Luke 7:8

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

For {G1063} I {G1473} also {G2532} am {G1510} a man {G444} set {G5021} under {G5259} authority {G1849}, having {G2192} under {G5259} me {G1683} soldiers {G4757}, and {G2532} I say {G3004} unto one {G5129}, Go {G4198}, and {G2532} he goeth {G4198}; and {G2532} to another {G243}, Come {G2064}, and {G2532} he cometh {G2064}; and {G2532} to my {G3450} servant {G1401}, Do {G4160} this {G5124}, and {G2532} he doeth {G4160} it.

For I too am a man set under authority. I have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, `Go!' and he goes; and to another, `Come!' and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this!' and he does it."

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

For I also am a man set under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Commentary on Luke 7:8 (KJV)

Luke 7:8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Roman centurion's extraordinary faith. This verse is part of the centurion's humble yet profound explanation to Jesus as to why he doesn't feel worthy for Jesus to come under his roof, believing instead that a mere word from Jesus would suffice to heal his beloved servant.

Context

The preceding verses (Luke 7:1-7) set the scene: a highly respected Roman centurion, who had built the local synagogue, had a servant gravely ill and near death. Instead of directly approaching Jesus, he sent Jewish elders to intercede on his behalf. When Jesus was approaching his house, the centurion sent friends with a message that revealed an incredible understanding of authority and a humility that deeply impressed Jesus. This account is also paralleled in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 8:5-13).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Understanding of Authority: The centurion, a military man, grasped the essence of authority. He understood that commands are effective not because of the physical presence of the commander, but because of the inherent authority behind the words. He recognized that just as his soldiers obeyed his commands without question, so too would sickness and death obey Jesus' divine command. This demonstrated an insight into spiritual authority that many religious leaders of the time lacked.
  • Faith in a Word: His core belief was that Jesus did not need to physically lay hands on the servant or even be present. A simple word spoken by Jesus, from a distance, would be enough. This powerful conviction is what Jesus later describes as "great faith" (Luke 7:9), unparalleled even among those in Israel.
  • Humility: Despite his high rank and local influence, the centurion displayed profound humility, considering himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home. His self-assessment, "I also am a man set under authority," paradoxically highlighted his fitness to understand Jesus' supreme authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "authority" used here is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies not just power, but legitimate or delegated power and jurisdiction. The centurion's statement reflects his personal experience with both being under authority (e.g., under Caesar) and exercising authority (over his soldiers and servants). He intuitively understood that Jesus operated with an even higher exousia, a divine authority over all things, including sickness and death. This understanding contrasts sharply with the scribes and Pharisees, who often questioned Jesus' authority (Mark 11:28).

Practical Application

Luke 7:8 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Word: The centurion's faith teaches us to trust in the power and efficacy of God's spoken word. Just as Jesus' word healed the servant, so God's promises and commands are effective and true, capable of transforming lives and circumstances (Isaiah 55:11).
  • Understanding Spiritual Authority: We are called to recognize and submit to the spiritual authority of Christ. When we pray in faith, we are appealing to the One who has "all power in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18).
  • Humility in Faith: True faith often walks hand-in-hand with humility. Recognizing our own limitations and unworthiness, yet fully trusting in God's boundless power, is a hallmark of genuine belief.

This verse stands as a testament to a faith that looks beyond the visible to the power of the spoken word, a faith that Jesus Himself highly commended.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 6:1

    ¶ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

  • 1 Timothy 6:2

    And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

  • Acts 23:17

    Then Paul called one of the centurions unto [him], and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

  • Acts 10:7

    And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

  • Acts 10:8

    And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

  • Acts 22:25

    And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

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