Luke 17:7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

But {G1161} which {G5101} of {G1537} you {G5216}, having {G2192} a servant {G1401} plowing {G722} or {G2228} feeding cattle {G4165}, will say {G2046} unto him {G3739} by and by {G2112}, when he is come {G1525} from {G1537} the field {G68}, Go {G3928} and sit down to meat {G377}?

If one of you has a slave tending the sheep or plowing, when he comes back from the field, will you say to him, ‘Come along now, sit down and eat’?

Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;

Commentary

Context

Luke 17:7 is part of a larger discourse by Jesus to His disciples, immediately following teachings on the severe consequences of causing others to stumble, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of even a small amount of faith (as seen in Luke 17:6). This verse introduces a mini-parable or illustrative scenario that sets the stage for the crucial teaching in Luke 17:10 about the nature of a servant's duty. It reflects the common master-servant relationships and agricultural practices prevalent in ancient Israel, where servants were expected to perform tasks without immediate reward or special consideration beyond their basic sustenance.

Key Themes

  • Duty and Expectation: The verse highlights the normal expectation that a servant, having completed one task (plowing or feeding cattle), would not immediately be invited to rest or eat, but would be expected to serve the master further. This illustrates that fulfilling one's basic duties is not a special favor but an obligation.
  • The Nature of Service: It underscores that service, especially to a master, is not a transactional exchange where immediate reward or commendation is due upon completion of a task. It's about diligent and continuous fulfillment of responsibilities.
  • Humility in Service: By implication, the parable encourages a humble attitude in service, suggesting that believers should not expect special praise or recognition for simply doing what God requires of them. This sets up the concept of being an "unprofitable servant" in the verses that follow.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by and by" in the King James Version can be a bit misleading to modern readers. In 17th-century English, "by and by" meant "immediately" or "straightway," not "eventually." Therefore, the verse asks, "Which of you, having a servant, will immediately say to him, 'Go and sit down to eat?'" This emphasizes the master's expectation of *continued* service, not a delayed reward. The term "meat" simply refers to a meal, not specifically animal flesh.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly simple, carries profound implications for the Christian's walk and service to God. It challenges any notion that our obedience or good works put God in our debt. Just as an earthly master expects his servant to perform duties without immediate special treatment, so too does God expect His followers to serve Him diligently. Our service is not a favor we do for God, but a humble response to His grace and a fulfillment of our calling as His adopted children and servants. We are to serve without expecting immediate praise or reward for simply doing what is required, understanding that our ultimate reward comes from God's grace, not from our merit. It teaches us to serve with a heart of humility and unwavering dedication, recognizing that our greatest privilege is simply to be used by Him.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:11 (-2 votes)

    And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?

  • Luke 13:15 (-3 votes)

    The Lord then answered him, and said, [Thou] hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or [his] ass from the stall, and lead [him] away to watering?

  • Luke 14:5 (-4 votes)

    And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?