Luke 7:3

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And {G1161} when he heard {G191} of {G4012} Jesus {G2424}, he sent {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846} the elders {G4245} of the Jews {G2453}, beseeching {G2065} him {G846} that {G3704} he would come {G2064} and heal {G1295} his {G846} servant {G1401}.

Hearing about Yeshua, the officer sent some Jewish elders to him with the request that he come and heal his servant.

When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant.

And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.

Commentary

Luke 7:3 introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of a Roman centurion's extraordinary faith. This verse describes the centurion's proactive step in seeking Jesus, driven by deep concern for his ailing servant.

Context

This verse is part of the broader account of the healing of the centurion's servant, which spans Luke 7:1-10. The centurion, a Roman military officer, was an unlikely figure to seek out a Jewish rabbi. However, the preceding verses (Luke 7:1-2) establish that he was highly regarded by the Jewish community, having built them a synagogue. His servant was "dear unto him," indicating a compassionate master-servant relationship, which was not always typical for that era. Upon hearing of Jesus' miraculous abilities, the centurion did not hesitate to seek help, choosing to send respected Jewish elders as his representatives, perhaps out of humility or respect for Jesus' Jewish identity.

Key Themes

  • Intercession and Advocacy: The centurion, unable or unwilling to approach Jesus directly, sent respected community leaders to plead on his behalf. This highlights the importance of interceding for others, especially those in need.
  • Compassion and Care: The centurion's deep concern for his servant, who was "ready to die" (Luke 7:2), underscores a profound sense of responsibility and love, transcending social distinctions of the time.
  • Anticipation of Jesus' Power: The phrase "when he heard of Jesus" indicates that Jesus' fame as a healer and teacher had spread widely. The centurion's decision to seek Him out demonstrates his belief in Jesus' unique authority and ability to perform miracles, even before a direct encounter. This sets the stage for the centurion's unparalleled faith described later in the narrative (Luke 7:9).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "servant" in Luke 7:2 is doulos, which typically means a slave or bondservant. However, the text emphasizes his value to the centurion ("dear unto him"), suggesting a relationship beyond mere ownership. The act of "beseeching" (Greek: erōtaō) signifies an earnest request or an urgent plea, underscoring the gravity of the servant's condition and the centurion's desperation for Jesus' intervention.

Practical Application

Luke 7:3 encourages believers to act on their faith and compassion when they or their loved ones face challenges. The centurion's initiative to seek help for his servant, even through intermediaries, reminds us of the power of prayer and intercessory prayer. It also highlights that true compassion extends to all, regardless of their social standing or background. The story invites us to consider who we might intercede for today, trusting in Jesus' ability to bring healing and restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:5 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

  • John 4:47 (2 votes)

    When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

  • Philemon 1:10 (2 votes)

    I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

  • Luke 8:41 (2 votes)

    And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

  • Luke 9:38 (2 votes)

    And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.