Luke 7:4

KJV

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they came {G3854} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, they besought {G3870} him {G846} instantly {G4709}, saying {G3004}, That {G3754} he was {G2076} worthy {G514} for whom {G3739} he should do {G3930} this {G5124}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to Yeshua and pleaded earnestly with him, "He really deserves to have you do this,

Berean Standard Bible

They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this,

American Standard Version

And they, when they came to Jesus, besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:4 captures the earnest and immediate appeal of Jewish elders to Jesus on behalf of a Roman centurion. This verse highlights the elders' fervent intercession, grounded in their perception of the centurion's "worthiness" due to his benevolence towards the Jewish community. Their plea sets the stage for a profound encounter that will ultimately reveal Jesus' unparalleled authority and the true nature of saving faith, transcending human notions of merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - The Healing of the Centurion's Servant"). Immediately preceding this verse, we learn that a Roman centurion, who held a position of authority in Capernaum, had a beloved servant on the verge of death ([Luke 7:2](/luke/7-2 "Luke 7:2 - The Centurion's Beloved Servant")). The centurion, hearing about Jesus, chose to send Jewish elders to Him, rather than approaching Jesus directly, perhaps out of humility or cultural sensitivity. Luke 7:4 details the elders' direct appeal to Jesus upon their arrival, emphasizing the urgency and the basis of their request, which is further elaborated in [Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Centurion's Good Deeds"). The elders' advocacy serves as a crucial bridge, bringing the centurion's desperate situation before Jesus, and foreshadowing the centurion's extraordinary faith that Jesus will later commend.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a significant town on the Sea of Galilee, a hub of Jesus' early ministry. The presence of a Roman centurion indicates Roman occupation and military presence in Jewish lands. While Roman rule was often resented, this particular centurion was an anomaly; he was highly regarded by the local Jewish community. This esteem stemmed from his love for the Jewish nation and his significant act of building a synagogue for them ([Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Centurion's Benevolence")). Such an act of patronage by a Gentile towards a Jewish institution was highly unusual and would have earned him considerable respect and favor among the Jewish leadership. The elders, therefore, felt compelled to intercede for him, viewing his good deeds as a legitimate basis for divine intervention, a common perspective within a merit-based understanding of righteousness prevalent in some Jewish thought of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:4 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It introduces the theme of **Intercession and Advocacy**, as the Jewish elders act as mediators on behalf of the centurion, highlighting the importance of praying for others. It also immediately sets up a **Contrast Between Human and Divine Worthiness**, as the elders' argument for the centurion's "worthiness" based on his good works ([Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Elders' Argument")) will soon be juxtaposed with the centurion's profound humility and understanding of his own unworthiness before Jesus ([Luke 7:6-7](/luke/7-6-7 "Luke 7:6-7 - The Centurion's Humility")). This contrast underscores the broader biblical theme that salvation and divine favor are ultimately rooted in grace and faith, not human merit, a concept powerfully articulated by Paul in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' Authority Over Sickness and Distance**, as the elders' appeal acknowledges His power to heal, even from afar, which Jesus will demonstrate in the following verses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." This word conveys a strong sense of earnest entreaty or urgent appeal. The elders were not merely asking; they were imploring Jesus with deep conviction, reflecting the gravity of the situation and their high regard for the centurion.
* **instantly (Greek, _spoudaíōs'_):** From G4709, an adverb meaning "earnestly, promptly." This word emphasizes the immediate and diligent nature of their appeal. They did not hesitate or delay; their request was made with urgency and zealousness, underscoring the critical condition of the servant and their desire for Jesus' swift action.
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** From G514, meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." The elders' use of this term reveals their understanding of merit-based favor. They believed the centurion's character and actions, particularly his benevolence towards the Jewish community, rendered him deserving of Jesus' miraculous intervention. This concept of worthiness, however, will be challenged and redefined by the centurion's own humble assessment of himself and Jesus' subsequent commendation of his faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they came to Jesus,"**: This clause establishes the direct encounter. The Jewish elders, dispatched by the centurion, successfully reached Jesus, indicating the centurion's proactive effort to seek Jesus' help and the elders' willingness to act as his representatives. The urgency implied by the preceding verses is now met with their physical presence before the Lord.
* **"they besought him instantly,"**: This phrase describes the manner of their appeal. The combination of "besought" (imploringly) and "instantly" (earnestly, diligently, promptly) paints a vivid picture of their fervent and immediate request. Their petition was not casual but filled with a sense of urgency and deep conviction, reflecting the dire circumstances of the centurion's servant and their earnest desire for a swift response from Jesus.
* **"saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:"**: This final clause reveals the content and basis of their plea. The elders explicitly state their rationale: the centurion was "worthy" of Jesus' intervention. Their understanding of worthiness was rooted in his commendable character and actions—specifically, his love for the Jewish nation and his generous act of building their synagogue, as detailed in [Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Centurion's Good Deeds"). This statement sets up a theological tension, as it presents a human, merit-based appeal that will soon be contrasted with the centurion's profound humility and faith, which Jesus ultimately commends.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:4 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and narrative impact. The most prominent is **Intercession**, as the Jewish elders act as fervent advocates for the Roman centurion, highlighting the communal aspect of seeking divine help and the power of praying on behalf of others. There is also a subtle use of **Irony** in the elders' argument of "worthiness." While they earnestly believe the centurion's good deeds merit Jesus' action, the narrative will soon reveal that Jesus responds not to this human assessment of merit, but to the centurion's profound humility and extraordinary faith, which stands in stark **Contrast** to the elders' legalistic appeal. This contrast underscores a key Lukan theme of God's grace extending beyond human expectations and social boundaries. The phrase "besought him instantly" also utilizes **Emphasis** through the adverb "instantly" (Greek _spoudaíōs_), conveying the immediate and earnest nature of their plea, thereby building narrative tension and highlighting the critical need for Jesus' intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:4, with the elders' appeal based on the centurion's "worthiness," immediately brings into focus the tension between human merit and divine grace. While the elders operate from a framework where good deeds earn favor, Jesus' subsequent interaction with the centurion will powerfully demonstrate that true access to God's power and blessing comes not through human achievement, but through humble faith and an acknowledgment of one's unworthiness. This dynamic sets the stage for a profound theological lesson on the nature of God's kingdom, where the last are often first, and grace triumphs over works. The elders' intercession, though based on a flawed premise of worthiness, still exemplifies the biblical principle of advocating for others in prayer.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer"): "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
* [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."
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"): "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:4 offers a rich tapestry for reflection on our own approaches to God and our understanding of His character. The elders' earnest advocacy for the centurion is commendable, reminding us of our call to intercede for others, bringing their needs and burdens before the Lord with sincerity and urgency. However, their reasoning—that the centurion was "worthy" due to his good deeds—serves as a crucial point of introspection. It challenges us to examine whether we, too, sometimes approach God with a hidden expectation of merit, believing our good works or perceived righteousness make us more deserving of His favor. The narrative that unfolds beyond this verse will powerfully demonstrate that God's grace transcends human definitions of worthiness, responding instead to genuine faith and humility. This encourages us to shed any pretense of self-merit and to approach God with a humble heart, trusting in His boundless grace rather than our own flawed accomplishments. Our access to His power and provision is not earned but freely given to those who believe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I engage in earnest, "instant" intercessory prayer for others, especially those outside my immediate circle or comfort zone?**
* **In what ways might I, like the elders, subconsciously believe that my good deeds or spiritual efforts make me "worthy" of God's blessings or attention?**
* **How does the centurion's later demonstration of humility (not explicitly stated in this verse, but central to the full account) challenge my own understanding of what truly pleases God?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of advocating for those in need, even if my understanding of God's response is imperfect?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jewish elders advocate for a Roman centurion, given the typical tensions between Jews and Romans?**

