New Testament
Luke 17:15
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One of them, when he realized he was healed, turned back and glorified God with a loud voice.
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And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
What Luke 17:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, one of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus recognizes the miracle that has occurred in his life. Instead of continuing on his way, he turns back to express his gratitude to God. His loud voice signifies not only his joy but also his desire to publicly acknowledge God's power and mercy. This act of returning to glorify God highlights the importance of thankfulness and recognition of divine intervention in our lives. The other nine lepers, while healed, did not return to give thanks, which raises questions about their gratitude and awareness of the source of their healing. This moment serves as a reminder that acknowledging and praising God for His blessings is essential in our spiritual journey.
How to apply Luke 17:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of the blessings we receive and to express our gratitude. In our busy lives, we should take time to acknowledge the good things God has done for us and share our thankfulness with others, just as the healed leper did.
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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Jesus
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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Related topics
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 17:15 mean?
Luke 17:15 describes a healed leper who returns to Jesus to thank God for his healing. This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and recognizing God's role in our lives.
What is the significance of the loud voice in Luke 17:15?
The loud voice in Luke 17:15 signifies the healed leper's joy and his desire to publicly acknowledge God's power. It highlights the importance of expressing gratitude openly.
What does this verse teach about gratitude?
This verse teaches that gratitude is essential, as shown by the leper who returned to thank God. It reminds us to recognize and appreciate the blessings we receive.
Why did only one leper return in Luke 17:15?
Only one leper returned in Luke 17:15 to give thanks, which raises questions about the awareness and gratitude of the other nine. It highlights the importance of recognizing the source of our blessings.
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