Luke 17 8

Luke 17:8 kjv

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

Luke 17:8 nkjv

But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?

Luke 17:8 niv

Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?

Luke 17:8 esv

Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'?

Luke 17:8 nlt

No, he says, 'Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.'

Luke 17 verses

Luke 17 8 Meaning

Luke 17:8 is part of Jesus' parable of the unworthy servant, which immediately follows His teaching on faith. This verse describes the expected diligent and immediate service of a servant returning from the field to his master's home. It highlights that the servant's duty is to prepare and serve the master's meal before tending to his own needs. The passage emphasizes that performing one's required duties, no matter how arduous, does not create an obligation on the master's part to extend special thanks or merit; it is simply what is expected. This teaches humility, diligence, and a proper understanding of our role as servants of God, performing commanded duties without expectation of earning special favor or commendation for merely doing what is required.

Luke 17 8 Context

Luke Chapter 17 opens with Jesus' teachings on stumbling blocks, forgiveness, and faith, immediately leading into the parable of the unworthy servant (Luke 17:7-10). The disciples had just requested, "Increase our faith!" (Lk 17:5), to which Jesus responded with the example of moving a mulberry tree with even a tiny amount of faith. The parable of the servant who performs his duties without receiving special commendation provides a vital counterbalance: while faith can do extraordinary things, its outworking in daily life, particularly in service to God, is characterized by humble diligence and the understanding that we are merely fulfilling our basic obligations.

Historically and culturally, the parable is rooted in the typical master-servant (specifically, doulos - bond-servant/slave) relationship common in the 1st century Roman world. A doulos was legally the property of the master, owing absolute obedience and service. Their labor, no matter how intensive, was simply their due. There was no expectation of special thanks or reward for merely fulfilling a basic, non-negotiable duty. This context clarifies that the master's actions are not unjust but simply reflect the established social norms of the time, thereby emphasizing the profound theological point about our service to God: we do not place God in our debt by our obedience; we are merely doing what we are obligated to do.

Luke 17 8 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction, here introducing the master's response or rhetorical question implied by the preceding verses.
• will not (οὐχὶ - ouchi): A strong negative interrogative, expecting a "no" answer. "Will he not rather say..." It implies that the normal or expected behavior of a master is not one of immediate commendation.
• rather (μᾶλλον - mallon): "More," "rather," indicating a preferential action or expectation. The master will more likely or instead command the servant.
• say (ἐρεῖ - erei): Future active indicative of "legō" (to say), conveying certainty. This is what the master will say.
• unto him (αὐτῷ - autō): To the servant.
• Make ready (ἑτοίμασον - hetoimason): Imperative aorist active. "Prepare," "make ready." A direct command demanding immediate action. It refers to preparing a meal.
• wherewith I may sup (τί δειπνήσω - ti deipnēsō): Literally "what I may dine on" or "that I may dine." "Deipneō" refers to eating the main evening meal (dinner).
• and gird thyself (καὶ περιζῶσαι - kai perizōsai): Imperative aorist middle. "To gird oneself" means to tie up loose outer garments (like a long tunic) with a belt or sash. This was done to allow freedom of movement for active service or work, signifying readiness and intent to serve. See Lk 12:37 for a similar use of the term.
• and serve me (καὶ διακόνει μοι - kai diakonei moi): Imperative present active. "Diakoneō" means to serve, minister, wait on tables. This implies active, attentive, and continuous service.
• till I have eaten and drunken (ἕως φάγω καὶ πίω - heōs phagō kai piō): "Until I eat and drink." This clause sets the temporal condition for the servant's service, highlighting the master's priority and the servant's subordination. The master's satisfaction comes first.
• and afterward (καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα - kai meta tauta): "And after these things," "thereupon." Clearly indicates the sequence.
• thou shalt eat and drink (σὺ φάγεσαι καὶ πίεσαι - sy phagesai kai piesa): Future indicative, ensuring the servant will eat and drink eventually, but only after the master.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And will not rather say unto him": This phrase rhetorically asks whether a master would ever thank his servant before receiving service. It implies a firm "no." The master's inherent right to be served is emphasized.
• "Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me": This sequence describes the immediate, sequential, and comprehensive duties of the servant upon returning from arduous labor. It underscores absolute availability and readiness for the master's command, without any time for personal rest or comfort initially. The command to "gird thyself" speaks of immediate preparedness for work.
• "till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink": This highlights the master's priority over the servant's personal needs. The servant's eating and drinking, while eventually granted, is explicitly deferred until the master's immediate satisfaction. It underscores the hierarchical relationship and the servant's humble position.

Luke 17 8 Bonus section

The "unworthy" aspect (Gk: achreios, unprofitable, useless, but here meaning 'having no claim to merit or thanks') from Luke 17:10, though not explicitly in verse 8, is the interpretive key to understanding the servant's service. The servant is not called "useless" in an absolute sense, but rather "unprofitable" to the master in that he has not generated any profit or debt owed by the master beyond the scope of basic duty. This parable doesn't negate God's promised rewards (e.g., Matt 6:4, Rev 22:12), but reorients the servant's expectation and motivation. The focus is on humble obedience rather than on meriting favor. This perspective fosters reliance on grace for salvation and enablement, ensuring that works flow from faith and gratitude, not a desire to earn or boast.

Luke 17 8 Commentary

Luke 17:8 encapsulates the practical demand of master-servant relationships in Jesus' time, applying it spiritually to our walk with God. The verse is not about a harsh master, but a realistic portrayal of expected service. The servant's day is not over upon returning from field labor; further domestic duties immediately commence. There is no commendation for simply fulfilling the required tasks; it is considered the norm. This teaches that even after diligently serving God in every commanded way, we are not earning special merit or putting God in our debt. Our service, however faithful and fervent, is simply our obligated response to God's authority and grace. It cultivates an attitude of humility and faithful duty, acknowledging that we are "unworthy" (unprofitable/unmeritorious) in the sense of not accruing extra credit, rather than in being useless.

• Example for Practical Usage: A Christian volunteers faithfully in various ministries, serves the poor, and shares the Gospel. This verse teaches that while these are commendable actions driven by faith and love, they do not create an account balance where God owes the individual. Instead, it is the humble fulfillment of what is expected of those who follow Christ, always remembering that all ability to serve comes from Him.