Luke 7:2

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And {G1161} a certain {G5100} centurion's {G1543} servant {G1401}, who {G3739} was {G2258} dear {G1784} unto him {G846}, was {G2192} sick {G2560}, and ready {G3195} to die {G5053}.

A Roman army officer there had a servant he regarded highly, who was sick to the point of death.

There a highly valued servant of a centurion was sick and about to die.

And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and at the point of death.

Luke 7:2 introduces a pivotal character and a dire situation that sets the stage for one of Jesus' most remarkable displays of authority and compassion. The verse states, "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die." This succinct statement immediately draws the reader into a narrative of human concern and urgent need.

Context

This event occurs as Jesus enters Capernaum, a significant center for His ministry, as noted in Luke 7:1. The 'centurion' was a Roman army officer, typically commanding 100 soldiers. His presence in Jewish territory signifies the Roman occupation and the diverse group of people Jesus interacted with. What makes this centurion particularly notable, even before his faith is revealed, is his deep concern for his servant. In a society where servants or slaves were often considered property, the centurion's affection ("dear unto him") was unusual and highlights his compassionate character.

Key Themes

  • Compassion Across Social Divides: The centurion's profound care for his servant transcends typical social hierarchies of the time, revealing a deep sense of humanity and responsibility.
  • Urgency of Human Suffering: The servant's critical condition, "sick, and ready to die," underscores the immediate and desperate need for divine intervention, prompting the centurion to seek help from Jesus.
  • Introduction of a Gentile Figure: This centurion is a Gentile, a non-Jew. His prominent role in the narrative, particularly his impending display of extraordinary faith, foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel and Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish people.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "dear unto him" translates the Greek word entimos (ἔντιμος), which means "held in honor," "precious," or "esteemed." This emphasizes that the centurion did not merely view his servant as property, but as a valuable individual whom he cherished. This bond is significant, especially considering the typical social hierarchy of the time, and foreshadows the centurion's extraordinary faith, which Jesus later commends in Luke 7:9.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for the centurion's appeal to Jesus, detailed in the subsequent verses. The narrative continues in Luke 7:3, where the centurion sends elders of the Jews to Jesus. The full account of the healing and Jesus' commendation of the centurion's faith is found in Luke 7:10. This account also parallels the healing of the centurion's servant found in Matthew 8:5-13, emphasizing Jesus' authority over sickness and death.

Practical Application

Luke 7:2 reminds us of the value of every human life, regardless of social status or origin. The centurion's example encourages compassion and active concern for those who are suffering, even those traditionally considered beneath one's standing. It highlights how desperate circumstances often lead individuals to seek divine help, and it prepares the reader for the incredible power of faith that can move mountains and bring about healing, as demonstrated in the rest of this compelling story. The story underscores the universal need for faith in God's power and the compassion that drives us to intercede for others.

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.

  • 2 Kings 5:2

    And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

  • 2 Kings 5:3

    And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

  • John 4:46

    So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

  • John 4:47

    When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

  • Genesis 24:27

    And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

  • Matthew 27:54

    Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

  • Genesis 24:2

    And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

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