Luke 17:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:18 mean?

Luke 17:18 points out that only one person—a foreigner—came back to thank God after being healed, while the others did not. Jesus highlights the surprising fact that the only one who returned to give glory to God was not from the Jewish community, but was a "stranger" or outsider.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to those around Him after healing ten men with leprosy. Only one man, a Samaritan, returns to express gratitude. Jesus’ words draw attention to the unexpected faith and thankfulness of someone considered an outsider, making a contrast with the others who were healed but did not return.

The Greek behind Luke 17:18

• "stranger" (ἀλλογενής, allogenēs): This word means someone of another race or nation, specifically a foreigner. Here, it emphasizes that the grateful man was not Jewish but a Samaritan, someone typically seen as outside the community of God's people.
• "glory" (δόξα, doxa): This word often means honor or praise. In this verse, it refers to giving honor to God for the healing, showing that gratitude is a way of recognizing God's work.
• "returned" (ὑπέστρεψεν, hypestrepsen): This word means to turn back or come back. It highlights the deliberate action of the healed man choosing to come back to Jesus, not just moving on after his healing.

Why Luke 17:18 matters

• Luke 17:18 challenges assumptions about who recognizes and responds to God’s work, showing that faith and gratitude can come from unexpected people.
• The verse draws attention to the importance of giving thanks and acknowledging God’s role in blessings, not just receiving them.
• This moment sets up a contrast in the story, deepening the message of inclusion and the value of sincere gratitude, regardless of background.