Luke 17:10

KJV

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} likewise {G2532} ye {G5210}, when {G3752} ye shall have done {G4160} all {G3956} those things which are commanded {G1299} you {G5213}, say {G3004},{G3754} We are {G2070} unprofitable {G888} servants {G1401}:{G3754} we have done {G4160} that which {G3739} was our duty {G3784} to do {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It’s the same with you — when you have done everything you were told to do, you should be saying, ‘We’re just ordinary slaves, we have only done our duty.’”

Berean Standard Bible

So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

American Standard Version

Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:10 concludes a series of teachings by Jesus, emphasizing the proper posture of humility and duty for His disciples. It asserts that even after fulfilling all divine commands, believers should consider themselves as "unprofitable servants," having merely performed their inherent obligation without accruing any merit or placing God in their debt. This verse profoundly challenges human pride and self-righteousness, underscoring that our service is a response to grace, not a means to earn it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of a short discourse by Jesus to His disciples, immediately following teachings on the power of faith and the necessity of forgiveness. In [Luke 17:1-2](/luke/17-1-2 "Luke 17:1-2 - Warnings Against Causing Others to Stumble"), Jesus warns against causing others to stumble. He then emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness in [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - The Command to Forgive Repeatedly"), instructing His followers to forgive a repentant brother seven times a day. The disciples' response in [Luke 17:5](/luke/17-5 "Luke 17:5 - The Apostles Ask for More Faith") is a plea for increased faith, to which Jesus responds with the parable of the mustard seed in [Luke 17:6](/luke/17-6 "Luke 17:6 - The Power of Faith Like a Mustard Seed"), illustrating that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. The parable that directly precedes [Luke 17:7-9](/luke/17-7-9 "Luke 17:7-9 - The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant") depicts a servant who, after a day's work in the field, is still expected to serve his master dinner without immediate commendation or special reward. This master-servant dynamic sets the stage for the profound concluding statement in [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The master-servant relationship was a foundational social and economic reality in the ancient world, including first-century Judea. Servants (δοῦλοι, _doûloi_) were not merely employees; they were the property of their masters and owed them complete obedience and service. Their labor was not seen as generating a "profit" for themselves or creating a debt on the part of the master, but rather as fulfilling their basic obligation. There was no expectation of extra reward or even thanks for simply doing what was commanded. This cultural backdrop makes Jesus' analogy particularly potent. Disciples were to understand their relationship with God in similar terms – not as a contractual agreement where they earn merit, but as a relationship of inherent duty and humble submission to the divine Master. This perspective stood in contrast to some contemporary Jewish thought that emphasized earning righteousness through meticulous adherence to the Law.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **humility**. Jesus consistently teaches against pride and self-exaltation, as seen in passages like [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Parable of the Wedding Feast") where He advises taking the lowest seat. Another crucial theme is **duty and obedience** to God's commands, which is presented not as a path to earning salvation, but as the natural outflow of a disciple's relationship with God. This ties into the overarching theme of **God's sovereignty and grace**. The verse implicitly highlights that all human effort, no matter how diligent, cannot put God in our debt; salvation and favor are entirely by His unmerited grace, a concept powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Finally, the concept of **discipleship** is central, defining the proper mindset and attitude of those who follow Christ: one of selfless service and humble recognition of God's absolute authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _diatássō_):** This word (G1299) means "to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc." It implies a clear, authoritative directive or order. In this context, it refers to the specific instructions and expectations God has laid out for His servants, underscoring the divine origin and binding nature of these duties.
* **unprofitable (Greek, _achreîos_):** This term (G888) is derived from a negative particle and a word related to "need" or "use." It means "useless" or "unmeritorious." However, in this specific Lukan context, it carries the nuanced meaning of not having rendered any service beyond what was absolutely due. It's not about being incompetent or worthless, but about not having done anything that would create a special obligation or debt for the master. The servant has done nothing that would "profit" the master in a way that goes beyond the basic expectation of their role.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos_):** This word (G1401) denotes a "slave" or "bond-man," emphasizing a relationship of complete subjection and subservience. It can be literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. In the context of discipleship, it signifies a willing and total submission to the will and authority of God, our Master, highlighting that our very existence and capabilities are derived from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you,"**: This opening clause directly applies the preceding parable to the disciples. "So likewise" (οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς, _houtō kai hymeis_) draws a direct parallel between the earthly master-servant relationship and the spiritual relationship between God and His followers. "All those things which are commanded you" refers to the totality of God's will and instructions, encompassing both the Mosaic Law and Jesus' new teachings on discipleship, faith, and forgiveness. It presupposes a diligent and complete obedience.
* **"say, We are unprofitable servants:"**: This is the core declaration Jesus instructs His disciples to make. The phrase "unprofitable servants" (ἀχρεῖοι δοῦλοι, _achreîoi doûloi_) is a statement of humble self-assessment. As discussed in the key word analysis, it does not imply worthlessness, but rather that their service, no matter how complete, does not generate a "profit" for God in the sense of creating a debt or obligation on His part. They have not done anything beyond what was expected.
* **"we have done that which was our duty to do."**: This concluding affirmation clarifies the meaning of "unprofitable." "That which was our duty to do" (ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι, _ho opheilomen poiēsai_) emphasizes that their actions were simply the fulfillment of their inherent obligation (G3784, _opheílō_). It reinforces the idea that obedience is not a meritorious act that earns favor, but a fundamental responsibility arising from the nature of the relationship between the Creator and His creation, and between the Master and His willing followers.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant") is **Analogy**, specifically drawing from the familiar social structure of master and servant. Jesus uses this common relationship to illustrate a profound spiritual truth about humanity's relationship with God. The **Hyperbole** of "all those things which are commanded you" emphasizes the ideal of complete obedience, even though perfect obedience is unattainable for fallen humanity, thereby highlighting the absolute nature of God's claim on our lives and the impossibility of earning merit. The phrase "unprofitable servants" functions as a form of **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, not to suggest worthlessness, but to humbly acknowledge that our service, while valuable in God's eyes, does not create a surplus of merit that would obligate God. It's a statement of profound humility rather than self-deprecation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:10 stands as a powerful theological statement against any form of works-righteousness or spiritual pride. It teaches that our service to God, no matter how diligent or extensive, never puts God in our debt. We are not earning salvation or special favor through our obedience, but rather fulfilling our inherent obligation as creatures of the sovereign Creator and recipients of His unmerited grace. This perspective fosters genuine humility, recognizing that all we have and all we do is by His enablement and for His glory. It liberates believers from the burden of trying to impress God or accumulate spiritual "credit," allowing them to serve out of love and gratitude, rather than a desire for personal gain or recognition.

* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:10 calls believers to a profound posture of humility and selfless service. In a world that often measures worth by achievement and recognition, Jesus reminds us that our primary identity before God is that of a servant, whose greatest ambition should be faithful obedience to His commands. This perspective guards against spiritual pride, preventing us from boasting in our good works or comparing ourselves favorably to others. Instead, it cultivates a heart of gratitude, recognizing that even our ability to obey is a gift from God. It encourages us to serve diligently, not for personal gain or external applause, but out of a deep understanding that it is simply "our duty to do." This frees us to serve wholeheartedly, knowing that our ultimate reward is not earned, but graciously given by a loving Master who delights in His obedient children. It challenges us to examine our motives for service: are we seeking to impress God or others, or are we simply striving to fulfill our calling out of love and devotion?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of being an "unprofitable servant" challenge your understanding of Christian service and reward?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to feel self-righteous or believe God owes you something for your efforts?**
* **What does it mean practically to serve God out of duty and love, rather than for personal merit or recognition?**
* **How can embracing this truth deepen your humility and reliance on God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Does "unprofitable servants" mean that our service is useless or that God doesn't value our efforts?**

Answer: No, "unprofitable" (ἀχρεῖοι, _achreîoi_) in [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant") does not mean useless or worthless in a derogatory sense. Rather, it conveys that our obedience, no matter how complete, does not "profit" God in a way that creates a debt for Him or puts Him under obligation to us. We cannot perform a surplus of good deeds that would obligate God to give us salvation or special favor. Our service is simply the fulfillment of our duty as His creatures and redeemed children. God certainly values our faithful service, as evidenced by passages like [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant"), where a faithful servant is commended. The point of [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant") is about our posture of humility and the source of our salvation (grace, not works), not the value of our obedience in God's eyes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servant") highlights the humble duty of the servant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself, though God, perfectly embodied the ultimate "unprofitable servant" in His earthly ministry. He did not come 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")). His obedience to the Father was complete and perfect, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Yet, He did not perform these acts to "profit" the Father or to put God in His debt; rather, it was the fulfillment of His divine mission and the Father's will. Christ's perfect obedience, unlike ours, was truly meritorious, but it was for our sake, not His own. Through His selfless service and atoning sacrifice, He accomplished what we, as "unprofitable servants," could never do: secure our salvation and reconcile us to God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, our call to be "unprofitable servants" is not a despairing pronouncement, but a humble recognition that our hope lies entirely in the perfectly profitable and dutiful service of Christ on our behalf, allowing us to serve God out of gratitude for His finished work, rather than striving to earn what has already been freely given.

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 Corinthians 9:16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:17

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Job 22:2

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

Job 22:3

[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.