New Testament · Gospel

Luke 10:37

The Good Samaritan

“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Luke 10:37 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Luke 10:37, in plain English

The lawyer can barely say it, but he admits it was the Samaritan who was the real neighbor. Jesus' response is simple and powerful: 'Go and do the same.' Love isn't a quiz -- it's a way of life.

Why it's here

Notice the lawyer can't even say 'the Samaritan.' He says 'the one who showed mercy.' His prejudice is still showing, but Jesus' point has landed.

Who's speaking

The lawyer gives his reluctant answer, and Jesus closes with three words that change everything: 'Go and do likewise.'

Where it sits in the story

This is where the parable lands. Jesus doesn't want you to just admire the Samaritan -- He wants you to become one. Go. Show mercy. That's the whole point.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The lawyer cannot bring himself to say 'the Samaritan,' answering instead 'the one who showed mercy' (eleos). Jesus' command 'Go and do likewise' (poreuou kai su poiei homoiōs) transforms the parable into a binding ethical imperative.

Language and setting

The lawyer's indirect answer reveals his lingering prejudice. Jesus' closing imperative moves the discussion from theoretical ethics to practical obedience.

Voice

The expert in the law answers Jesus' question, and Jesus gives the final command that concludes the entire exchange.

Significance

The parable ends with a direct call to action. The lawyer sought to justify himself with theological debate; Jesus sends him out to practice mercy.

In context

Luke 10:35–39

35The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

36Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law.

38As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message.

Read all of Luke 10 — A lawyer asks how to inherit eternal life and gets an answer he doesn't expect. The hero of the story is the one everyone despises.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad