Devine Scripture

Luke 7:9

What does Luke 7:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 7:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 7:9 means

Jesus was astonished by the centurion's profound faith, turning to the surrounding crowd to commend him. He declared that He had not encountered such great faith anywhere in Israel, the very people who had received God's covenant and law. This statement highlights the centurion's extraordinary spiritual insight, especially as a Gentile, and serves as a subtle rebuke to the lack of faith often found among the Jewish people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned and said unto the multitude that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned and said unto the multitude that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when these things were said to Jesus, he was surprised, and, turning to the mass of people coming after him, said, I have not seen such great faith, no, not in Israel.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having heard these things Jesus wondered at him, and having turned to the multitude following him, he said, `I say to you, not even in Israel so much faith did I find;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which Jesus hearing, marvelled: and turning about to the multitude that followed him, he said: Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith, not even in Israel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus hearing this wondered at him, and turning to the crowd following him said, I say to you, Not even in Israel have I found so great faith.

Context

This verse is the climax of the centurion's interaction, showcasing Jesus' amazed reaction to his uncommon faith. It immediately follows the centurion's explanation of his understanding of authority, underscoring the remarkable nature of his belief before the outcome of the healing is revealed.

v.8For I also am a man set under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

v.9This passage

v.10And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 15:28

    Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour.

  • Matthew 8:10

    And when Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

  • Romans 9:4

    who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

  • Matthew 9:33

    And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

  • Romans 3:1

    What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision?

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