New Testament
Luke 17:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a Samaritan man who has been healed by Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
He fell facedown at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. And this man was a Samaritan.
And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a Samaritan man who has been healed by Jesus. Instead of simply walking away, he chooses to express his gratitude by falling facedown at Jesus' feet. This act of humility and thankfulness highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings we receive. The fact that he is a Samaritan is significant, as Samaritans were often marginalized and looked down upon by the Jews. This emphasizes that gratitude and faith are not limited to a specific group of people. The Samaritan's response serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves humility and acknowledgment of God's mercy. His actions contrast with the expectation that only the Jewish people would be grateful, showing that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their background. This moment illustrates the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of recognizing the source of our blessings, which in this case is Jesus.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 17:16 to your life
We should cultivate a habit of gratitude in our lives, recognizing the blessings we receive daily. Like the Samaritan, we can express our thanks to God through prayer and acts of service. This practice not only honors God but also enriches our spiritual lives and relationships with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 17:16 mean?
Luke 17:16 describes a Samaritan man who, after being healed by Jesus, shows his gratitude by falling at Jesus' feet. This act emphasizes the importance of humility and thankfulness, highlighting that true worship involves recognizing the blessings we receive.
What is the significance of the Samaritan in Luke 17:16?
The Samaritan's identity is significant because Samaritans were often marginalized by Jews. His gratitude demonstrates that faith and appreciation for God's mercy are not limited to any specific group, illustrating that God's grace is inclusive.
What does falling facedown at Jesus' feet symbolize in Luke 17:16?
Falling facedown at Jesus' feet symbolizes deep humility and reverence. It reflects the Samaritan's acknowledgment of Jesus' power to heal and his gratitude for the mercy he received.
How can we apply the lesson from Luke 17:16 in our lives?
We can apply the lesson from Luke 17:16 by cultivating a habit of gratitude, recognizing our daily blessings, and expressing thanks through prayer and acts of kindness. This practice can enhance our spiritual lives and strengthen our relationships.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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