Book of Luke - Chapter 10 - Verse 36
Meaning
The verse 'Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?' comes from the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the book of Luke in the Bible. In this parable, Jesus uses a story to teach about the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, regardless of their background or beliefs. The question posed in this verse challenges the listener to consider who truly acted as a neighbor to the man in need – the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan. Through this question, Jesus highlights that true neighborliness is not defined by proximity or familiarity, but by one's actions and willingness to help those in need, even if they are strangers or perceived enemies. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians to love their neighbors as themselves and to extend compassion and kindness to all, regardless of differences.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of the verse "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" is the concept of neighborly love and compassion. In this passage, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the importance of showing mercy and kindness to others, regardless of their background or beliefs. The word "neighbor" in this context goes beyond geographical proximity and implies a deeper sense of empathy and care for one another. Through this story, Jesus challenges his listeners to consider who truly embodies the meaning of being a good neighbor. By emphasizing the Samaritan, who goes out of his way to help a stranger in need, Jesus highlights the radical nature of God's love that transcends cultural, social, and religious boundaries. This passage serves as a powerful reminder for believers to demonstrate compassion and mercy to all individuals, reflecting the unconditional love that God has shown towards us.