Luke 17:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance

NIV: As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance

NASB: And as He entered a village, ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance met Him;

CSB: As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance

NLT: As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance,

KJV: And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

NKJV: Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.

Jesus is somewhere near the border between Galilee and Samaria, making His way to Jerusalem and the cross (Luke 17:11). Although Jesus seems to be performing fewer miracles, He still has compassion to heal when the occasion arises.

Many Bible studies make a point of noting that the skin disease often translated as "leprosy" in the Bible is not always the same as the condition identified by that modern term. Literal leprosy is also called Hansen's disease. In fact, what the Bible depicts was probably an entire category of infections including "swelling or an eruption or a spot" (Leviticus 13:1) or an itch that turns hair yellow; "leprosy" can even appear on fabric (Leviticus 13:47).

Priests were responsible for identifying leprosy as well as declaring someone cured from the disease. Victims were to tear their clothes, let their hair fall loose, cover their upper lip, and yell, "Unclean, unclean." They were to avoid healthy people and live outside the "camp" (see Leviticus 13). That law was given when the Israelites were traveling. At the time this incident occurs, the people have a different understanding of what separation is necessary.

By the time of Jesus, it seems victims of leprosy live together. Extra-biblical writings suggest a leper is allowed to go into a village but not a city that has a wall and gate. They especially are not to enter Jerusalem. One of the greatest tragedies of leprosy is that victims were not allowed to worship at the temple; they wer separated from people and from corporate worship of their God. Because of the Old Testament's strong rules about ceremonial cleanliness, such persons were cut off from an important aspect of their own culture. These men have the courtesy to stand back even as they hope Jesus will heal them.

Luke 17:11–19 begins a series of comparisons. Here, a thankful Samaritan contrasts with others who seem less expressive. Next, Jesus compares false messiahs to His own second coming and the negligence of people in the end times with the disciples who look for His coming (Luke 17:20–37). In chapter 18, the comparisons continue: a persistent widow and a corrupt judge (Luke 18:1–8), a proud Pharisee and a repentant tax collector (Luke 18:9–14), a trusting child and a ruler attached to his wealth (Luke 18:15–30).

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.