New Testament
Luke 7:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking Jesus to come and heal his servant.
Compare translations
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
What Luke 7:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a centurion, a Roman officer, who has heard about Jesus and His healing powers. Instead of approaching Jesus himself, he sends Jewish elders to ask for help. This shows the centurion's respect for Jesus and his understanding of authority. The centurion likely believes that Jesus can heal his servant without needing to be physically present. His actions reflect a deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal, as well as a recognition of the cultural and social dynamics at play, given that he is a Gentile seeking help from a Jewish teacher. The centurion's request highlights the importance of intercession and the role of community in seeking help for those in need. This moment sets the stage for a significant interaction between Jesus and the centurion, illustrating themes of faith, humility, and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
How to apply Luke 7:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek help for others through prayer and community support. It reminds us that faith can be expressed in various ways, and that we can advocate for those in need, trusting in God's power to heal and restore.
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.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Centurion's Faith (Luke 7:1–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 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.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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 PlansAsk AI about Luke 7:3
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 7:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:3 mean?
Luke 7:3 describes a centurion who, upon hearing about Jesus, sends Jewish elders to request healing for his servant. This shows his respect for Jesus and highlights his faith in Jesus' ability to heal without being physically present.
What is the significance of the centurion in Luke 7:3?
The centurion in Luke 7:3 is significant because he represents a Gentile who recognizes Jesus' authority and healing power. His actions demonstrate humility and faith, breaking cultural barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
What does the term 'elders of the Jews' refer to in Luke 7:3?
In Luke 7:3, 'elders of the Jews' refers to respected leaders within the Jewish community who were sent by the centurion to ask Jesus for help. Their involvement indicates the centurion's understanding of Jewish customs and his desire to approach Jesus respectfully.
What themes are present in Luke 7:3?
Luke 7:3 presents themes of faith, intercession, authority, and cultural dynamics. It illustrates how the centurion's request for help reflects humility and the importance of community support in seeking healing.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.