Luke 17:13

KJV

And they lifted up [their] voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they {G846} lifted up {G142} their voices {G5456}, and said {G3004}, Jesus {G2424}, Master {G1988}, have mercy {G1653} on us {G2248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and called out, “Yeshua! Rabbi! Have pity on us!”

Berean Standard Bible

and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

American Standard Version

and they lifted up their voices, saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:13 captures the desperate, unified cry of ten men afflicted with leprosy, who, from a distance, implore Jesus for mercy. This pivotal verse sets the stage for their miraculous healing, underscoring their profound need, their recognition of Jesus' unique authority, and the compassionate nature of His ministry. It highlights a moment of profound faith and supplication in the face of extreme social and physical alienation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of [Luke 17:11-19](/luke/17-11-19 "The Healing of the Ten Lepers"), which recounts Jesus' journey through Samaria and Galilee. As Jesus approaches a certain village, He is met by ten lepers who stand "afar off" ([Luke 17:12](/luke/17-12 "Luke 17:12 - Lepers Standing Afar Off")), adhering to the Mosaic Law that mandated their isolation. Their collective cry in [Luke 17:13](/luke/17-13 "Luke 17:13 - The Lepers' Plea") is the initial, crucial interaction, preceding Jesus' command for them to show themselves to the priests ([Luke 17:14](/luke/17-14 "Luke 17:14 - Jesus' Command to the Lepers")) and the subsequent healing that occurs "as they went." The account culminates with the return of only one, a Samaritan, to give thanks, highlighting themes of gratitude and true worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, leprosy (a term that encompassed various skin diseases, not just Hansen's disease) rendered individuals ritually unclean according to the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Leprosy"). Those afflicted were ostracized from society, forced to live outside camps or cities, and required to warn others of their presence by crying out "Unclean, unclean!" ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for the Leper")). This isolation was not merely social but deeply spiritual, as their condition prevented them from participating in temple worship. The lepers standing "afar off" in [Luke 17:12](/luke/17-12 "Luke 17:12 - The Lepers' Distance") demonstrates their adherence to these regulations, while their bold, unified cry to Jesus, despite the prescribed distance, reveals their desperate hope and a nascent faith that He could transcend their dire circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** The lepers' plea in [Luke 17:13](/luke/17-13 "Luke 17:13 - The Lepers' Cry") encapsulates several profound themes. Their "lifted up voices" signify **Desperate Supplication**, a collective and urgent appeal born out of profound suffering and social alienation. By addressing Jesus as "Master," they demonstrate a **Recognition of Jesus' Authority**, acknowledging His unique power and position, a title used exclusively in Luke's Gospel by those seeking His intervention. Their request for "mercy" speaks to the theme of **Divine Compassion**, highlighting God's active and redemptive intervention in human suffering, a hallmark of Jesus' ministry. Furthermore, their act of calling out, even from a distance, reveals an initial spark of **Faith in Action**, a proactive step that precedes and enables their miraculous healing, underscoring that faith often involves voicing our needs to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Greek, _aírō_):** (G142) This verb means "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice)." In this context, it vividly describes the collective, unified action of the ten men raising their voices in a loud, desperate cry. It suggests a powerful, perhaps even strained, exertion to be heard across the mandated distance, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of their plea.
* **Master (Greek, _epistátēs_):** (G1988) Derived from a word implying "one who stands over," this term signifies "an appointee over, i.e. commander (teacher)." It is unique to Luke's Gospel when referring to Jesus, appearing seven times. Unlike "Teacher" (didaskalos) or "Lord" (kyrios), _epistátēs_ conveys a sense of one who is in charge, a superintendent, or a commanding authority. The lepers' use of this title indicates a profound recognition of Jesus' superior knowledge, His power to command circumstances, and His ability to intervene decisively in their seemingly hopeless situation.
* **mercy (Greek, _eleéō_):** (G1653) This verb means "to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)." It is more than passive pity; it denotes active compassion that leads to practical help, relief, or healing. The lepers are not merely asking for sympathy but for a tangible, life-altering intervention that would restore them to health and society. Their plea is for God's active, saving grace to be extended to them through Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they lifted up their voices":** This phrase emphasizes the collective and unified nature of their cry. Despite their individual suffering, they act as one, perhaps amplifying their plea to ensure Jesus hears them from the required distance. It signifies a desperate, public declaration of their need, breaking the silence of their social isolation.
* **"and said, Jesus, Master":** Their address is direct and personal. Naming "Jesus" indicates an awareness of His identity and reputation, suggesting they had heard of His miraculous healings. The addition of "Master" (Epistates) is a profound acknowledgment of His unique authority and power, recognizing Him as one who commands and controls, capable of overriding their dire circumstances.
* **"have mercy on us":** This is the core of their supplication. It is a direct imperative, a desperate plea for active compassion and intervention. They are not asking for pity alone, but for a tangible act of healing and restoration that would alleviate their suffering and reintegrate them into society, reflecting a deep trust in Jesus' willingness and ability to provide such a remedy.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise report of the lepers' plea effectively employs several literary devices. The **Direct Address** to "Jesus, Master" immediately establishes the focus of their desperate hope and highlights their recognition of His authority. The **Collective Voice** ("they lifted up their voices, and said") emphasizes the unified nature of their suffering and their shared, urgent need, creating a powerful, singular appeal despite being ten distinct individuals. There is also an element of **Contrast** between their physically and socially isolated state ("afar off") and their bold, vocal approach to Jesus, demonstrating a profound spiritual proximity despite their physical distance. Their unified cry functions as a powerful **Supplication**, a formal and earnest prayer for divine intervention, underscoring the universal human need for God's compassionate action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lepers' cry for mercy in Luke 17:13 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of human brokenness encountering divine compassion. Their desperate plea, born out of physical affliction and social ostracism, mirrors the universal human condition of need and sin, which separates us from God and community. Jesus' immediate response, even before they fully express their request, underscores God's inherent willingness to hear and respond to the cries of the afflicted. This passage affirms that God's mercy is not a passive sentiment but an active, transformative force that brings healing, restoration, and reconciliation. It invites all who are burdened by any form of "leprosy"—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—to approach Jesus with the same earnestness and faith, trusting in His boundless compassion.

