Luke 7:7

KJV

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} neither {G3761} thought I {G515} myself {G1683} worthy {G515} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} thee {G4571}: but {G235} say {G2036} in a word {G3056}, and {G2532} my {G3450} servant {G3816} shall be healed {G2390}.

Complete Jewish Bible

this is why I didn't presume to approach you myself. Instead, just give a command and let my servant recover.

Berean Standard Bible

That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

American Standard Version

wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:7 presents the extraordinary declaration of a Roman centurion, who, despite his high military rank, expresses profound humility and unwavering faith in Jesus' authority. Through messengers, he conveys his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home, yet confidently asserts that a mere spoken word from Jesus is sufficient to heal his gravely ill servant. This statement not only highlights the centurion's deep understanding of spiritual authority but also serves as a powerful testament to a faith that transcends physical presence, eliciting Jesus' commendation as unparalleled in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of miraculous healings and teachings by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, immediately following the sermon on the plain (Luke 6) and preceding the raising of the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17). The narrative begins with the centurion sending Jewish elders to Jesus, pleading for his sick servant (Luke 7:1-5). As Jesus approaches the centurion's house, the centurion sends friends with the message of Luke 7:7-8, demonstrating his profound humility and faith. This episode serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing Jesus' divine authority and His readiness to extend grace beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, setting the stage for further demonstrations of His power and compassion throughout Luke's Gospel. The parallel account in [Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith") underscores the significance of this event in the broader Synoptic tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' early ministry. A Roman centurion was a commander of approximately 100 soldiers, a position of considerable authority and respect within the Roman military structure. For a Gentile officer to show such concern for a servant, and then to approach a Jewish rabbi with such humility, was remarkable. Jewish law and custom considered contact with Gentiles as ceremonially defiling, especially entering a Gentile's home. The centurion's statement, "neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee," and his subsequent request for Jesus to "say in a word" rather than physically enter, demonstrates not only his humility but also a sensitivity to Jewish customs and a profound respect for Jesus' holiness. This respect, coupled with his understanding of authority from his military background, informs his unique expression of faith.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:7 contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Extraordinary Faith**, particularly from an unexpected source—a Gentile. The centurion's belief that Jesus' mere word was sufficient for healing showcases a depth of trust that Jesus Himself declares unparalleled in Israel ([Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Profound Humility**. Despite his position of power, the centurion acknowledges his unworthiness to even approach Jesus directly, contrasting sharply with the pride often associated with authority. This humility is a recurring virtue praised by Jesus throughout His ministry, as seen in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector"). Thirdly, the centurion's military background informs his understanding of **Divine Authority**. He grasps that Jesus operates with a spiritual authority that transcends physical presence, much like his own commands are obeyed without him needing to physically perform the action. This theme reinforces Jesus' absolute power over sickness and all creation, a power demonstrated consistently from the beginning of His ministry, such as His authority over unclean spirits in [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worthy (Greek, _axióō'_):** From G515, meaning "to deem entitled or fit." The centurion's declaration, "neither thought I myself worthy," uses this term to express his profound sense of unsuitability or inadequacy in the presence of Jesus. Despite his societal standing and military authority, he recognized Jesus' spiritual magnitude as far surpassing his own, leading him to consider himself unfit for Jesus to enter his home. This highlights a deep humility and reverence.
* **Say (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, a primary verb used for speaking or saying, often implying a command or authoritative utterance. The centurion's plea, "but say in a word," emphasizes his belief in the inherent power and efficacy of Jesus' spoken command. He understood that Jesus' word was not merely communicative but performative—it had the power to accomplish what it declared, without any additional action.
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, referring to "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In this context, _lógos_ signifies more than just a casual utterance; it denotes a word imbued with authority, power, and divine intent. The centurion's faith rested on the understanding that Jesus' _lógos_ carried the inherent capacity to heal, echoing the creative power of God's word in creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee:"** This initial clause reveals the centurion's profound humility and self-awareness. Despite his position of authority as a Roman officer, he recognized his spiritual unworthiness to stand directly before Jesus, whom he perceived as possessing a unique and superior spiritual authority. This statement also implicitly acknowledges the cultural barrier, as a Jew entering a Gentile's home would incur ceremonial defilement, which the centurion respectfully sought to avoid. His humility is not born of weakness, but of a clear understanding of Jesus' divine stature.
* **"but say in a word,"** This is the core of the centurion's extraordinary faith. Rejecting the need for Jesus' physical presence or touch, he believed that a mere verbal command from Jesus would be sufficient to effect healing. This shows a deep insight into Jesus' power, equating it with the absolute authority of a military commander whose word alone is enough to bring about action and obedience. It speaks to a faith that trusts in the invisible power of God's spoken word.
* **"and my servant shall be healed."** This final clause expresses the centurion's confident expectation and the desired outcome of his request. It is a declaration of absolute certainty in Jesus' ability to heal, even from a distance, by the sheer power of His authoritative word. The centurion's faith was not a hopeful wish but a firm conviction in the immediate and effective power of Christ to restore health to his servant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Contrast** to highlight the centurion's remarkable faith. There is a stark contrast between the centurion's high social and military standing and his profound humility before Jesus. Furthermore, his Gentile status stands in contrast to the often-skeptical Jewish religious leaders, making his faith all the more striking. The centurion's understanding of authority, rooted in his military experience, functions as a **Metaphor** for Jesus' divine authority. He understands that just as his word commands his soldiers, Jesus' word commands sickness and even death. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** in Jesus' response (Luke 7:9), where He marvels at finding such great faith not among the chosen people of Israel, but in a Gentile, a Roman officer, underscoring the surprising ways God's grace and power manifest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:7 offers profound theological insights into the nature of faith, the authority of God, and the expansive reach of His grace. The centurion's faith, characterized by humility and a profound trust in Jesus' word alone, serves as a paradigm for true belief. It teaches that genuine faith does not depend on physical proximity or elaborate rituals but on a recognition of Jesus' inherent power and authority. This episode also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, demonstrating that God's favor is not limited by ethnic or social boundaries but is extended to all who approach Him with humble, believing hearts. The healing of the servant by Jesus' word alone reinforces the omnipotence of God's spoken command, echoing the creative power of God in Genesis and affirming Jesus' divine identity as the very Word of God.

* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")
* [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks and It Is Done")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's declaration in Luke 7:7 offers a timeless model for our own walk of faith. His humility reminds us that approaching God requires a genuine recognition of our unworthiness and His supreme majesty; it is not our merit but His grace that enables us to draw near. His profound trust in Jesus' spoken word challenges us to consider the depth of our own belief in the promises and commands of Scripture. Do we truly believe that Jesus' word, as revealed in the Bible, is sufficient to address our needs, heal our brokenness, and guide our lives, even when circumstances seem to demand a visible or tangible intervention? The centurion's example calls us to cultivate a faith that transcends our limited understanding and relies completely on the authoritative power of Christ, trusting that His "word" is enough.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or visible evidence, rather than trusting solely in Jesus' authoritative word?**
* **How does the centurion's humility, despite his position of power, challenge your own understanding of what it means to be truly humble before God?**
* **What specific "word" or promise from Jesus are you currently struggling to believe is sufficient for your situation?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more confident trust in the unseen power of Jesus' commands and promises in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was the centurion's faith so remarkable to Jesus?**

Answer: The centurion's faith was remarkable because it transcended conventional expectations and demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of Jesus' divine authority. Unlike many who sought Jesus' physical presence or touch for healing, the centurion believed that Jesus' mere spoken word, even from a distance, was sufficient to heal his servant. This level of faith, coming from a Gentile, was unprecedented in Jesus' experience among the people of Israel, as He Himself declared in [Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith"), "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." His military background likely gave him a unique insight into the power of command, which he correctly applied to Jesus' spiritual authority.

**What does "say in a word" mean for us today?**

Answer: The centurion's phrase "say in a word" (Greek: _eipe logō_) emphasizes the inherent power and efficacy of Jesus' authoritative utterance. For believers today, this means that Jesus' promises, commands, and the truths revealed in His Word (the Bible) are not merely suggestions or historical accounts, but living, active, and powerful declarations capable of transforming lives and circumstances. It calls us to trust in the spiritual reality that Jesus' word is sufficient for salvation, healing, guidance, and every need, even when we cannot physically see or feel His presence. It encourages a faith that relies on the power of God's Word, as described in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active").

**Was it unusual for Jesus to heal without physical contact?**

Answer: While Jesus often healed through physical touch (e.g., [Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper") or [Luke 5:13](/luke/5-13 "Luke 5:13 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), He also demonstrated His power to heal from a distance or through a spoken word on several occasions. The healing of the centurion's servant is a prime example. Another notable instance is the healing of the nobleman's son in [John 4:46-54](/john/4-46-54 "John 4:46-54 - Jesus Heals the Official's Son"), where Jesus simply says, "Go thy way; thy son liveth," and the boy is healed at that very hour. These instances underscore that Jesus' power is not limited by physical proximity, but operates through His divine authority and the power of His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The centurion's profound understanding that Jesus needed only to "say in a word" to effect healing points directly to the very nature and identity of Christ. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a healer; He is the incarnate _Logos_, the Word of God made flesh, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). The centurion's faith, therefore, was not simply in a man, but in the divine authority inherent in Jesus' very being and utterance. This episode foreshadows Jesus' ultimate authority over all creation, sin, and death, culminating in His resurrection and the declaration that "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The physical healing of the servant by a mere word serves as a powerful sign of the greater spiritual healing and salvation that Jesus, the Word, offers to all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus speaks a word of forgiveness and redemption, by which we are truly healed from the sickness of sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")) and granted new life.

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

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Luke 5:13

And he put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

1 Samuel 2:6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.