Luke 17:19

KJV

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Arise {G450}, go thy way {G4198}: thy {G4675} faith {G4102} hath made {G4982} thee {G4571} whole {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And to the man from Shomron he said, “Get up, you may go; your trust has saved you.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well!”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Arise, and go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:19 serves as the climactic declaration in the narrative of the ten lepers, highlighting Jesus' profound insight into the nature of true healing and salvation. While all ten lepers received physical cleansing, this verse focuses on the singular Samaritan who returned to express gratitude, receiving from Jesus the pronouncement that his faith had brought about a deeper, more comprehensive wholeness, extending beyond mere physical restoration to encompass spiritual and relational well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the specific pericope of Jesus healing the ten lepers, found in [Luke 17:11-19](/luke/17-11-19 "Luke 17:11-19 - Jesus Heals Ten Lepers"). The preceding verses describe Jesus' journey through Samaria and Galilee, His encounter with the lepers who cried out for mercy, and His instruction for them to show themselves to the priests. As they obeyed, they were cleansed. The narrative then sharply contrasts the nine who continued on their way with the one Samaritan who, upon realizing his healing, returned to Jesus, glorifying God and falling at His feet in profound gratitude. This verse is Jesus' direct response to this singular act of worshipful thanksgiving, serving as the theological punchline to the entire account.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Leprosy in ancient Israel was not merely a physical disease but carried immense social and religious stigma. Those afflicted were considered unclean and were ostracized from society, forced to live in isolation (cf. [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for Leprosy")). To be healed meant not only restoration to health but also reintegration into community and the ability to participate in religious life. The instruction to show themselves to the priests (as per [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Cleansing from Leprosy")) was the prescribed ritual for verifying healing and readmitting a person to society. The fact that the one who returned was a Samaritan is highly significant, given the deep-seated ethnic and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans (see [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Jews Have No Dealings with Samaritans")). This detail underscores Jesus' radical inclusivity and challenges the prejudices of His audience.
* **Key Themes:** The passage, culminating in [Luke 17:19](/luke/17-19 "Luke 17:19 - Your Faith Has Made You Whole"), powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **power of faith** as a catalyst for divine intervention and transformation, echoing other accounts where Jesus commends faith, such as the woman with the issue of blood in [Luke 8:48](/luke/8-48 "Luke 8:48 - Your Faith Has Made You Well"). Secondly, it emphasizes the concept of **wholeness (salvation)**, suggesting a deeper restoration than mere physical healing, pointing towards spiritual well-being and a right relationship with God. This aligns with Luke's broader emphasis on salvation as comprehensive and available to all, including marginalized groups (cf. [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). Thirdly, the narrative profoundly underscores the **importance of gratitude** as an appropriate response to God's grace, contrasting the one thankful Samaritan with the nine ungrateful lepers, thereby serving as a powerful lesson for discipleship (see also [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb (G2036) is a primary verb meaning "to speak or say." In this context, it signifies Jesus' authoritative declaration. It's not merely a casual remark but a pronouncement that carries weight and reveals a profound truth about the Samaritan's condition, distinguishing him from the other nine.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** Derived from _peithō_ (to persuade), _pístis_ (G4102) denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction. It encompasses belief, trust, and reliance, particularly upon Christ for salvation. Here, it signifies the Samaritan's active trust in Jesus, which was demonstrated by his obedience (going to the priests) and, more profoundly, by his subsequent return to give thanks, acknowledging Jesus as the source of his healing. This faith is presented as the foundational element for his complete restoration.
* **whole (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This crucial verb (G4982) means "to save, i.e., deliver or protect," but also "to heal" or "to make well." Its dual meaning is central to understanding Jesus' statement. While all ten lepers were physically "healed" (cleansed), only the Samaritan is declared "whole" or "saved." This implies a restoration that transcends the physical, encompassing spiritual salvation, a right relationship with God, and complete well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus as the speaker and the grateful Samaritan as the recipient of this significant pronouncement. It immediately draws attention to the unique interaction between Jesus and the one who returned, setting the stage for a revelation that distinguishes him from the others.
* **"Arise, go thy way:"**: This is a command from Jesus, granting the Samaritan permission to depart. It signifies the completion of the encounter and the man's full restoration to society. The phrase implies a return to normal life, free from the stigma and isolation of leprosy, but now with a new, deeper understanding of God's grace.
* **"thy faith hath made thee whole."**: This is the core declaration of the verse. Jesus attributes the Samaritan's state of "wholeness" directly to his "faith." The use of _sōzō_ (made whole/saved) here is critical, indicating that the Samaritan received more than just physical healing. His faith, demonstrated by his gratitude and worship, led to a comprehensive salvation—physical, spiritual, and social restoration—a holistic well-being that the other nine, though physically cleansed, did not fully experience or acknowledge.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:19, within its broader narrative, employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the "unclean" Samaritan, typically despised by Jewish society, is the only one to demonstrate true spiritual insight and gratitude, contrasting sharply with the nine Jewish lepers who received healing but lacked the appropriate response. This highlights Luke's consistent theme of God's grace extending beyond traditional boundaries. **Symbolism** is also at play, with leprosy representing not just physical disease but the spiritual alienation caused by sin, and the "wholeness" offered by Jesus symbolizing comprehensive salvation and restoration to God. The act of returning to give thanks is **performative**, demonstrating the Samaritan's faith in a tangible, worshipful way, which then elicits Jesus' profound declaration. Finally, the narrative uses **contrast** effectively, pitting the grateful one against the ungrateful nine, to underscore the vital importance of a thankful heart in recognizing and responding to divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:19 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of salvation, emphasizing that God's work in humanity extends beyond the superficial or merely physical. While all ten lepers experienced a miraculous physical cleansing, Jesus' declaration to the Samaritan reveals that true healing encompasses a holistic restoration of the individual – body, mind, and spirit. This "wholeness" (Greek _sōzō_) points to salvation, a right relationship with God, and a life transformed by grace. The Samaritan's faith, demonstrated through his worshipful gratitude, was not just a belief in Jesus' power to heal, but a recognition of His divine authority and a responsive heart, leading to a deeper, more complete redemption that the other nine missed. This passage thus serves as a powerful reminder that while God's blessings are freely given, our response of faith and gratitude is essential for experiencing the fullness of His saving work.

