Book of Luke - Chapter 10 - Verse 33

The verse "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him," is part of the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan found in the book of Luke in the New Testament. This verse highlights the compassion and kindness demonstrated by the Samaritan towards a man who had been left beaten and robbed on the side of the road. The Samaritan's actions serve as a powerful example of love and mercy, regardless of societal barriers or differences. The Samaritan's willingness to help someone in need, even at personal cost, challenges listeners to show the same level of compassion towards those around them.

This verse teaches us the importance of showing empathy and care for our fellow human beings, regardless of their background or circumstances. It emphasizes the idea of going out of our way to help those in need and treating others with love and respect. The Good Samaritan serves as a model for how we should strive to live our lives, always ready to lend a helping hand and show kindness to those around us. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to embody the qualities of mercy and compassion in our interactions with others, following in the footsteps of the Samaritan who stopped to help a stranger in need.

One theological interpretation of the verse "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him," focuses on the Samaritan's actions as an example of showing compassion and caring for others regardless of their background. Samaritans were generally despised by Jews during that time, making the Samaritan's actions even more significant in the context of the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story highlights the importance of helping those in need, regardless of social barriers or prejudices. It teaches followers of Christ to emulate the Samaritan's compassion and kindness towards others, showing that everyone is our neighbor and deserving of love and care.

Word studies on the term 'compassion' in this verse reveal a deeper meaning behind the Samaritan's actions. The word used for 'compassion' in the original Greek text is 'σπλαγχνίζομαι' (splagchnizomai), which conveys a sense of deep sympathy, empathy, and visceral concern for someone else's suffering. It signifies a strong emotional response to the plight of another, leading to an active desire to alleviate their pain and help them in their time of need. By using this word, the biblical author emphasizes the Samaritan's genuine and heartfelt response to the injured man, illustrating the kind of compassionate love that all believers should strive to demonstrate in their interactions with others.