New Testament
Luke 17:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Suppose one of you has a servant who's been out plowing or tending sheep. When he comes in from the field, would you say, 'Come sit down right away and eat'?
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But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
What Luke 17:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a common scenario to illustrate a point about servanthood and expectations. He asks if a master would immediately invite a servant, who has been working hard in the fields, to sit down and eat. The implied answer is no; the master would expect the servant to continue working. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where servants had specific roles and responsibilities. Jesus is teaching that service and duty come before personal comfort. The underlying message is about humility and the nature of service, emphasizing that those who serve should not expect immediate rewards or recognition for their hard work. Instead, they should focus on fulfilling their responsibilities faithfully, as true servanthood is about dedication and commitment rather than seeking praise or rest.
How to apply Luke 17:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace our responsibilities without seeking immediate recognition or reward. In our daily lives, we should focus on serving others and fulfilling our duties with dedication, understanding that true fulfillment comes from commitment rather than accolades.
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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 17:7 mean?
Luke 17:7 uses the example of a master and servant to illustrate the expectation of servanthood. It suggests that a servant should not expect immediate rewards or recognition after completing their work, highlighting the importance of duty and humility.
What is the meaning of servanthood in Luke 17:7?
In Luke 17:7, servanthood refers to the role of fulfilling responsibilities without seeking immediate acknowledgment. The verse emphasizes that true service is about commitment and dedication rather than expecting praise or comfort.
How does Luke 17:7 relate to humility?
Luke 17:7 relates to humility by showing that a servant's role is to work diligently without seeking recognition. It emphasizes that true humility involves fulfilling one's responsibilities selflessly.
What can we learn from Luke 17:7?
From Luke 17:7, we learn the value of dedication in our responsibilities. It encourages us to serve others faithfully and to understand that fulfillment comes from commitment rather than seeking immediate rewards.
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