Luke 10:34

And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And {G2532} went {G4334} to him, and bound up {G2611} his {G846} wounds {G5134}, pouring in {G2022} oil {G1637} and {G2532} wine {G3631}, and {G1161} set {G1913} him {G846} on {G1909} his own {G2398} beast {G2934}, and brought {G71} him {G846} to {G1519} an inn {G3829}, and {G2532} took care {G1959} of him {G846}.

So he went up to him, put oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Commentary

Luke 10:34 describes the compassionate and practical actions of the Good Samaritan, who, upon finding a man severely beaten and left for dead, immediately tended to his wounds. This verse highlights the Samaritan's profound mercy and willingness to intervene where others had failed.

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment within the Parable of the Good Samaritan, told by Jesus in response to a lawyer's question, "And who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10:29). The road from Jerusalem to Jericho, where the incident occurs, was notoriously dangerous due to robbers, making the victim's plight and the Samaritan's selfless actions all the more striking. The Samaritan's care stands in stark contrast to the priest and Levite who passed by on the other side (Luke 10:31; Luke 10:32).

Key Themes

  • Active Compassion: The Samaritan's compassion is not merely an emotion but translates directly into tangible aid. He doesn't just feel pity; he stops, approaches, and performs immediate first aid, demonstrating a profound and active form of neighborly love.
  • Ancient Medical Practices: The act of "pouring in oil and wine" reflects common ancient remedies. Wine, with its alcoholic content, would have served as an antiseptic for cleansing wounds, while oil (such as olive oil) was used as a soothing agent, a moisturizer, and to promote healing. This detail adds authenticity to the narrative and shows the Samaritan's practical knowledge and careful attention.
  • Personal Sacrifice: The Samaritan's care extended beyond initial treatment. He used his own beast (likely a donkey or mule) to transport the injured man, brought him to a safe place (an inn), and took personal responsibility for his immediate care, highlighting a selfless commitment that went above and beyond expectation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bound up his wounds" comes from the Greek word ἔδησεν (*edēsen*), meaning "he bound," indicating a careful and deliberate wrapping of the injuries. The "oil" (ἔλαιον - *elaion*) and "wine" (οἶνον - *oinon*) are specifically mentioned, underscoring their medicinal roles. The final phrase, "and took care of him" (ἐπεμελήθη αὐτοῦ - *epemelēthē autou*), conveys a sense of diligent and continuous attention, implying more than just a quick drop-off at the inn.

Practical Application

Luke 10:34 serves as a powerful illustration of what it means to truly love your neighbor as yourself. It challenges us to move beyond passive sympathy to active, costly, and practical acts of kindness and service, especially towards those who are vulnerable and in desperate need. The Samaritan's actions call believers to overcome social or cultural prejudices and to embody Christ-like mercy and compassion, providing healing and hope in a broken world.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 147:3 (6 votes)

    He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

  • Romans 12:20 (6 votes)

    Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (5 votes)

    See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

  • Luke 2:7 (4 votes)

    And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  • Exodus 4:24 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.

  • Mark 14:8 (4 votes)

    She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

  • Isaiah 1:5 (4 votes)

    Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.