Luke 17:7

KJV

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} which {G5101} of {G1537} you {G5216}, having {G2192} a servant {G1401} plowing {G722} or {G2228} feeding cattle {G4165}, will say {G2046} unto him {G3739} by and by {G2112}, when he is come {G1525} from {G1537} the field {G68}, Go {G3928} and sit down to meat {G377}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If one of you has a slave tending the sheep or plowing, when he comes back from the field, will you say to him, ‘Come along now, sit down and eat’?

Berean Standard Bible

Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

American Standard Version

But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:7 presents a rhetorical question from Jesus, illustrating a common master-servant dynamic in ancient agricultural society. It depicts a scenario where a master would not immediately invite a servant, returning from arduous field labor, to rest and eat, but would instead expect further service. This parable serves as a foundational premise for Jesus's subsequent teaching on the nature of duty and humility in service to God, challenging any notion that fulfilling one's basic obligations warrants special commendation or puts the servant in a position of merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of teachings Jesus delivers to His disciples, immediately following instruction on the severe consequences of causing others to stumble, the imperative of radical forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith, even as small as a mustard seed (as seen in [Luke 17:1-6](/luke/17-1-6 "Luke 17:1-6 - Teachings on Stumbling Blocks, Forgiveness, and Faith")). Luke 17:7-10 forms a mini-parable or illustrative scenario that directly precedes and sets the stage for the climactic teaching in [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - The Unprofitable Servants"), where Jesus declares, "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do." The entire passage emphasizes the nature of discipleship as one of humble, diligent, and unentitled service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The master-servant relationship described in [Luke 17:7](/luke/17-7 "Luke 17:7 - The Servant's Duty") was a pervasive and well-understood social and economic reality in the ancient Near East. Servants (often slaves, though sometimes hired laborers) were considered property or entirely beholden to their masters. Their lives revolved around fulfilling the master's commands, with no expectation of special treatment or immediate reward beyond basic sustenance for their daily duties. Agricultural work, such as plowing and feeding cattle, was physically demanding and time-consuming, requiring continuous effort from dawn to dusk. Meals were significant, but for servants, they typically followed the master's needs and were not offered as a respite immediately upon completing one task, especially if other duties awaited. This cultural backdrop makes Jesus's rhetorical question resonate powerfully with His audience, who would intuitively understand the master's unquestioned authority and the servant's absolute obligation.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes elucidated by this verse include the **nature of duty and obligation** in service, particularly within a hierarchical relationship. It highlights that fulfilling one's expected responsibilities is not an act of special favor but a fundamental requirement. This sets up the concept of **humility in service**, challenging any sense of entitlement or expectation of praise for merely doing what is commanded. It implicitly teaches that true service is characterized by a diligent, continuous, and uncomplaining spirit. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader New Testament theme of **grace versus works**, laying groundwork for the understanding that even our best efforts in serving God do not earn us merit or put God in our debt, but are simply our appropriate response to His sovereign call and boundless grace, a concept further developed in passages like [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle, often unexpressed in English, serves as an adversative or continuative. Here, it introduces a new thought that contrasts with or further develops the preceding ideas of faith and forgiveness. It signals a shift to a practical illustration that underscores the disciples' expected posture in light of their faith.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to bind," _doûlos_ denotes a slave, bond-man, or one in complete subjection. This term is crucial as it emphasizes the absolute ownership and authority of the master over the servant. The servant's life and labor are not his own; they are entirely at the master's disposal. This highlights the complete devotion and lack of personal claim on time or reward that the master expects.
* **by and by (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb, translated as "by and by" in the KJV, is often misunderstood in modern English. In 17th-century English, "by and by" meant "immediately" or "straightway," not "eventually." Therefore, the verse asks, "Which of you, having a servant, will *immediately* say to him, 'Go and sit down to eat?'" This emphasizes the master's expectation of *continued* and *immediate* service, not a delayed reward or rest, upon the completion of one task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle,"**: Jesus begins with a rhetorical question, appealing to the common experience and understanding of His audience. He paints a picture of a typical agricultural servant engaged in the demanding, essential tasks of plowing fields or tending livestock. This establishes a relatable scenario of a servant diligently performing his duties.
* **"will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field,"**: This clause highlights the servant's return from a long, arduous day of work. The crucial phrase "by and by" (meaning "immediately") underscores the master's expectation. The master would not *immediately* offer rest or reward upon the servant's return, implying that further duties are anticipated.
* **"Go and sit down to meat?"**: This is the core of the rhetorical question, expecting a resounding "no" from the listeners. "Meat" here refers to a meal, not specifically animal flesh. To "sit down to meat" implies a position of honor, rest, and being served. The master's implied response is that the servant's duty is not yet complete; he must first serve the master's needs before attending to his own.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 17:7](/luke/17-7 "Luke 17:7 - The Servant's Duty") is a **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus poses a question not to elicit information, but to make a point, assuming the audience will agree with the implied answer (which is "no"). This technique powerfully draws the listeners into the scenario, allowing them to confirm the cultural norm themselves before Jesus applies it spiritually. The verse also functions as an **Illustrative Scenario** or a mini-parable, using a common, everyday situation to teach a profound spiritual truth. There is an element of **Irony** in the implied expectation: while a servant might desire immediate rest, the reality of their position dictates continued service, highlighting the disparity between human desire and the demands of duty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:7, in conjunction with the verses that follow, profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian service and discipleship. It challenges any notion of earning God's favor or placing Him in our debt through our obedience or good works. The master-servant analogy underscores the truth that our service to God, no matter how diligent or extensive, is simply the fulfillment of our inherent duty as His creatures and redeemed children. We are not doing God a favor; rather, it is our privilege and obligation to serve Him. This perspective cultivates a spirit of humility, preventing pride in our accomplishments and fostering a reliance on God's grace alone for our salvation and all blessings. It teaches us to serve out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for merit or immediate commendation, recognizing that our ultimate reward is found in God Himself and His gracious provision.

