New Testament
Luke 10:29
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But the man wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who exactly is my neighbor?"
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But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
What Luke 10:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man seeks to justify his actions and beliefs by questioning Jesus about the definition of a 'neighbor.' This reflects a common human tendency to look for loopholes in moral obligations. The man likely wants to limit his responsibility to help others, hoping to define 'neighbor' narrowly. Jesus, however, challenges this notion throughout the parable that follows, illustrating that love and compassion should extend beyond social or ethnic boundaries. The inquiry reveals a deeper issue of self-righteousness, as the man is more concerned with his own standing than with the needs of others. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to teach about true neighborliness, emphasizing that it is not about who qualifies as a neighbor, but rather how we treat those around us, regardless of their background or status. The question invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards others and challenges us to expand our understanding of community and compassion.
How to apply Luke 10:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own attitudes towards helping others. Instead of seeking to justify our inaction, we should strive to love and serve those around us, regardless of their background or circumstances. True neighborliness requires us to act with compassion and kindness.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 10:29
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:29 mean?
In Luke 10:29, a man asks Jesus who his neighbor is, trying to justify his own beliefs and actions. This question highlights a common tendency to limit our moral responsibilities and sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the broader meaning of love and compassion.
What is the meaning of 'neighbor' in Luke 10:29?
In this verse, 'neighbor' refers not just to those who are close to us or similar to us, but to anyone in need. Jesus uses this question to challenge the idea of who qualifies as a neighbor, emphasizing that love should extend to all people.
How does Luke 10:29 relate to compassion?
Luke 10:29 relates to compassion by illustrating the need to look beyond our own definitions of neighborliness. It challenges us to act with kindness and love towards all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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