And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Read it in contextThe neighbour question
Start reading at Luke 10:25 (Luke 10:25 to Luke 10:37).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The account of the Samaritan answers an attempt to limit responsibility by showing mercy to the person in need.
10:25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
10:26He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
10:27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
10:28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
10:29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
10:30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
10:31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
10:32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
10:33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
10:34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
10:35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
10:36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
10:37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 10:1–10:42): Jesus commissions the seventy and addresses them on their return. A lawyer questions Him; afterward Martha and Mary receive Him at their home. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The neighbour question. Read Luke 10:25 through Luke 10:37 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The account of the Samaritan answers an attempt to limit responsibility by showing mercy to the person in need. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The neighbour question (Luke 10:25 to Luke 10:37).
Start reading at Luke 10:25. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 10:25, Luke 10:37, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of PaulFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name. Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe mission instructions and return focus the disciples' joy beyond exercised authority toward their relationship with God and received revelation.
Connection to the wholeThe household scene brings attention to hearing Jesus, complementing the preceding call to practical mercy without reducing discipleship to distraction.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.