Luke 7:5
What does Luke 7:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 7:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 7:5 means
The elders supported their plea by highlighting the centurion's benevolence: he had a genuine affection for the Jewish nation (loving 'our nation') and had even funded the construction of their local synagogue. This demonstrates that the centurion was not merely a distant occupier but a benefactor who actively supported the Jewish community. His actions reflect a significant level of interfaith respect and generosity, making him a unique figure among Roman officials.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for he loveth our nation, and himself built us our synagogue.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for he loveth our nation, and himself built us our synagogue.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is right for you to do this for him, because he is a friend to our nation, and himself has put up a Synagogue for us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for he doth love our nation, and the synagogue he did build to us.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he loveth our nation: and he hath built us a synagogue.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for he loves our nation, and himself has built the synagogue for us.
Context
This verse elaborates on the elders' justification for the centurion's 'worthiness,' providing concrete examples of his positive contributions to the Jewish community. This explanation strengthens their earnest appeal to Jesus, making the centurion's later display of humility and faith all the more striking by contrast with the elders' perspective.
v.4And they, when they came to Jesus, besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him;
v.5This passage
v.6And 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:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.
- 2 Chronicles 2:11
Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because Jehovah loveth his people, he hath made thee king over them.
- Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3
Moreover also, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of mine own of gold and silver, I give it unto the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
- 1 John 5:1
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
- Ezra 7:27
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of our fathers, who hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem;
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