Luke 17:10

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.

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}.

Itโ€™s the same with you โ€” when you have done everything you were told to do, you should be saying, โ€˜Weโ€™re just ordinary slaves, we have only done our duty.โ€™โ€

So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, โ€˜We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.โ€™โ€

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

In Luke 17:10, Jesus concludes a parable with a profound teaching on the nature of discipleship and service to God. This verse challenges any notion of self-righteousness or earning merit before the Almighty, emphasizing humble obedience as a fundamental duty.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' teaching on the power of faith (even "as a grain of mustard seed" in Luke 17:6) and the importance of forgiveness within the community of believers. Jesus then tells a parable about a master and his servant, where the servant, after working in the field, is still expected to serve his master dinner without immediate thanks or special reward. The master-servant dynamic was a common cultural reality in ancient Israel, illustrating the expected obligations of a servant. This analogy sets the stage for understanding our role in relation to God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility in Service: The core message is an admonition against pride and self-congratulation. Even after fulfilling all of God's commands, believers should not expect special commendation or feel that God owes them anything.
  • Duty, Not Merit: Our obedience to God's commands is not a means to earn salvation or special favor, but rather the fulfillment of our inherent duty as His creation and redeemed children. Salvation remains a gift of God's grace, not of works.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse reinforces the absolute authority and sovereignty of God as the Master, and humanity's position as His servants. Our service is a response to His command, not a negotiation.
  • "Unprofitable Servants": This phrase does not mean "useless" or "worthless" in a derogatory sense. Instead, it conveys that our obedience does not *profit* God in a way that puts Him in our debt. We cannot perform a surplus of good deeds that would obligate God to us. We have simply done "that which was our duty to do."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "unprofitable" is achreioi (แผ€ฯ‡ฯฮตแฟ–ฮฟฮน). It literally means "useless" or "unprofitable." However, in this specific context, it carries the nuance of not having rendered any service beyond what was absolutely due. It's not about being incompetent, 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. This emphasizes that our obedience, no matter how complete, doesn't put God in our debt.

Practical Application

Luke 17:10 offers vital instruction for Christian living:

  • Cultivate Humility: It calls believers to a posture of genuine humility, acknowledging that all our good works are simply our duty and a response to God's prior grace. This prevents self-righteousness and spiritual pride. The Bible consistently teaches about the importance of humility before God.
  • Serve Faithfully: It encourages faithful and diligent obedience to God's commands, not for personal gain or recognition, but out of a heartfelt understanding of our relationship with Him. We are called to serve the Lord heartily.
  • Rely on Grace: This verse underscores the truth that salvation and favor with God are entirely by grace, not by human merit. It reminds us that even our best efforts are simply what is required of us, and we can never earn our way into God's presence.
  • Avoid Boasting: By recognizing ourselves as "unprofitable servants," we are deterred from boasting in our own accomplishments or comparing ourselves favorably to others.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.