* [Luke 17:10](/luke/17-10 "Luke 17:10 - Unprofitable Servants") - "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do."
* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace") - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse holds profound implications for how we approach our walk with God and our service in His Kingdom. It serves as a vital corrective to any subtle or overt sense of entitlement we might harbor, reminding us that our obedience is not a bargaining chip with God, nor does it earn us special favor beyond what His grace already provides. Instead, it is the natural, humble response of a heart transformed by His love. We are called to serve diligently, faithfully, and without expectation of immediate praise or reward, understanding that our greatest privilege is simply to be used by the Almighty. This perspective frees us from the burden of performance-based spirituality and allows us to serve with genuine joy and humility, recognizing that even our best efforts are merely "our duty to do." It encourages us to find contentment in simply being God's servant, trusting that He sees our hearts and will reward us according to His perfect timing and boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my underlying motivations for serving God? Am I seeking recognition or simply fulfilling my duty out of love for Him?**
* **How does the concept of being an "unprofitable servant" challenge my natural inclination to seek credit or reward for my efforts?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly expecting God to "owe" me something for my obedience or sacrifices?**
* **How can embracing the humility of a servant, as depicted in this verse, deepen my trust in God's grace and provision?**

### FAQ

**What does "by and by" mean in the King James Version of Luke 17:7?**

Answer: In modern English, "by and by" typically means "eventually" or "after a while." However, in 17th-century English, when the King James Version was translated, "by and by" meant "immediately" or "straightway." Therefore, [Luke 17:7](/luke/17-7 "Luke 17:7 - The Servant's Duty") should be understood as asking, "Which of you, having a servant... will *immediately* say to him... 'Go and sit down to meat?'" This emphasizes the master's expectation of immediate continued service, not a delayed reward.

**Is Jesus saying that God does not appreciate our service or good works?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not implying that God does not appreciate our service. Rather, He is clarifying the *nature* of our relationship with God as His servants and disciples. Our service is a duty and a privilege, not a means to earn merit or put God in our debt. God certainly delights in our obedience and faithfulness, and He promises rewards for those who serve Him (e.g., [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Reward for Giving in Secret"), [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him")). However, these rewards are by His grace, not because our actions somehow obligate Him. The point of [Luke 17:7-10](/luke/17-7-10 "Luke 17:7-10 - Parable of the Unprofitable Servant") is to cultivate humility and a proper understanding of our position before a sovereign God.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of Christian reward or eternal life?**

Answer: This verse teaches that our diligent service, while commanded and pleasing to God, does not *earn* us salvation or eternal life as a wage. Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Christ, not by works (as clearly stated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Our service is a response to that grace, an outflow of a transformed heart. While God does promise rewards for faithfulness (e.g., [1 Corinthians 3:12-15](/1_corinthians/3-12-15 "1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Testing of Works")), these are distinct from salvation and are also ultimately expressions of His gracious character, not a strict payment for services rendered. The parable in [Luke 17:7](/luke/17-7 "Luke 17:7 - The Servant's Duty") reminds us to serve with humility, recognizing that even our best efforts are simply what we are obligated to do as His servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 17:7](/luke/17-7 "Luke 17:7 - The Servant's Duty") speaks to the general expectation of a master from his servant, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound application are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though fully God, took on the form of a servant, emptying Himself and becoming obedient even unto death on a cross (as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (a truth powerfully articulated in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike the earthly servant who performs duty out of obligation, Christ's service was a perfect, willing, and loving act of obedience to the Father's will, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that secured our salvation. He perfectly exemplified the "unprofitable servant" in that His perfect obedience did not "earn" Him anything from the Father that He did not already possess as God, yet it was the Father's good pleasure to exalt Him. Our service, therefore, is not merely a duty, but a humble imitation of our Lord, who, after His arduous "field work" of redemption, did not immediately "sit down to meat" but continued His work of intercession and building His church, even as He awaits the full consummation of His Kingdom. When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He provided a living parable of the humble service He expects from those who follow Him (as recorded in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")). Thus, our service flows from His, a grateful response to the One who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and served us unto salvation.

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

Matthew 12:11

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?

Luke 13:15

The Lord then answered him, and said, [Thou] hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or [his] ass from the stall, and lead [him] away to watering?

Luke 14:5

And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?