And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

LUKE 7:4KJV
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Luke 7:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:4 mean?

Luke 7:4 describes how a group of people came to Jesus and urgently pleaded with him, saying that the person they were speaking about deserved to have Jesus do something for him. The verse highlights their insistence and their belief in the worthiness of the individual they represented.

In this scene, Jewish elders are speaking to Jesus on behalf of a Roman centurion whose servant is seriously ill. The elders are trying to convince Jesus to help by stressing that the centurion is "worthy" of Jesus’ attention, likely because of his good deeds or character. Their urgent request shows both the seriousness of the situation and the respect the centurion had earned among the local Jewish community.

The Greek behind Luke 7:4

  • παρακαλέω (parakaleō, "besought"): This word means to urge, entreat, or beg. The Greek here carries a sense of earnest pleading, not just a polite request, which shows how strongly the elders felt about the centurion's case.
  • σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs, "instantly"): This word is often understood as "earnestly" or "with haste." It emphasizes that the elders were not casual or indifferent; they were persistent and serious in their appeal.
  • ἄξιος (axios, "worthy"): This word means deserving or having merit. The elders are making a value judgment, telling Jesus that the centurion is someone who deserves his help, which is notable given the centurion’s Roman (non-Jewish) status.

Why Luke 7:4 matters

  • Luke 7:4 helps clear up any idea that Jesus only responded to requests from his own people; here, Jewish leaders advocate for a Roman, showing the centurion’s unusual standing and the respect he had earned.
  • The verse sets up the contrast between the elders’ emphasis on the centurion’s worthiness and the centurion’s own later humility, which is a key theme in the passage.
  • This verse highlights the urgency and sincerity of the elders’ request, which helps the reader understand the gravity of the situation and the depth of the centurion’s relationship with the local community.

Where else these words appear

“instantly” Greek G4709 · used in 2 verses

  • Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

“do” Greek G3930 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
  • Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

“came” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;