New Testament
Luke 17:14
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When he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
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And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
What Luke 17:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus encounters ten men who have leprosy, a serious skin disease that made them outcasts in society. He instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests, which was a requirement in Jewish law for those who believed they had been healed of leprosy. The act of going to the priests was a demonstration of their faith in Jesus' words. As they obeyed and made their way to the priests, they were miraculously cleansed of their leprosy. This highlights the importance of faith and obedience in receiving healing and blessings. The men did not see their healing immediately; it occurred as they acted on Jesus' command. This teaches us that sometimes we must take steps of faith before we see the results of our prayers or desires. It emphasizes that healing and transformation often come through obedience and trust in God's word.
How to apply Luke 17:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust and obey God's instructions, even when we don't see immediate results. It reminds us that faith often requires action. We should be willing to step out in faith, believing that God will fulfill His promises as we follow His guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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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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Keep studying Luke 17:14
Related Bible verses
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 17:14 teach about faith?
Luke 17:14 illustrates that faith often requires action. The ten lepers were instructed by Jesus to show themselves to the priests before they were healed. Their obedience to this command, despite not seeing immediate results, demonstrates that faith is not just belief but also involves taking steps based on that belief. This teaches us that sometimes we need to act on God's word before we see the fulfillment of His promises.
Why did Jesus tell the lepers to go to the priests?
In Jewish law, showing oneself to a priest was necessary for someone who believed they had been healed of leprosy. The priests were responsible for declaring someone clean and allowing them to reintegrate into society. By instructing the lepers to go to the priests, Jesus was not only following the law but also encouraging them to act in faith, believing that they would be healed as they obeyed His command.
What can we learn about obedience from this verse?
Luke 17:14 emphasizes that obedience is crucial in our relationship with God. The lepers acted on Jesus' command without immediate evidence of healing, which highlights the importance of trusting God's word. Their willingness to obey led to their miraculous healing. This teaches us that our obedience to God's instructions can lead to blessings and transformation, even when we don't see the results right away.
How does this verse relate to social isolation?
The lepers in Luke 17:14 were social outcasts due to their disease, highlighting the theme of social isolation. Jesus' interaction with them demonstrates compassion and the desire for restoration. By healing them, He not only restored their health but also their place in society. This reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those who are marginalized and offering support, as well as the healing power of community and acceptance.
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