Luke 17:9
What does Luke 17:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 17:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 17:9 means
Jesus asks whether the master thanks the servant simply for doing what was commanded. The implied answer is no; fulfilling duty does not require extra commendation. Jesus is not opposing gratitude in human relationships but exposing the wrong calculus in spiritual service. We do not earn special standing with God by basic obedience, as if He owed us. This curbs pride and any spirit of comparison. It also protects from disillusionment when service goes unnoticed. God sees, and He rewards by grace, not by obligation. Our identity rests not in collected thanks but in belonging to the Master who is worthy of all our labor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Does he give praise to the servant because he did what was ordered?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Hath he favour to that servant because he did the things directed? I think not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Doth he thank that servant for doing the things which he commanded him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Is he thankful to the bondman because he has done what was ordered? I judge not.
Context
This rhetorical question builds on the servanthood picture (verses 7–8) and prepares for the climactic application in verse 10. The sequence checks the disciples’ hearts after hearing about the power of faith (verse 6). Rather than inflating self-importance, obedience should deepen humility. With this foundation, Luke transitions to a travel narrative (verse 11) that displays God’s mercy and the kind of grateful response that honors Him (verses 12–19), then to teaching about the kingdom’s presence and future consummation (verses 20–37).
v.8and 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?
v.9This passage
v.10Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 17
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 17.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.