So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

LUKE 17:10KJV
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Luke 17:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:10 mean?

Luke 17:10 teaches that when people have done everything God has asked of them, they should not expect special credit or praise, but instead see themselves as servants who have only done what was required. The verse emphasizes humility and the idea that obedience to God is simply fulfilling one’s duty, not something extraordinary.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, using the example of servants to make a point about their attitude toward serving God. The setting is a conversation where Jesus is teaching about faith and duty. The verse encourages a mindset where followers recognize that their good actions are not a basis for boasting, but are simply what is expected of them as God’s servants.

The Greek behind Luke 17:10

  • ἀχρεῖοι (achreioi, “unprofitable”): This word means “not useful” or “not deserving of reward.” Jesus uses it to stress that servants (and by analogy, disciples) should not see themselves as earning merit by doing what is expected.
  • δοῦλοι (douloi, “servants”): This term refers to bondservants or slaves, highlighting the complete obligation and lack of claim to special status.
  • ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen, “duty”): This word carries the sense of owing a debt or being obligated. It underscores that what is done is not above and beyond, but simply what is owed.

Why Luke 17:10 matters

  • Luke 17:10 corrects the idea that obedience to God earns special favor or puts God in one’s debt; it reminds readers that serving God is a basic responsibility, not a cause for self-congratulation.
  • The verse ties into Jesus’ broader teaching on humility, showing that disciples should not seek recognition for doing what is right, but should see their service as the natural response to God’s commands.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the relationship between God and believers: it is not transactional, but based on faithful service and humility.

Where else these words appear

“unprofitable” Greek G888 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“commanded” Greek G1299 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

“duty” Greek G3784 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.