And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

LUKE 17:13KJV
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Luke 17:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:13 mean?

Luke 17:13 describes a group of people calling out loudly to Jesus, addressing him as "Master" and asking him to show them mercy. The verse shows their urgent hope that Jesus will notice them and help with their need.

In this scene, ten men with leprosy stand at a distance from Jesus, following the social rules of their time. They raise their voices together, calling him by name and using a respectful title. Their plea for mercy is a request for compassion, likely hoping for healing or relief from their suffering.

The Greek behind Luke 17:13

  • "Master" (ἐπιστάτα, epistata) is a Greek word used here that means "one who is in charge" or "overseer." In Luke’s Gospel, this word is only used by Jesus’ followers, showing respect and recognition of his authority.
  • "Have mercy" (ἐλέησον, eleēson) is a Greek word that means "show compassion" or "help in a time of need." This is not just a general request for kindness but often carries the sense of asking for relief from suffering or trouble.
  • "Voices" (φωνάς, phōnas) refers to their loud cries. The use of this word highlights that the men are making a public, desperate appeal, not a quiet or private request.

Why Luke 17:13 matters

  • The verse shows the men’s faith that Jesus has the authority and power to help them, even though they are outcasts because of their illness.
  • By calling Jesus "Master," the men acknowledge his special status, setting the stage for the healing that follows and showing how people viewed Jesus during his ministry.
  • The request for mercy connects this story to other moments in the Gospels where people in desperate situations seek Jesus’ help, highlighting a theme of compassion and hope for those in need.

Where else these words appear

“Master” Greek G1988 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
  • Luke 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

“mercy” Greek G1653 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

“up” Greek G142 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

“voices” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
  • Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;