And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

LUKE 17:16KJV
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Luke 17:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:16 mean?

Luke 17:16 describes a man falling on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanking him, with the detail that this man was a Samaritan. The verse highlights both the man’s deep gratitude and the surprising fact that he was from a group often seen as outsiders by Jews.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed ten men with leprosy, but only one returns to thank him. The verse points out that this grateful man is a Samaritan, which would have stood out to the original audience because Samaritans and Jews typically did not associate closely. The act of falling at Jesus’ feet shows humility and recognition of Jesus’ role in his healing.

The Greek behind Luke 17:16

  • πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "face"): This word refers to the front of the head or face. The man’s action of falling on his face shows a posture of deep respect and humility before Jesus.
  • εὐχαριστῶν (eucharistōn, "giving thanks"): This verb means to express gratitude. The Greek here carries the sense of ongoing or heartfelt thankfulness, not just a quick thank you.
  • Σαμαρίτης (Samaritēs, "Samaritan"): The word specifically identifies the man’s background, emphasizing the unexpected nature of his gratitude from the perspective of a Jewish audience.

Why Luke 17:16 matters

  • Luke 17:16 draws attention to the outsider status of the Samaritan, making his gratitude even more striking and memorable in the story.
  • The verse highlights the importance of thankfulness, especially in response to mercy or kindness, by showing that only one out of ten healed men returned.
  • This moment sets up Jesus’ following comments about faith and gratitude, helping readers see the broader lesson about recognizing and responding to God’s work.

Where else these words appear

“Samaritan” Greek G4541 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
  • John 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

“giving” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“down” Greek G4098 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.