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.

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.

  • Lepers: In ancient Israel, leprosy (a broad term for various skin diseases, not just Hansen's disease) rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized. They were forced to live apart from the community, crying "Unclean! Unclean!" (Leviticus 13:45). Healing from leprosy was considered a sign of divine intervention.
  • Samaritans: Samaritans were a mixed ethnic and religious group, descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest. They were deeply despised by orthodox Jews, who considered them heretics and half-breeds, avoiding all contact. For a Samaritan to be the only one to return and give thanks was a striking reversal of societal expectations, challenging the prejudices of the time.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude vs. Ingratitude: The stark contrast between the one thankful Samaritan and the nine ungrateful (or at least, unreturning) Jews underscores the importance of acknowledging God's blessings and expressing thanks. This is a central message of the passage, emphasized by Jesus' question in Luke 17:17-18.
  • Humility and Worship: The Samaritan's action of "fell down on his face at his feet" signifies a posture of profound humility, reverence, and worship. It's a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and power, far beyond mere politeness.
  • Faith and Salvation: While all ten were physically healed, Jesus tells the Samaritan in Luke 17:19, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." This suggests that the Samaritan received not only physical cleansing but also spiritual wholeness or salvation, a deeper blessing tied to his faith and grateful response.
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Jesus' compassion extends to all, regardless of social or ethnic standing. The Samaritan, an outcast among outcasts, becomes an example of true devotion, highlighting Jesus' inclusive ministry, a theme seen elsewhere in His interactions with Samaritans (John 4:7-42).

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:

  • Cultivate a Thankful Heart: We are called to be like the Samaritan, quick to acknowledge and express gratitude for God's many blessings, both seen and unseen (Colossians 3:17).
  • Respond with Humility: Our gratitude should lead to humble adoration and submission to Jesus, recognizing His sovereignty and grace in our lives (James 4:10).
  • Don't Be Among the Nine: It's easy to receive blessings and move on without acknowledging the Giver. This story challenges us to pause, reflect, and return thanks for spiritual and physical healing.
  • See Beyond Prejudice: Just as Jesus extended healing to a Samaritan, we are reminded to extend love and compassion to all people, regardless of their background, and to recognize true faith wherever it is found.
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.
  • 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.

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