And fell down on [his] face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
And {G2532} fell down {G4098} on {G1909} his face {G4383} at {G3844} his {G846} feet {G4228}, giving {G2168} him {G846} thanks {G2168}: and {G2532} he {G846} was {G2258} a Samaritan {G4541}.
and fell on his face at Yeshua’s feet to thank him. Now he was from Shomron.
He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan.
and he fell upon his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
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Acts 8:5
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. -
Acts 8:25
And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. -
Matthew 10:5
¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: -
Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. -
Revelation 19:4
And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. -
Revelation 19:5
¶ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. -
Revelation 5:14
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Context
Luke 17:16 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Jesus healing ten lepers. After miraculously cleansing all ten, Jesus instructs them to show themselves to the priests, as required by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 14) for verification of healing and reintegration into society. This verse specifically highlights the actions of the one leper who returned to express profound gratitude, setting him apart from the other nine who presumably continued on their way.
Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding this verse requires awareness of two significant cultural factors: the plight of lepers and the animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "giving him thanks" comes from the Greek word euchariston (εὐχαριστῶν), related to eucharistia (εὐχαριστία), meaning "thankfulness" or "gratitude." This term emphasizes a deep, heartfelt appreciation, not just a casual acknowledgment. The act of falling on his face, pesōn epi prosōpon (πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον), denotes a posture of complete submission, reverence, and adoration, typical of worship before a deity or a revered figure.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today: