New Testament
Luke 17:12
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When he entered a certain village, 10 men with leprosy met him. They kept their distance,
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And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
What Luke 17:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus enters a village and encounters ten men suffering from leprosy, a serious skin disease that made them social outcasts. Due to their condition, they were required to keep their distance from others to prevent spreading the disease. This situation highlights the isolation and suffering that those with leprosy faced in society. The men’s distance from Jesus symbolizes their separation not only from the community but also from the hope of healing and acceptance. Their condition represents the physical and emotional pain of being marginalized. This encounter sets the stage for a significant interaction between Jesus and the lepers, emphasizing themes of compassion, healing, and faith. The lepers' willingness to approach Jesus, even from afar, indicates their desperation and hope for healing, which is a powerful reminder of the human desire for connection and restoration, even in the face of great suffering.
How to apply Luke 17:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reach out to those who are marginalized or suffering in our communities. Just as Jesus showed compassion to the lepers, we should strive to offer support and kindness to those in need, recognizing their humanity and worth.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Ten Men Healed of Leprosy (Luke 17:11–19)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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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 17:12 mean?
Luke 17:12 describes an encounter between Jesus and ten men with leprosy who kept their distance due to their condition. This highlights their social isolation and the stigma associated with leprosy, as well as their hope for healing.
What is the significance of the lepers standing afar off in Luke 17:12?
The lepers standing afar off in Luke 17:12 symbolizes their exclusion from society and the physical and emotional pain of being marginalized. Their distance also reflects the barriers that illness can create between individuals and their communities.
What does leprosy represent in Luke 17:12?
In Luke 17:12, leprosy represents not only a physical illness but also the social stigma and isolation faced by those who are marginalized. It serves as a reminder of the struggles of those who are often overlooked in society.
How does Luke 17:12 relate to compassion?
Luke 17:12 relates to compassion by showing how Jesus encounters those who are suffering and marginalized. His willingness to engage with the lepers highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need and offering support.
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