Luke 17:18
What does Luke 17:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 17:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 17:18 means
Jesus notes that none returned to give glory to God except this “stranger”—a term highlighting the man’s outsider status. The implication is sharp: the one least expected to respond rightly has done so, while those presumed nearer to God have not. True worship is measured not by pedigree but by thankful faith. God is glorified when mercy leads to adoration at Jesus’ feet. The Samaritan becomes a living rebuke to religious familiarity that takes grace for granted. His return shows that the pathway from healing to honor runs through gratitude, and that Christ receives the glory due to God, revealing His unique place in God’s saving work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?
KJV
King James Version · 1611There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have not any of them come back to give glory to God, but only this one from a strange land?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862There were not found who did turn back to give glory to God, except this alien;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752There is no one found to return and give glory to God, but this stranger.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There have not been found to return and give glory toGod save this stranger.
Context
This statement sharpens the contrast prepared in verse 17 and leads directly to Jesus’ personal word to the Samaritan in verse 19. It concludes the leper narrative’s theological point: mercy given, gratitude offered, God glorified in Jesus. From here, the chapter transitions to a new scene in which the Pharisees ask about the timing of the kingdom of God (verse 20). That exchange shifts focus from personal response to Jesus toward the nature of God’s reign—its present nearness and its future unveiling.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 106:13
They soon forgat his works; They waited not for his counsel,
- Isaiah 42:12
Let them give glory unto Jehovah, and declare his praise in the islands.
- Psalms 29:1
Ascribe unto Jehovah, O ye sons of the mighty, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.
- Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
- Matthew 19:30
But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.
- Psalms 50:23
Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; And to him that ordereth his way aright Will I show the salvation of God.
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