Luke 17 18

Luke 17:18 kjv

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Luke 17:18 nkjv

Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

Luke 17:18 niv

Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?"

Luke 17:18 esv

Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"

Luke 17:18 nlt

Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

Luke 17 verses

Luke 17 18 Meaning

Luke 17:18 reveals Jesus' profound disappointment that out of the ten lepers miraculously healed, only one, a Samaritan, returned to acknowledge God and give Him glory. This verse highlights the significance of true gratitude and praise directed to God for His divine intervention, especially when it comes from an unexpected source, contrasting sharply with the ingratitude of the many.

Luke 17 18 Context

Luke chapter 17 verse 18 is part of a narrative immediately following Jesus' healing of ten lepers. Jesus was traveling through the border region between Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11). The lepers, nine of whom were likely Jewish and one a Samaritan (identified in v.16), called out to Jesus for mercy. Despite the social and religious antagonism between Jews and Samaritans, these men shared the common plight of leprosy, which transcended their ethnic differences. Jesus simply told them to go show themselves to the priests (as required by Levitical law for verification of healing), and they were cleansed "as they went." The focus then shifts to the one leper who returned. This verse (v.18) captures Jesus' rhetorical question, highlighting the striking absence of gratitude from the other nine, implicitly contrasting their silence with the thankful return of the Samaritan outsider. Historically, Samaritans were considered outcasts by orthodox Jews, making the Samaritan's actions particularly significant in this context. This episode challenges the narrow view of salvation and blessing, implying that true faith and grateful hearts can be found unexpectedly among those typically scorned.

Luke 17 18 Word analysis

• Was no one found (οὐχ εὑρέθη, ouch heurethē): This strong negative question ("was not found") indicates Jesus' dismay and rhetorical challenge. It implies a sense of expectation or searching for a grateful response, which sadly yielded only one. The active verb implies a diligent effort on God's part (through Jesus' healing) for a reciprocal, faithful response.
• to return (ὑποστρέψας, hypostrepsas): From hypo (under) and strephō (to turn). It means "to turn back," "to go back," or "to revert." It's not just a physical turning around, but suggests a deeper act of recognition and reverence. The aorist participle implies a definite action.
• and give praise (δοῦναι δόξαν, dounai doxann): This is a key phrase. Dounai means "to give." Doxa means "glory, praise, honor, splendor." To "give glory to God" is a common biblical expression of acknowledging His power, sovereignty, and graciousness. It's more profound than a simple "thank you"; it's an act of worship and submission to God as the source of blessing and healing. It recognizes His divine agency in the miracle.
• to God (τῷ Θεῷ, tō Theō): Specifically refers to the one true God, not merely a generic deity. The Samaritan's returning to give praise to God underscores his recognition of the divine source of his healing, mediated through Jesus.
• except (εἰ μὴ, ei mē): A strong exclusionary particle, emphasizing the singularity of the returning individual. It creates a stark contrast, highlighting the unique nature of the Samaritan's action compared to the nine.
• this foreigner (ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὗτος, ho allogenēs houtos):
  • Allogenēs (from allos meaning "other," and genos meaning "race/kind") explicitly means "of another race" or "foreigner," often specifically referring to Gentiles or non-Israelites. In the context of the New Testament, particularly Luke, it is understood as a direct reference to the Samaritan in contrast to the Jewish lepers.
  • The term houtos ("this") makes it a specific, immediate reference to the man who just returned, underscoring his identity as the unexpected source of gratitude. This term carries strong cultural and religious weight, revealing the ingrained prejudices of the time. Jesus intentionally highlights his identity.

Luke 17 18 Bonus section

The term "foreigner" or allogenēs for the Samaritan is significant in Luke's Gospel, which often highlights Jesus' inclusive ministry and care for the marginalized, despised, and non-Jews. This emphasis can be seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) and Jesus' interactions in Samaria (John 4). The Samaritans, though considered impure by mainstream Jews, consistently appear in Luke as examples of spiritual responsiveness or true compassion. This narrative subtly critiques the self-righteousness of those who claim a covenant relationship with God but fail to respond with genuine thanksgiving and faith, contrasting them with an "outsider" who demonstrates true worship. The miracle itself wasn't merely a physical cure but an opportunity for spiritual transformation and revelation. The nine missing lepers signify a warning that many receive God's blessings without acknowledging the Giver, missing out on the deeper communion with God. The Samaritan, however, experienced not just physical healing but also "salvation" as stated in the following verse (Luke 17:19), implying a holistic deliverance of soul and body.

Luke 17 18 Commentary

Luke 17:18 powerfully exposes the spiritual blindness of ingratitude, even in the face of miraculous divine blessing. While all ten lepers received physical healing through Jesus' word, only the one, a despised Samaritan, experienced the deeper, transformative understanding that led him to recognize the divine source of his healing and give God the appropriate glory. The other nine, presumably Jews who were intimately familiar with the Law and God's covenant with Israel, failed to offer genuine gratitude. Jesus' rhetorical question expresses His sorrow and underscores the often-unforeseen nature of true faith and worship. This verse teaches that outward obedience (going to the priests) is not a substitute for heartfelt thanksgiving and glory to God. It highlights that God's grace extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, often finding a more receptive heart in unexpected places, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. It serves as a stark reminder to believers of the vital importance of consistent and specific gratitude and praise to God for His manifold mercies.