Luke 7:4

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

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}:

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

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

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

Luke 7:4 describes the earnest appeal made by Jewish elders to Jesus on behalf of a Roman centurion. This verse captures a moment of intense advocacy, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most significant miracles and teachings on faith.

Context

This verse is part of a narrative where a Roman centurion, a military officer commanding about 100 soldiers, has a servant who is gravely ill and "ready to die" (Luke 7:2). Despite being a Roman, the centurion was highly regarded by the Jewish community in Capernaum because he "loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue" (Luke 7:5). Out of respect and concern for the centurion, the Jewish elders were dispatched to Jesus to plead for the servant's healing. Their plea in Luke 7:4 emphasizes the centurion's perceived "worthiness" based on his good deeds and benevolence towards the Jewish people.

Key Themes

  • Intercession and Advocacy: The Jewish elders act as fervent intercessors, appealing to Jesus on behalf of someone else. This highlights the power and importance of praying for others.
  • Human Perception of Worthiness: The elders' argument is rooted in a common human understanding of merit – that good deeds and community contributions make one "worthy" of divine favor. This perspective contrasts sharply with the centurion's own profound humility and Jesus' later emphasis on salvation by grace through faith, not works.
  • Compassion and Need: Underlying the elders' appeal is the urgent need for healing and the centurion's deep care for his servant, prompting their instant and earnest request to Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "besought him instantly" is a powerful translation of the Greek word spoudaiōs (σπουδαίως), which means "diligently," "earnestly," or "eagerly." It conveys a sense of urgency and deep conviction in their plea. The word "worthy" comes from the Greek axios (ἄξιος), signifying someone or something deserving of a particular reward or recognition due to their character or actions. This term underscores the elders' belief that the centurion's good deeds merited Jesus' intervention.

Practical Application

Luke 7:4 reminds us of the human tendency to assess situations based on merit and deservingness. While the elders' sincere advocacy on behalf of the centurion is commendable, the narrative ultimately shifts focus to the centurion's extraordinary faith, which Jesus praises as greater than any He had found in Israel (Luke 7:9). This verse encourages us to:

  • Engage in Intercessory Prayer: We are called to pray earnestly for others, bringing their needs before God.
  • Reflect on True Worthiness: Consider that God's grace often extends beyond our human definitions of "worthiness" or merit. Our access to God's power is not based on our good deeds, but on faith in Him.
  • Understand God's Character: Jesus responds to the centurion not because of the elders' argument of worthiness, but because of the centurion's humble and profound faith, demonstrating that God's actions are often guided by principles of grace and the recognition of genuine faith.

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.

  • 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:
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