New Testament

Luke 17:13

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

but they called out loudly, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

What Luke 17:13 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a group of people, likely suffering from leprosy, calls out to Jesus for help. They recognize Him as 'Master,' indicating their belief in His authority and ability to heal. Their loud cries reflect their desperation and faith, showing that they are not afraid to seek help from Jesus in their time of need. This moment highlights the importance of reaching out to God in prayer, especially when facing difficult circumstances. The act of calling out loudly signifies their urgency and the depth of their need for mercy and healing. It also illustrates the communal aspect of their suffering, as they come together to seek assistance from Jesus. This verse serves as a reminder that Jesus is approachable and willing to respond to those who earnestly seek His help, regardless of their situation. It emphasizes the power of faith and the importance of asking for divine intervention in our lives.

How to apply Luke 17:13 to your life

When facing challenges, we should not hesitate to call out to Jesus for help. Like the lepers, we can express our needs and trust in His mercy. This encourages us to be bold in our prayers and to seek support from our community in times of trouble.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Jesus healing ten men with leprosy

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Ten Men Healed of Leprosy (Luke 17:11–19)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Jesus

Excavated stone ruins below the high ancient walls at the south end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

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.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jerusalem

David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Luke 17:13

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Luke 17:13

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 17:13 mean?

Luke 17:13 describes a group of people, likely lepers, calling out to Jesus for mercy. Their plea shows their recognition of His authority and their desperate need for healing.

What is the significance of calling Jesus 'Master' in Luke 17:13?

By calling Jesus 'Master,' the lepers acknowledge His power and authority to heal. This title reflects their faith in His ability to help them in their time of need.

What does the loud cry in Luke 17:13 indicate?

The loud cry in Luke 17:13 indicates the urgency and desperation of the lepers seeking help from Jesus. It emphasizes their willingness to reach out for assistance despite their suffering.

What themes are present in Luke 17:13?

Luke 17:13 highlights themes of faith, healing, mercy, community, and desperation. It illustrates the importance of seeking help and support during difficult times.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.