And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

LUKE 17:14KJV
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Luke 17:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:14 mean?

Luke 17:14 describes Jesus telling a group of people with leprosy to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they obeyed and went, they were healed of their disease. The verse highlights that the healing happened while they were on their way, not before.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to ten men who had leprosy and had called out to him for mercy. According to Jewish law, only priests could officially declare someone clean from leprosy, allowing them to rejoin society. The verse emphasizes both Jesus’ authority and the importance of following the instructions given, as the healing occurred as they acted in faith and went to the priests.

The Greek behind Luke 17:14

  • "Go" (πορεύομαι, poreuomai): This word means to travel or proceed. Jesus’ instruction is not just about movement but about following a specific direction with purpose, which in this context meant heading toward the priests for inspection.
  • "Shew" (ἐπιδείκνυμι, epideiknymi): This word means to show or present oneself. In the Jewish context, this was the required step for someone who believed they were healed from leprosy to be officially recognized as clean.
  • "Cleansed" (καθαρίζω, katharizō): This word means to make clean or pure, especially in a ritual or ceremonial sense. The use of this word emphasizes that the men were not just physically healed but also restored to a state where they could participate in community and religious life.

Why Luke 17:14 matters

  • Luke 17:14 clarifies that the healing of the lepers was tied to their obedience to Jesus’ command, not to any ritual or action performed by the priests.
  • The verse connects to Old Testament law, showing Jesus’ respect for established procedures while also demonstrating his unique authority to heal.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where only one of the healed men returns to thank Jesus, highlighting themes of gratitude and recognition of Jesus’ power.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Greek G1925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

“cleansed” Greek G2511 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
  • Mark 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
  • Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

“priests” Greek G2409 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • 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?
  • Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“went” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?