and Jesus' command dismantle the human tendency to define "neighbor" narrowly, based on social, ethnic, or religious boundaries, instead broadening the scope to encompass anyone in need. This radical inclusivity reflects God's own expansive love, which extends to all people, regardless of their background or perceived worth. The passage underscores that true righteousness is not found in ritualistic observance or theological debate alone, but in compassionate action that mirrors the very heart of God. It challenges believers to move from asking "Who is my neighbor?" to becoming a neighbor to those in need, embodying the self-giving love that is the essence of God's character and the hallmark of His kingdom.

* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")
* [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:37 is not merely a historical account but a timeless call to action for every believer. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask whether our understanding of "neighbor" is truly aligned with Christ's expansive definition. In a world often fractured by division, prejudice, and indifference, Jesus' command compels us to look beyond our comfort zones, our social circles, and our preconceived notions of who is "deserving" of our compassion. It calls us to actively seek out opportunities to serve, to alleviate suffering, and to extend kindness to those who are marginalized, overlooked, or even considered adversaries. This means moving beyond passive pity to proactive engagement, using our time, resources, and gifts to meet tangible needs, just as the Samaritan did. Our faith is not truly lived until it is expressed in concrete acts of love that break down barriers and demonstrate the transformative power of God's grace in a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I tend to define "neighbor" too narrowly, perhaps limiting my compassion to those who are like me or who I deem worthy?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "go and do likewise" by actively showing mercy to someone outside my usual circle or comfort zone?**
* **How does the Samaritan's costly compassion challenge my own willingness to sacrifice time, resources, or personal convenience for the sake of others?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing intellectual understanding or religious ritual over tangible acts of love and service?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of "Go, and do thou likewise" in Luke 10:37?**

Answer: The primary message of "Go, and do thou likewise" is a direct, imperative call to action, urging believers to embody the radical, self-sacrificial, and indiscriminate compassion demonstrated by the Samaritan in the parable. It shifts the focus from merely knowing the law or defining "neighbor" intellectually to actively becoming a neighbor to anyone in need, regardless of their background or one's personal feelings towards them. Jesus' command emphasizes that true righteousness and the path to eternal life are found not in theological debate or ritualistic observance, but in tangible acts of love and mercy that transcend social, ethnic, and religious boundaries, mirroring God's own expansive love for humanity. It is a command to live out the second great commandment—to love one's neighbor as oneself—in practical, costly ways, making compassion the defining characteristic of one's life, as Jesus Himself exemplified throughout His ministry ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:37, with its profound command to "Go, and do thou likewise," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While the Samaritan serves as an exemplary figure, Jesus is the quintessential "Good Samaritan," who, out of boundless compassion, came to a humanity left spiritually "half dead" by sin, stripped and wounded by the fall. He did not pass by, but "had compassion" on us ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")), pouring out the healing balm of His grace and the cleansing wine of His atoning blood. He bore our burdens, carried us to the inn of His Church, and promised to return, having paid the full price for our restoration ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ's Suffering for Us")). Jesus' entire life was an embodiment of the radical love He commanded, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He laid down His life for His "enemies" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")). Therefore, when Jesus tells the lawyer to "do likewise," He is not merely asking for an imitation of the Samaritan, but an imitation of Himself. He is calling His followers to participate in His own mission of redemptive love, to be agents of His compassion in a broken world, empowered by the very Spirit of God ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")). To "do likewise" is to live a Christ-like life, extending grace and mercy to all, especially the marginalized and despised, reflecting the very heart of the One who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.