Luke 17 10

Luke 17:10 kjv

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Luke 17:10 nkjv

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' "

Luke 17:10 niv

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'?"

Luke 17:10 esv

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

Luke 17:10 nlt

In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'"

Luke 17 verses

Luke 17 10 Meaning

Luke 17:10 conveys a foundational principle for discipleship: after a follower of Christ has diligently obeyed every command, their appropriate posture is one of profound humility, recognizing that their actions merely fulfill an inherent obligation. They are to confess, "We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." This means their obedience, however complete, does not accrue special merit or put God in their debt, but simply fulfills the role of a servant whose very existence is owed to the Master.

Luke 17 10 Context

Luke 17:10 is the conclusion to Jesus' "Parable of the Servant's Duty," found in Luke 17:7-10. This parable immediately follows teachings on profound topics like causing others to stumble, the power of faith (even faith as small as a mustard seed), and the command to repeatedly forgive a repentant brother. The disciples had just requested, "Increase our faith!" (v. 5), prompting Jesus to speak about the responsibilities and mindset of a true follower. The parable serves to correct any potential self-righteousness or expectation of reward that might arise even from performing difficult, faith-filled acts like forgiving seven times a day or moving a mulberry tree. It grounds discipleship in humility and absolute submission to God, contrasting sharply with the merit-based religious systems of the time that taught that strict adherence to the law could earn favor with God.

Luke 17 10 Word analysis

• So likewise ye (οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, houtōs kai hymeis): "So likewise" draws a direct parallel from the preceding parable, applying its core lesson specifically to Jesus' disciples ("ye"). It signals the practical application of the master-servant dynamic.
• when ye shall have done (ὅταν ποιήσητε, hotan poiēsēte): Refers to the completion of actions, implying diligent and full execution of commands. It speaks to a future moment after genuine, obedient effort has been expended.
• all those things which are commanded you (πάντα τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν, panta ta diatachthenta hymin): "All" emphasizes comprehensive obedience, leaving no room for picking and choosing. διαταχθέντα (diatachthenta) derives from διατάσσω (diatassō), meaning "to arrange thoroughly," "to appoint," or "to command." This highlights the divine authority behind the commands and the expectation of meticulous adherence.
• say (λέγετε, legete): A continuous imperative, indicating an attitude and confession that should persist and be ingrained. It’s not a one-time declaration but a recurring understanding.
• We are unprofitable servants (ὅτι δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν, hoti douloi achreioi esmen):
  • δοῦλοι (doulou) – "servants" / "slaves": Defines the fundamental relationship believers have with God. It signifies total submission and ownership. Believers are not merely hired workers but those wholly belonging to the Master, without independent rights or claims.
  • ἀχρεῖοί (achreioi) – "unprofitable" / "useless" / "worthless": This is a critical term often misunderstood. It does not mean the servants are wicked, lazy, or perform bad work. (The word used in Matt 25:30 for the wicked servant cast out is associated with idleness and wickedness). Here, achreios means "not affording gain," "bringing no extra profit or advantage." It's about earning no credit or reward beyond what is inherently owed. The servant's work, though diligent, simply meets the existing obligation and doesn't create any debt from the master to the servant or accrue special merit. It strips away any pride in self-effort.
• we have done that which was our duty to do (ὅτι ὃ ὀφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν, hoti ho opheilomen poiēsai pepoiēkamen):
  • ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen) – "our duty" / "we owe" / "we are obligated": This verb expresses a strong sense of indebtedness and moral obligation. It underscores that serving God is not an optional extra, but a fundamental requirement arising from who He is as Master and who we are as His creation and redeemed ones.
  • πεποιήκαμεν (pepoiēkamen) – "we have done": A perfect tense, emphasizing the completion of the action and its lasting effect—that they have fulfilled their debt.

Words-Group analysis

• "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you": This phrase sets the stage, specifically addressing those who actively strive to obey God. It implies the context of sincere and complete effort, not neglect. The lesson applies precisely after diligence.
• "We are unprofitable servants": This declarative statement embodies the ultimate posture of humility for a faithful servant. It's a rejection of any sense of earning favor or divine obligation through good works, a recognition that God's grace always precedes and empowers our ability to obey.
• "we have done that which was our duty to do": This part clarifies why they are "unprofitable servants." Their obedience, no matter how thorough, is simply fulfilling what they already owed. It explains that their service creates no surplus merit or "profit" that God owes them for, because it's simply the fulfillment of their nature as created and called servants.

Luke 17 10 Bonus section

The teaching in Luke 17:10 guards against two primary errors: spiritual pride and legalism. Spiritual pride arises when one's obedience is seen as a means to gain God's approval or commendation, leading to self-congratulation or judging others. Legalism, on the other hand, believes that precise adherence to rules or performing good deeds earns righteousness or salvation. This verse dismantles both, grounding all Christian service in humble acknowledgment of divine grace and absolute human obligation. It's a counter-cultural message, especially potent in societies that often value output, merit, and measurable profit, reminding us that in the divine economy, our best is always what is simply owed. This principle fosters an ongoing posture of reliance on God's grace for strength to obey, and for ultimate justification, rather than on personal achievement.

Luke 17 10 Commentary

Luke 17:10 serves as a crucial theological corrective for disciples who might be tempted toward spiritual pride or a works-based mindset. Following a sequence of challenging commands (avoiding stumbling blocks, exercising powerful faith, boundless forgiveness), Jesus ensures His disciples understand that even the most rigorous obedience is never a basis for boasting or claiming divine reward. The term "unprofitable" (achreioi) is key: it signifies that our diligent service provides no extra gain or profit to God beyond what is His inherent right to expect. We are creatures indebted to our Creator, sustained by His grace, and obligated to obey simply because of who He is and who we are in relation to Him. Our best efforts cannot "earn" salvation or put God in our debt; they merely fulfill what is already owed by virtue of our existence and redemption. This verse compels us to rest fully in God's unmerited favor, recognizing that salvation and all spiritual blessings are pure gifts of grace, freeing us from the burden of trying to "earn" what can only be received.

Examples:

• A dedicated pastor tirelessly serving the church and community, yet recognizing his every effort is simply fulfilling God's call and gift.
• A believer consistently sharing their faith, understanding their courage and words come from God and do not make God "owe" them converts.
• A Christian faithfully tithing and serving, yet acknowledging all they have comes from God and their giving is merely a response of stewardship.