Luke 17:14

KJV

And when he saw [them], he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he saw {G1492} them, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Go {G4198} shew {G1925} yourselves {G1438} unto the priests {G2409}. And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that, as they {G846} went {G5217}{G1722}, they were cleansed {G2511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On seeing them, he said, “Go and let the cohanim examine you!” And as they went, they were cleansed.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.

American Standard Version

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:14 narrates a profound moment where Jesus encounters ten lepers, issuing a command that serves as a test of their faith and obedience. Rather than an immediate, visible healing, Jesus instructs them to present themselves to the priests, a legal requirement for ceremonial cleansing. The miraculous outcome unfolds not at the moment of the command, but "as they went," demonstrating that their physical restoration was directly tied to their active response of trust in Jesus' authoritative word. This passage powerfully illustrates the interplay between divine command, human obedience, and God's sovereign timing in the manifestation of His power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of a concise and impactful narrative found in [Luke 17:11-19](/luke/17-11-19 "Luke 17:11-19 - The Healing of the Ten Lepers"). The story immediately precedes Jesus' teaching on the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man, and it follows a series of instructions to His disciples regarding forgiveness and faith. The healing of the ten lepers serves as a vivid illustration of faith in action, contrasting the obedience of all ten with the gratitude of only one. It highlights Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, where He encounters these marginalized individuals, underscoring His compassion and mission to all, regardless of their social standing or ceremonial impurity. The narrative structure emphasizes the sequence of appeal, command, obedience, and outcome, culminating in the Samaritan leper's return to give thanks, which sets up a broader theological point about true worship and faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Leprosy in ancient Israel was far more than a physical ailment; it was a devastating condition that brought about severe social, religious, and economic ostracization. Individuals afflicted with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean, requiring them to live apart from the community, often crying out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others (cf. [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for the Leper")). The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Leprosy"), prescribed a detailed and elaborate ritual for the purification of a leper, which *only* a priest could oversee and declare complete. This declaration was essential for the individual's reintegration into society, family, and temple worship. Jesus' command to "Go shew yourselves unto the priests" was therefore not an arbitrary instruction but a direct affirmation of the established legal and religious protocols. It demonstrated His respect for the Law while simultaneously revealing His divine authority to initiate a healing that would necessitate such a legal declaration.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the ten lepers, culminating in their cleansing "as they went," powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Faith and Obedience**, where the lepers' healing is contingent not on a direct touch or elaborate ritual, but on their willingness to act upon Jesus' word *before* seeing the physical manifestation of healing. This active demonstration of faith, where belief is expressed through a responsive action, resonates with the biblical principle that [faith without works is dead](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith and Works"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Authority**, as Jesus' simple verbal command is sufficient to bring about a miraculous transformation, showcasing His supreme power over disease and His ability to transcend conventional healing methods (cf. [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")). Furthermore, Jesus' instruction to go to the priests highlights His **Respect for the Law**. He did not abolish the Mosaic Law but fulfilled it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), even as He demonstrated a power that superseded its limitations. This act validates the Old Testament framework while simultaneously pointing to a new, greater authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This word (G1096) is a versatile verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, "it came to pass" emphasizes the unfolding of an event, marking the precise moment the miracle occurred. It highlights the dynamic nature of the healing—it was not instantaneous upon command but happened *during* their journey, underscoring the crucial element of their active obedience.
* **shew (Greek, _epideíknymi'_):** From G1925, this verb means "to exhibit" or "to show forth," either physically or mentally. Jesus' command "Go shew yourselves unto the priests" was a direct instruction for the lepers to present themselves for official inspection and declaration of cleanness. This act of "showing" was not merely a formality but a necessary step in their reintegration into society, and it required them to act on faith before the physical evidence of healing was apparent.
* **cleansed (Greek, _katharízō'_):** This term (G2511) means "to cleanse," both literally and figuratively. For the lepers, it encompassed both the physical healing from their debilitating disease and the ceremonial purification required by the Law. This dual meaning is critical, as it signifies a comprehensive restoration—from physical affliction, social ostracization, and religious impurity—making them whole in every sense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he saw [them], he said unto them":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' compassionate awareness and initiative. He doesn't wait for them to approach further; His gaze falls upon them, and He responds directly to their earlier plea for mercy. This highlights Jesus' active role in their healing and His readiness to engage with those on the margins.
* **"Go shew yourselves unto the priests.":** This is Jesus' direct command, a pivotal instruction that tests the lepers' faith. By telling them to go to the priests *before* they are visibly healed, Jesus demands an act of obedience based purely on His word. This command is rooted in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 14), signifying Jesus' respect for the established legal and religious order, even as He demonstrates a power that transcends it. The act of "showing themselves" was the prescribed path to reintegration.
* **"And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.":** This final clause reveals the miraculous outcome and its crucial timing. The healing was not immediate but occurred "as they went," emphasizing that the miracle was contingent upon their obedient action. Their faith was demonstrated by their willingness to embark on a journey towards the priests while still afflicted, trusting that Jesus' word would prove true. The term "cleansed" signifies a complete restoration—physical healing from leprosy and ceremonial purification, allowing them to return to their communities and religious life.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, as the healing occurs not through a direct touch or immediate pronouncement, but through an act of obedience that *precedes* the visible manifestation of the miracle. The lepers are commanded to act as if they are already clean, creating a tension between their current state and the anticipated outcome, which is resolved only through their faithful response. This creates a powerful illustration of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Faith Defined")). Furthermore, the narrative uses **Narrative Progression** to build suspense and emphasize the causal link between obedience and blessing: Jesus' command leads to their journey, which in turn leads to their cleansing. The phrase "as they went" is a crucial turning point, marking the precise moment of divine intervention. Finally, there is a subtle use of **Symbolism**, where the physical cleansing from leprosy can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing from sin. Just as leprosy separated individuals from community and God, sin separates humanity, and only a divine act of cleansing can restore fellowship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:14 profoundly illustrates the dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, particularly in the realm of faith and obedience. God often chooses to work through human agency, requiring a step of faith before the full manifestation of His blessing. The lepers' journey to the priests, undertaken while still afflicted, serves as a powerful testament to their trust in Jesus' word. This passage underscores that true faith is not passive assent but active, obedient trust, even when the desired outcome is not yet visible. It also highlights Jesus' unique authority, not only to heal physical ailments but also to navigate and fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Law, demonstrating His role as the ultimate source of purification and restoration.

* [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - The Call of Abram")
* [John 9:6-7](/john/9-6-7 "John 9:6-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")
* [Joshua 6:1-5](/joshua/6-1-5 "Joshua 6:1-5 - The Fall of Jericho")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:14 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the nature of our faith and obedience. In a world that often demands immediate gratification and visible proof, this passage reminds us that God's blessings frequently manifest in the process of our obedience, not necessarily before it. We are called to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises even when the path ahead is unclear or the outcome seems improbable. This requires a willingness to act on God's word, even when our senses or circumstances suggest otherwise, much like the lepers who began their journey while still diseased. Our "going" in obedience becomes the conduit through which God's power is unleashed. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a faith that is active, responsive, and patient, understanding that God's timing is perfect and His methods are often designed to stretch and deepen our trust in Him. It also serves as a powerful reminder that our healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, often requires our participation in the process, demonstrating our reliance on His divine authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "priests" or "authorities" might God be calling me to "shew myself unto" today, even before I see the full manifestation of His work in my life?**
* **Where in my life am I waiting for a visible sign or immediate outcome before taking a step of obedience or faith?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and methods, especially when His instructions seem counter-intuitive or demand action before evidence?**
* **In what ways does my "going" in obedience demonstrate my faith, and what spiritual "cleansing" or blessing might be waiting for me "as I go"?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus send them to the priests *before* they were healed?**

Answer: Jesus sent the lepers to the priests *before* their healing was visibly manifest for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was an act of **obedience to the Mosaic Law** ([Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Leprosy")), which required a priest to declare a leper clean before they could be reintegrated into society and temple worship. Jesus, who came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), respected these established protocols. Secondly, it served as a **test of faith and obedience**. The lepers had to trust Jesus' word and begin the journey while still afflicted, demonstrating their belief that His command was sufficient to bring about the promised healing. Their healing occurred "as they went," highlighting that the miracle was contingent upon their active response. Thirdly, it provided **official validation** of the miracle. The priests, as the designated authorities, would confirm the healing, making it undeniable and allowing the lepers to legally and socially return to their lives. This also served as a testimony to the priests themselves about Jesus' divine power.

**What does "as they went" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "as they went" (Greek: _en tō hypágein_) is crucial, signifying that the healing was not instantaneous upon Jesus' command but occurred *during* the lepers' act of obedience. This timing emphasizes several key points: It demonstrates that **obedience precedes blessing**. The miracle was contingent upon their active response to Jesus' word, illustrating that faith is not passive but involves stepping out in trust. It highlights **God's sovereign timing**. The healing unfolded according to God's perfect plan, not necessarily when the lepers expected it, but when they were in motion, demonstrating their faith. It also underscores the **transformative power of the journey of faith**. The very act of taking steps in obedience became the conduit for their miraculous restoration, suggesting that spiritual growth and divine intervention often occur in the process of our faithful walk, not just at its beginning or end.

**Is physical healing always dependent on obedience?**

Answer: While Luke 17:14 clearly shows the lepers' physical healing was linked to their obedience, it is important to understand that **physical healing is not *always* directly dependent on a specific act of obedience in every circumstance.** The Bible presents various instances of healing: some are instantaneous without a preceding command (e.g., [Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")), some involve a touch, others a word, and some, like this one, require a step of faith or obedience. God's sovereignty means He heals according to His will and purposes, which may or may not involve a human prerequisite. However, this passage powerfully teaches that **faith often expresses itself through obedience**, and God frequently blesses and works through those who respond to His word. It encourages us to be responsive to God's specific commands in our lives, understanding that our "going" in faith can be the very pathway to His miraculous work, whether it be physical healing or other forms of divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:14, with its narrative of physical cleansing and reintegration, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The lepers' journey to the priests, mandated by the Old Covenant Law, foreshadows the spiritual journey of humanity to the true High Priest, Jesus Himself. Under the Old Covenant, the priests could only *declare* a leper clean after God had already performed the healing; they had no power to *effect* the cleansing. In stark contrast, Jesus, through His divine authority, not only commanded the healing but *caused* it to happen, demonstrating His power as the ultimate source of purification. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross provides the complete and final cleansing from the spiritual "leprosy" of sin ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")). Just as the lepers were restored to community and worship, believers are spiritually cleansed by Christ's blood, granting them access to God and fellowship with the body of Christ ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")). Jesus is the perfect High Priest, superior to the Levitical priesthood, who entered the true tabernacle in heaven, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the physical cleansing of the lepers points directly to the spiritual cleansing and complete restoration available to all who, by faith, obey the call to come to Christ, the one who truly makes us clean and brings us into the presence of God.

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

Luke 5:14

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Leviticus 13:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,

Leviticus 13:46

All the days wherein the plague [shall be] in him he shall be defiled; he [is] unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp [shall] his habitation [be].

2 Kings 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

John 11:10

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

Leviticus 14:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,