Luke 17:13

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 17:13 captures a poignant moment where ten men afflicted with leprosy cry out to Jesus for help. This verse is central to the narrative of Jesus' miraculous healing of these outcasts, highlighting their desperation and faith.

Context

This verse is part of a larger account in Luke's Gospel (Luke 17:11-19) where Jesus is traveling through Samaria and Galilee. According to Mosaic Law, individuals with leprosy were considered ritually unclean and were required to live apart from the community, often crying out "Unclean, unclean!" to warn others (see Leviticus 13:45-46). The ten lepers in this passage stand "afar off" (Luke 17:12), maintaining the prescribed distance due to their condition, yet they boldly lift their voices to Jesus, indicating both their desperate need and a glimmer of hope that He could intervene.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Supplication: The lepers' unified cry, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us," demonstrates their profound need and their belief that Jesus possessed the power to alleviate their suffering. It's a direct, urgent plea for divine intervention.
  • Recognition of Jesus' Authority: By addressing Him as "Master" (KJV), they acknowledge His unique authority and power. This title is significant in Luke's Gospel, often used by disciples or those seeking help, implying respect for His teaching and miraculous ability.
  • The Call for Mercy: Their request for "mercy" (Greek: eleos) is not just a call for pity, but for active compassion that brings relief and healing. This reflects a common biblical theme of God's active compassion towards the afflicted, exemplified throughout Jesus' ministry.
  • Faith in Action: Though they are not yet healed, their act of calling out to Jesus from a distance, defying their social isolation, shows an initial spark of faith that precedes and enables their healing. Their faith is further demonstrated by their obedience to Jesus' command in Luke 17:14 to show themselves to the priests.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Master" used here translates the Greek word Epistates (ἐπιστάτα). This word is unique to Luke's Gospel when referring to Jesus, appearing only seven times. Unlike other titles like "Teacher" (Didaskalos) or "Lord" (Kyrios), Epistates carries a nuance of one who is in charge, a superintendent, or a commander. It suggests a recognition of Jesus' superior knowledge, authority, and ability to command circumstances, rather than merely His teaching role. The lepers' use of this term indicates a profound respect and belief in His power to override their dire situation. Their plea for "mercy" (eleison) is a direct imperative, signifying an urgent request for active compassion and intervention, not just passive pity.

Practical Application

Luke 17:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Hears Our Cries: Like the lepers, we are encouraged to bring our deepest needs and most desperate pleas to Jesus, knowing He is attentive to our suffering. No matter how "unclean" or isolated we may feel, His mercy is accessible.
  • Approach with Humility and Faith: The lepers' approach, though from a distance, was marked by humility and an underlying faith in Jesus' power. We too should approach God with a genuine recognition of our need and His supreme authority.
  • Mercy is Active: God's mercy is not passive; it is an active force that brings healing, deliverance, and restoration. We can confidently ask for His mercy in all circumstances, trusting in His compassionate nature as seen in Jesus Christ (compare Hebrews 4:16).
This verse serves as an encouragement to call upon the Lord in times of trouble, trusting in His willingness and power to respond with compassion.

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.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back