Luke 10:36
What does Luke 10:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 10:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 10:36 means
Jesus asks the lawyer which of the three men proved neighbor to the one who fell among robbers. The question compels the lawyer to apply the story rather than argue theoretically. It narrows the focus to concrete moral judgment: which action best fulfilled the law’s demand to love neighbor? The question expects an answer acknowledging that neighborliness is defined by merciful action rather than ethnic identity or religious pedigree.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Who, then, of these three, seemeth to thee to have become neighbour of him who fell among the robbers?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which of these three, in thy opinion, was neighbour to him that fell among the robbers?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Which [now] of these three seems to thee to have been neighbour of him who fell into [the hands of] the robbers?
Context
This is the parable’s hinge question, posed after the Samaritan’s thorough care. It forces the lawyer to judge the characters’ behavior. The lawyer’s forthcoming answer and Jesus’ concluding command will make the parable’s lesson explicit: neighbor is whoever shows mercy, and listeners must imitate such compassion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 7:42
When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?
- Matthew 17:25
He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?
- Matthew 21:28
But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.
- Matthew 22:42
saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.
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