Devine Scripture

Luke 7:3

What does Luke 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 7:3 means

Hearing about Jesus' healing power, the centurion, likely hesitant to approach a Jewish rabbi directly due to his Roman status, wisely sent Jewish elders to intercede on his behalf. His request for Jesus to come and heal his servant demonstrates his initial belief in Jesus' ability to perform miracles, even if his understanding of Jesus' full authority was still developing. This action shows both his resourcefulness and a measure of respect for Jewish customs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when news of Jesus came to his ears, he sent to him rulers of the Jews, requesting that he would come and make his servant well.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having heard about Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, beseeching him, that having come he might thoroughly save his servant.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the ancients of the Jews, desiring him to come and heal his servant.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, begging him that he might come and save his bondman.

Context

This verse details the centurion's initial attempt to seek Jesus' help, employing intermediaries due to cultural and social considerations. It sets in motion the narrative, leading directly to the elders' appeal to Jesus and their commendation of the centurion, which provides insight into his character from the Jewish community's perspective.

v.2And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and at the point of death.

v.3This passage

v.4And they, when they came to Jesus, besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him;

Cross references

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

  • John 4:47

    When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.

  • Philemon 1:10

    I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

  • Luke 9:38

    And behold, a man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son; for he is mine only child:

  • Matthew 8:5

    And when he was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

  • Luke 8:41

    And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him to come into his house;

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