This parable was probably suggested by the journey up to Jerusalem. It may be founded on an actual occurrence. Notice how the Master answered the inquiry, Who is my neighbor? He said in effect: The question is not, Who will "neighbor" you? but, Whom will you "neighbor?" You ought to ask, Who wants my help? Neighborhood consists, not in what you receive, but in what you give. It is independent of race, creed and the ordinary sentiment of pity. Love overleaps all these distinctions and risks its very life in order to render help. In fact, this parable is a very poem of Love. It is to be compared with 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
Notice those two clauses, He took care of him and Take care of him, Luke 10:34-35. It is thus that our Lord deals with us. When we are too far gone to ask for His help, He comes to our side and restores our ebbing life; and He raises up others to do the same. At the best, we are pilgrims and refresh ourselves in inns, but the home awaits us yonder! Begin by loving with your "strength" and you will end with the "heart!" [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 10
1Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach; 13pronounces a woe against certain cities 17The seventy return with joy; 18he shows them wherein to rejoice, 21and thanks his Father for his grace; 23magnifies the happy estate of his church; 25teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life, 30and tells the parable of the good Samaritan; 38reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister
Greek Commentary for Luke 10:33
A certain Samaritan [Σαμαρειτης δε τις] Of all men in the world to do a neighbourly act! [source]
As he journeyed [οδευων] Making his way. Came where he was (ηλτεν κατ αυτον ēlthen kat' auton). Literally, “came down upon him.” He did not sidestep or dodge him, but had compassion on him. [source]
Came where he was [ηλτεν κατ αυτον] Literally, “came down upon him.” He did not sidestep or dodge him, but had compassion on him. [source]
Came where he was [] There is a strong contrast with the other cases, and a downright heartiness in the words, κατ ' αὐτὸν , down to him. The Levite had come κατὰ τόπον , “down to the place.” [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 10:33 mean?
A Samaritanhoweveronejourneyingcametohimandhaving seenwas moved with compassion
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: σπλαγχνίζομαι
Sense: to be moved as to one’s bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity).
What are the major concepts related to Luke 10:33?
Greek Commentary for Luke 10:33
Of all men in the world to do a neighbourly act! [source]
Making his way. Came where he was (ηλτεν κατ αυτον ēlthen kat' auton). Literally, “came down upon him.” He did not sidestep or dodge him, but had compassion on him. [source]
Literally, “came down upon him.” He did not sidestep or dodge him, but had compassion on him. [source]
There is a strong contrast with the other cases, and a downright heartiness in the words, κατ ' αὐτὸν , down to him. The Levite had come κατὰ τόπον , “down to the place.” [source]