Answer: The text explicitly states in [Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Centurion's Love for the Nation") that this particular centurion was highly esteemed by the Jewish community because "he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue." This act of generosity and respect for Jewish customs was highly unusual for a Roman officer and earned him significant favor and gratitude from the local Jewish leadership. Therefore, when his beloved servant fell ill, the elders felt compelled to intercede on his behalf, viewing him as a benefactor who deserved their support and Jesus' attention. Their advocacy was a response to his exceptional benevolence.

**What does the elders' statement that the centurion was "worthy" imply about their understanding of divine favor?**

Answer: The elders' use of the word "worthy" (Greek _áxios_) indicates a belief that the centurion's commendable actions—his love for the Jewish nation and his building of a synagogue—had earned him a legitimate claim to Jesus' intervention. This reflects a common human tendency, and a perspective sometimes found in religious thought, to link divine favor or blessing to human merit, good deeds, or adherence to religious law. They believed his righteousness, as defined by his community contributions, made him deserving. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the centurion's own later declaration of unworthiness in [Luke 7:6-7](/luke/7-6-7 "Luke 7:6-7 - The Centurion's Humility"), which Jesus ultimately praises as extraordinary faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:4, though focusing on the elders' human-centric appeal, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate source of authority and grace. The elders' plea for "worthiness" highlights humanity's innate desire to earn divine favor, a concept that Jesus radically redefines. Christ does not respond to human merit, but to genuine faith and humble reliance upon His power. The centurion's subsequent demonstration of faith, where he acknowledges his own unworthiness and Jesus' supreme authority even over distance ([Luke 7:7-8](/luke/7-7-8 "Luke 7:7-8 - The Centurion's Great Faith")), reveals the true nature of access to God's kingdom. Jesus, as the Son of God, is the one who transcends all human categories of worthiness, offering healing and salvation not based on what we have done, but on who He is and what He will accomplish through His atoning work. His commendation of the centurion's faith ([Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus' Commendation of Faith")) foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, where faith, not ethnic or social standing, is the sole criterion for receiving God's grace, echoing the New Testament's consistent message that salvation is a gift received by faith in Christ, not by works of the law ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace")). He is the one who fulfills the deepest needs of humanity, responding to humble faith with divine power, demonstrating His unique role as Savior and Lord over all.

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

Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:11

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Luke 20:35

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Luke 7:6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: