And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

LUKE 10:32KJV
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Luke 10:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:32 mean?

Luke 10:32 describes how a Levite, a religious official, came to the place where a wounded man was lying, looked at him, but chose to pass by on the other side of the road instead of helping. The verse highlights that even someone expected to show compassion did not stop to assist the injured man.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, He is speaking to a lawyer who asked about inheriting eternal life. The story takes place on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho, where a man has been attacked and left half-dead. After a priest passes by without helping, a Levite—another respected religious figure—also sees the man but avoids getting involved, setting up the contrast for the next character in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 10:32

  • Λευίτης (Leuitēs, "Levite"): This word refers to a member of the tribe of Levi, who assisted priests in temple duties. The Levite’s role in the story emphasizes that even those connected to religious service did not help.
  • ἦλθεν (ēlthen, "came"): The Greek word here shows that the Levite made a deliberate approach to the place, suggesting he saw the situation clearly before deciding to pass by.
  • ἰδών (idōn, "looked"): This word means to see or notice. The Levite did not simply pass by unaware; he looked at the man, making his decision to avoid him more intentional.
  • ἀντιπαρῆλθεν (antiparēlthen, "passed by on the other side"): This term means to go by on the opposite side, stressing the Levite’s active choice to avoid involvement rather than simply ignoring the man.

Why Luke 10:32 matters

  • Luke 10:32 shows that religious status or knowledge does not guarantee compassion or right action, challenging assumptions about who truly loves their neighbor.
  • The verse sets up a sharp contrast for the next part of the parable, where an unexpected character—the Samaritan—will respond differently.
  • By including both a priest and a Levite, Jesus emphasizes that failing to help the needy is not just an individual failing but can be a pattern among respected groups.

Where else these words appear

“side” Greek G492 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

“Levite” Greek G3019 · used in 3 verses

  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

“likewise” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.