Luke 7:7

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 7:7 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Roman centurion and his sick servant, highlighting an extraordinary display of faith that deeply impressed Jesus. The verse reads: "Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." This statement comes from the centurion, relayed to Jesus through messengers, demonstrating a profound understanding of Jesus' divine authority and power.

Context

This verse is part of an account set in Capernaum, where a Roman centurion, a man of considerable authority and influence in the Roman military, has a servant who is gravely ill and "ready to die" (Luke 7:2). Unlike many who sought Jesus' physical presence for healing, the centurion sends Jewish elders to appeal to Jesus on his behalf. As Jesus approaches the centurion's house, the centurion sends friends with this message, expressing his humility and his conviction that Jesus does not need to physically enter his home to perform a miracle. This is particularly significant as the centurion was a Gentile, and a Jew entering a Gentile's home could be seen as ceremonially defiling.

Key Themes

  • Profound Humility: The centurion’s declaration, "neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee," reveals a remarkable sense of humility. Despite his high rank, he recognizes Jesus' spiritual authority as far superior to his own, acknowledging his unworthiness in the presence of the Son of God. This humility stands in stark contrast to the pride often associated with positions of power.
  • Extraordinary Faith: The core of this verse is the centurion's powerful statement of faith: "but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." He believed that Jesus' spoken command alone, without physical touch or presence, was sufficient to bring about healing. This demonstrates a deep trust in Jesus' supernatural authority over disease and distance. Jesus himself later marvels at this faith, proclaiming He had not found such great faith, no, not in Israel (Luke 7:9; also found in the parallel account in Matthew 8:8-10).
  • Understanding of Authority: The centurion, being a military commander, understood the power of a spoken command. He applied this understanding to Jesus, realizing that Jesus' authority transcended earthly ranks and operated on a divine level. He recognized Jesus as one who could command sickness, and sickness would obey.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "say in a word" (KJV) or "speak a word" (NIV) from the Greek eipe logō (εἰπὲ λόγῳ) emphasizes the centurion's belief in the sheer power of Jesus' authoritative utterance. The term logos (λόγος) here signifies not just any word, but a word of command, authority, and divine power. It highlights that Jesus' word carries inherent efficacy and is sufficient to accomplish His will, regardless of physical proximity. This concept resonates with the creative power of God's word in Genesis 1 ("God said... and it was so").

Significance and Application

Luke 7:7 offers profound lessons for believers today. It teaches us about the nature of true faith – a faith that trusts implicitly in Jesus' power and authority, even when circumstances seem to require a physical presence or intervention. The centurion’s humility reminds us that approaching God requires a recognition of our own unworthiness and His supreme majesty. His example encourages us to:

  • Trust in Jesus' Word: We are called to believe that Jesus' promises and commands, found in Scripture, are powerful and effective, irrespective of our feelings or visible evidence. This is central to the very definition of faith.
  • Embrace Humility: A humble heart is often the ground where great faith flourishes. Recognizing our dependence on God opens us up to His mighty works.
  • Understand Spiritual Authority: Just as the centurion understood his chain of command, we are to understand that Jesus operates with ultimate spiritual authority over all things, including sickness, sin, and death.

This verse continues to inspire believers to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the visible, relying solely on the powerful and authoritative word of Jesus Christ for healing, deliverance, and salvation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:20 (7 votes)

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

  • Psalms 33:9 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 4:36 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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