Devine Scripture

Luke 7:4

What does Luke 7:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 7:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 7:4 means

Upon reaching Jesus, the Jewish elders earnestly pleaded with Him, arguing that the centurion was 'worthy' of Jesus' help. Their reasoning wasn't based on the man's need, but on his good deeds toward their nation. This reveals a common human tendency to appeal to merit rather than grace, offering a cultural perspective on why someone might deserve divine favor. However, Jesus' actions are often driven by compassion and faith, not just human worthiness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they, when they came to Jesus, made their request warmly, saying,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they, having come near unto Jesus, were calling upon him earnestly, saying--`He is worthy to whom thou shalt do this,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But they, being come to Jesus, besought him diligently, saying, He is worthy to whom thou shouldest grant this,

Context

This verse directly follows the centurion's request through the elders, portraying their strong advocacy. Their argument for the centurion's worthiness provides the initial framing of the situation before Jesus, setting up a contrast with the centurion's own humble assessment of himself later in the narrative.

v.3And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.

v.4This passage

v.5for he loveth our nation, and himself built us our synagogue.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 3:4

    But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.

  • Luke 20:35

    but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

  • Matthew 10:37

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Luke 7:6

    And Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:

  • Matthew 10:13

    And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

  • Matthew 10:11

    And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.

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