New Testament
Luke 10:31
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A priest happened to be going down that same road. When he saw the man, he crossed to the other side and kept walking.
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And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
What Luke 10:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a priest is traveling along a road and encounters a man who has been attacked and left for dead. Instead of helping, the priest chooses to cross to the other side of the road and continue on his way. This action highlights a significant moral lesson about compassion and the responsibilities we have towards others. The priest, a religious leader, is expected to show kindness and aid to those in need, yet he ignores the suffering man. This moment sets the stage for the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that true neighborly love transcends social and religious boundaries. The priest's decision reflects a common human tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations, raising questions about our own willingness to help those in distress, regardless of their background or circumstances.
How to apply Luke 10:31 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own actions when we encounter those in need. Are we quick to help, or do we avoid uncomfortable situations? It encourages us to be proactive in showing kindness and compassion, regardless of our differences with others.
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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Keep studying Luke 10:31
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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 10:31 teach about compassion?
Luke 10:31 illustrates the importance of compassion by showing how a priest, who is expected to help, chooses to ignore a man in need. This highlights that true compassion requires action, especially from those in positions of moral authority. The verse prompts us to consider our own responses to suffering and challenges us to act with kindness, regardless of societal expectations.
Why did the priest cross to the other side in Luke 10:31?
The priest in Luke 10:31 crossed to the other side likely to avoid the discomfort of confronting the injured man. This action reflects a common human tendency to sidestep difficult situations, especially when they involve risk or moral obligation. It serves as a critique of religious hypocrisy, emphasizing that being a leader does not automatically equate to being compassionate.
How does Luke 10:31 relate to the Good Samaritan parable?
Luke 10:31 sets the stage for the parable of the Good Samaritan by contrasting the priest's inaction with the Samaritan's willingness to help. The priest's choice to pass by highlights the failure of those who should show compassion, while the Samaritan's actions demonstrate that true neighborly love transcends social and religious boundaries. This contrast drives home the message of the parable.
What moral lesson can we learn from Luke 10:31?
The moral lesson from Luke 10:31 is that we should not ignore those in need, regardless of our own discomfort or societal norms. It challenges us to examine our own behavior and encourages proactive kindness. The verse reminds us that true morality is demonstrated through our actions towards others, especially the vulnerable.
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