Devine Scripture

Luke 10:32

What does Luke 10:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:32 means

Similarly, a Levite comes, sees the injured man, and also passes by on the other side. The Levite, a temple assistant, likewise fails to act, reinforcing the critique of religious people who neglect mercy. His behavior suggests that religious roles may become excuses for inaction or self-protection. The repetition emphasizes that the religion of status did not guarantee love for the neighbor, and it prepares readers to appreciate the extraordinary compassion shown by someone outside the Jewish religious establishment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the same way, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, went by on the other side.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in like manner also, a Levite, having been about the place, having come and seen, passed over on the opposite side.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In like manner also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw him, passed by.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and in like manner also a Levite, being at the spot, came and looked [at him] and passed on on the opposite side.

Context

This verse intensifies the parable’s contrast: two respected religious figures fail to help the suffering man. That sets the stage for the unexpected hero—a Samaritan—whose actions will invert expectations about who qualifies as a true neighbor and who lives out the law’s command to love.

v.31And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

v.32This passage

v.33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 3:2

    For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

  • Proverbs 27:10

    Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; And go not to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.

  • Psalms 109:25

    I am become also a reproach unto them: When they see me, they shake their head.

  • Acts 18:17

    And they all laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

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