Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

LUKE 7:6KJV
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Luke 7:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:6 mean?

Luke 7:6 describes how Jesus was on his way to the centurion’s house, but before Jesus arrived, the centurion sent friends to tell Jesus not to trouble himself by coming inside, because the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. This verse highlights the centurion’s humility and his deep respect for Jesus.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a request to heal the centurion’s servant. The centurion, a Roman officer, sends messengers to stop Jesus as he approaches the house, expressing that he does not consider himself deserving of such an honor. The verse sets up the centurion’s remarkable faith, which Jesus will soon praise, and shows the cultural distance between a Jewish teacher and a Roman official.

The Greek behind Luke 7:6

  • The word for “centurion” is ἐκατοντάρχης (hekatontarchēs), meaning a Roman military officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers. This detail shows the social status and authority of the man asking for Jesus’ help.
  • The phrase “I am not worthy” uses ἱκανός (hikanos), which often means “sufficient” or “fit.” The centurion is not just being polite; he truly feels he does not measure up to receive Jesus in his home.
  • The word for “roof” is στέγη (stegē), which literally means the covering of a house. The centurion’s statement is about the physical act of entering his dwelling, but it also hints at a deeper sense of respect and humility.

Why Luke 7:6 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the centurion was simply being formal; the Greek wording shows genuine humility and a sense of personal unworthiness.
  • Luke 7:6 emphasizes the centurion’s faith and respect for Jesus, setting the stage for Jesus’ later praise of his belief.
  • The verse also highlights the social and cultural barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and how Jesus’ ministry reaches across those boundaries.

Where else these words appear

“trouble” Greek G4660 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
  • Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

“roof” Greek G4721 · used in 3 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.
  • Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

“far” Greek G3112 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship;(for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
  • Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

“was” Greek G568 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.