* [Psalm 30:2](/psalms/30-2 "Psalm 30:2 - God Hears Our Cry")
* [Matthew 9:27](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27 - Two Blind Men Cry for Mercy")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant cry of the ten lepers in Luke 17:13 offers a timeless blueprint for our own approach to Jesus in times of need. Like them, we often find ourselves in situations of spiritual, emotional, or physical "leprosy"—conditions that isolate us, cause us pain, and render us "unclean" in various ways before God or others. This verse reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances, how deep our shame, or how great our perceived distance from God, Jesus is accessible and willing to hear our pleas. Our approach should be marked by the same desperate honesty and unwavering faith, recognizing His unique authority as "Master" over all circumstances. We are encouraged to voice our needs boldly, not just with passive hope, but with an active, trusting supplication for His transforming mercy. His response to the lepers assures us that His compassion is not merely pity, but an active force that brings healing, deliverance, and restoration to those who call upon His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leprosy" in my life—whether sin, suffering, or isolation—am I currently holding back from Jesus?**
* **How does the lepers' unified and desperate cry encourage me to be more direct and earnest in my own prayers?**
* **In what ways do I recognize Jesus' authority as "Master" over my circumstances, and how does that recognition shape my requests?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why did the lepers call Jesus "Master" instead of "Lord" or "Teacher"?

Answer: The Greek word translated "Master" here is _epistátēs_ (G1988), which is unique to Luke's Gospel when referring to Jesus. Unlike other common titles like _didaskalos_ ("Teacher") or _kyrios_ ("Lord"), _epistátēs_ carries the nuance of one who is "in charge," a "superintendent," or a "commander." It suggests a recognition of Jesus' superior knowledge, His authority to command circumstances, and His ability to intervene decisively. While "Lord" (Kyrios) is a broader term of respect and divinity, and "Teacher" (Didaskalos) emphasizes His instructional role, "Master" (Epistates) highlights His executive power and ability to control situations, making it a particularly fitting address for those seeking a miraculous intervention beyond human capability. The lepers, facing an incurable condition, appealed to Jesus as the one who could command their healing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate cry of the ten lepers for mercy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's active compassion and the source of all true cleansing. Their physical leprosy, a symbol of sin's defilement and isolation, points to the deeper spiritual "leprosy" that separates humanity from God. Jesus, unlike any other, not only had the power to heal physical disease but also to forgive sins and restore spiritual wholeness. His willingness to hear their cry, despite their ritual uncleanness and social ostracism, foreshadows His ultimate act of identifying with humanity's suffering and bearing its sin on the cross, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant"). He is the compassionate High Priest who, having experienced human weakness, can truly sympathize with our infirmities ([Hebrews 2:17-18](/hebrews/2-17-18 "Hebrews 2:17-18 - Jesus as Compassionate High Priest")). The lepers' plea for "mercy" is answered in Christ's atoning work, where He took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and offers complete cleansing and reconciliation to all who call upon Him in faith. His response to their cry demonstrates that He is the true "Master" who commands not only physical healing but also spiritual restoration, bringing those who were afar off near through His blood ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")).

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

Matthew 9:27

¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on us.

Luke 18:38

And he cried, saying, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Luke 18:39

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Matthew 20:30

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

Matthew 20:31

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Mark 9:22

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.