And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

LUKE 17:15KJV
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Luke 17:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:15 mean?

Luke 17:15 describes how one of the ten men healed by Jesus noticed he was healed, turned around, and loudly praised God. This verse highlights the immediate and public response of gratitude from one healed man out of the group.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed ten men with leprosy as they were on their way to show themselves to the priests, as required by Jewish law. Only one of them, seeing that he was healed, comes back to give glory to God in a loud voice. The verse draws attention to his personal recognition of the miracle and his desire to honor God openly.

The Greek behind Luke 17:15

  • ἰδών (idōn, "saw"): This word means more than just noticing; it often carries the sense of truly perceiving or understanding what has happened. The man recognizes the full reality of his healing.
  • ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas, "turned back"): The Greek here suggests a deliberate action, not just a physical turn but a purposeful return, showing intention in coming back to Jesus.
  • μεγάλῃ (megalē, "loud"): This word means "great" or "large," emphasizing that the man did not quietly thank God but did so with a strong, public voice.
  • ἐδόξαζεν (edoxazen, "glorified"): This verb means to give honor or praise, often used for giving God the recognition He deserves. The man is not just thankful; he is actively honoring God.

Why Luke 17:15 matters

  • Luke 17:15 makes it clear that only one of the ten healed men responded with open gratitude, highlighting the rarity and value of thankfulness.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's work and responding publicly, not just privately, with praise.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where Jesus comments on the actions of the one man compared to the others, drawing out a lesson about faith and gratitude.

Where else these words appear

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“back” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

“glorified” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“voice” 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;