* [Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Mark 5:34 - Your Faith Has Made You Well")
* [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:19 challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith and the sincerity of our gratitude. It invites us to move beyond a transactional view of God's blessings, where we simply receive and move on, to a transformative relationship where every blessing, physical or spiritual, draws us into deeper worship and communion with the Giver. The Samaritan's example teaches us that true faith is not passive; it is active, responsive, and culminates in heartfelt gratitude that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. This "wholeness" that Jesus speaks of is not just about being free from ailments, but about being made complete in Christ, reconciled to God, and living a life of purpose and peace. It encourages us to seek not just relief from our problems, but a profound spiritual transformation that aligns our hearts with God's will, fostering a spirit of continuous thanksgiving regardless of our circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced God's healing or provision, but perhaps neglected to return with heartfelt gratitude?**
* **How does the Samaritan's act of returning to Jesus challenge your understanding of what it means to truly "be made whole"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more consistent and expressive spirit of gratitude in your daily life?**
* **Beyond physical healing, what spiritual or emotional "wholeness" do you believe God is inviting you to experience through faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "thy faith hath made thee whole" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Luke 17:19, when Jesus says, "thy faith hath made thee whole," the Greek word translated "whole" is _sōzō_ (G4982). This word carries a dual meaning: it can refer to physical healing or being made well, but more profoundly, it means "to save" or "to deliver" spiritually. While all ten lepers were physically cleansed, Jesus' specific pronouncement to the Samaritan indicates that his active faith, demonstrated by his return and worshipful gratitude, led to a deeper, more comprehensive restoration. He received not only physical healing from leprosy but also spiritual salvation and a right relationship with God, a complete well-being that transcends mere bodily health. This echoes Jesus' similar statement to the woman with the issue of blood in [Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Mark 5:34 - Your Faith Has Made You Well"), where "made whole" also implies a deeper salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:19, with its emphasis on "wholeness" through faith, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the comprehensive salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The physical cleansing of the lepers points to Christ's power over sin and its defiling effects, while the Samaritan's unique experience of "wholeness" (Greek _sōzō_) signifies the deeper spiritual redemption that only Jesus can provide. Just as leprosy separated individuals from society and God, so too does sin alienate humanity from its Creator. Jesus, the ultimate physician, came not merely to heal physical ailments but to address the root cause of human brokenness—sin—and to offer complete reconciliation. His death and resurrection provide the ultimate cleansing, making us truly "whole" in God's sight, justifying us by faith (cf. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith")). The Samaritan's grateful return prefigures the appropriate response of all who are redeemed: to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, giving Him glory for the profound spiritual healing and eternal life He secures (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/ philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). In Christ, we find not just a temporary remedy, but everlasting wholeness and peace (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundantly")).

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 8:48

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Mark 10:52

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Luke 7:50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Luke 18:42

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.