Luke 7:8

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:8 records the Roman centurion's profound confession of faith, demonstrating his unique understanding of authority and his deep humility before Jesus. This verse encapsulates his conviction that Jesus' mere spoken word, rather than His physical presence, was sufficient to heal his gravely ill servant. It reveals a remarkable spiritual insight from a Gentile, contrasting sharply with the often-skeptical faith of many in Israel, and sets the stage for Jesus' commendation of this extraordinary belief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 7:8 is the climax of the centurion's message to Jesus, delivered via friends, as Jesus approaches his house. The preceding verses [Luke 7:1-5](/luke/7-1-5 "Luke 7:1-5 - The Centurion's Plea") establish the centurion's character as a respected Gentile who loved the Jewish nation and even built their synagogue. [Luke 7:6-7](/luke/7-6-7 "Luke 7:6-7 - The Centurion's Humility") detail his decision to send friends, deeming himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home, and expressing his belief that a simple command from Jesus would suffice. This narrative parallels the account found in [Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith"). The centurion's statement in [Luke 7:8](/luke/7-8 "Luke 7:8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority") directly precedes Jesus' astonishment and commendation of his faith in [Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Commends the Centurion's Great Faith"), highlighting the profound impact of the centurion's words on Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event takes place in Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' ministry on the Sea of Galilee. Roman centurions were non-commissioned officers commanding around 80-100 soldiers, known for their discipline, courage, and often, their pragmatic worldview. They represented the occupying Roman power, yet this particular centurion was highly regarded by the Jewish elders, an unusual circumstance indicating his exceptional character and respect for Jewish customs. His understanding of authority stemmed from his military experience: he was both "under authority" (reporting to higher officers) and "having under me soldiers" (exercising authority over subordinates). This hierarchical structure of command and obedience was a daily reality for him, providing a practical framework for understanding divine authority. His humility in not feeling worthy for Jesus to enter his home also reflects a cultural sensitivity, as a Jewish rabbi entering a Gentile home could incur ritual impurity.
* **Key Themes:** The passage profoundly explores the theme of **Authority**, particularly the nature of Jesus' divine authority. The centurion, from his military background, intuitively grasps that true authority operates through command and obedience, not necessarily through physical presence. This contrasts with the limited understanding of authority often displayed by the religious leaders of the time, who frequently questioned Jesus' power and origin (e.g., [Mark 11:27-33](/mark/11-27-33 "Mark 11:27-33 - Questioning Jesus' Authority")). Another central theme is **Faith**, specifically the concept of "great faith" that trusts in the power of God's word alone. The centurion's faith is presented as superior to any Jesus had encountered in Israel, demonstrating that genuine faith transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. Finally, **Humility** is a significant theme, as the centurion, despite his high rank, considers himself unworthy, showcasing that true understanding of God's power often accompanies a humble spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This word refers to a human being in general. Here, the centurion emphasizes his shared humanity and subordinate position within a chain of command, acknowledging his own limitations and highlighting the contrast with Jesus' implied divine authority.
* **authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term signifies not merely raw power, but legitimate, delegated power, jurisdiction, or privilege. The centurion understands authority as a hierarchical structure where commands are effective because of the inherent right and power vested in the one giving the command. He recognizes that Jesus possesses an even higher, inherent _exousía_ over sickness and all creation.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This word denotes a slave, literal or figurative, emphasizing a state of subjection or subserviency. The centurion's concern for his _doûlos_ underscores his compassion, and his expectation that his _doûlos_ would obey his command mirrors his belief that sickness would obey Jesus' command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I also am a man set under authority":** The centurion begins by drawing a parallel between his own experience and Jesus'. He acknowledges his position within a military hierarchy, where he himself is subject to higher command. This establishes the foundation for his understanding: he knows what it means to be under authority, and therefore, he can grasp what it means to possess 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].":** This clause illustrates the practical application of his understanding of authority. He commands his soldiers and his servant, and they obey without question or the need for his physical presence to enforce the command. The effectiveness of his word is rooted in the authority he possesses. He applies this logic to Jesus, concluding that if his own limited, delegated authority yields such immediate obedience, how much more potent would Jesus' divine, inherent authority be over all things, including disease.

#### Literary Devices
The centurion's statement employs **Analogy** and **Parallelism** to convey his profound understanding. He draws a direct comparison between his military chain of command and Jesus' spiritual authority. The structure "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]" is a clear example of **Parallelism**, emphasizing the immediate and unquestioning obedience that results from a command issued from a position of authority. This rhetorical device effectively communicates his conviction that Jesus' word alone carries the power to command healing, just as his own words command his subordinates. The use of **Understatement** in his self-description as "a man set under authority" paradoxically highlights the immense authority he recognizes in Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The centurion's faith in [Luke 7:8](/luke/7-8 "Luke 7:8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority") provides a powerful theological statement about the nature of Jesus' authority and the efficacy of His word. It underscores that Jesus' power is not limited by physical proximity or human expectation, but operates through His divine command, which all creation is bound to obey. This demonstrates a deep spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus not merely as a healer, but as one possessing ultimate, transcendent authority over all things, including sickness and death. This understanding of authority is foundational to Christian theology, affirming Jesus' sovereignty and the power of His spoken word.

* [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks and it is Done")
* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' All Authority")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Power of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's faith in [Luke 7:8](/luke/7-8 "Luke 7:8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority") challenges us to consider the depth of our own trust in Jesus' authority and the power of His word. Do we limit God by our expectations of how He should act, or do we believe that His mere command is sufficient for any situation? The centurion, a Gentile, grasped a truth that many in Israel, despite their religious heritage, failed to see. His humility, coupled with his profound understanding of authority, teaches us that true faith often requires us to step beyond our perceived worthiness and simply trust in the boundless power of Christ. We are called to recognize that Jesus' authority extends over every area of life – our health, our circumstances, our fears, and our future. When we pray, we are not merely expressing wishes, but appealing to the One who commands all things into being and who has all power in heaven and on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the centurion's understanding of authority challenge my own perceptions of God's power and how He works?**
* **In what areas of my life am I limiting God's action by requiring His physical presence or a specific method, rather than trusting in the power of His word alone?**
* **How can cultivating humility, like the centurion, deepen my faith and trust in Jesus' supreme authority?**

### FAQ

**What does the centurion mean by "a man set under authority"?**

Answer: The centurion, as a military officer, understood the chain of command intimately. When he says he is "a man set under authority," he means he himself is subordinate to higher-ranking officers (like a tribune or legate) and must obey their commands. He then contrasts this with his own position, "having under me soldiers," whom he commands. This statement is crucial because it forms the basis of his analogy: if he, a man under authority, can issue commands that are obeyed, how much more powerful is Jesus, who clearly operates with a higher, inherent authority, capable of commanding sickness itself? This demonstrates his profound insight into the nature of power and command, recognizing that Jesus' authority is not derived but intrinsic.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The centurion's remarkable understanding of authority in [Luke 7:8](/luke/7-8 "Luke 7:8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority") points directly to the ultimate authority of Christ. His military analogy, where a word from a commander is sufficient to achieve a desired outcome, foreshadows Jesus' own divine prerogative to command all things. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one in whom all authority resides, both in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' All Authority")). He demonstrates this authority over disease ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), over demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), over nature ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and ultimately, over sin and death ([John 5:24-29](/john/5-24-29 "John 5:24-29 - Authority to Give Life and Judge")). The centurion's faith, that Jesus' word alone was powerful enough, anticipates the truth that through Christ's spoken word, creation came into being ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")) and through His redemptive word, salvation is offered to all who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")). Thus, the centurion's confession serves as a powerful testament to the absolute, sovereign authority of the Son of God.

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

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?