For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

LUKE 7:8KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 7:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:8 mean?

Luke 7:8 describes a Roman centurion explaining to Jesus that he understands how authority works: just as he commands soldiers and they obey, he believes Jesus can command healing with a word. The centurion uses his own experience to show his confidence that Jesus’ authority is real and effective, even at a distance.

In this scene, the centurion is speaking to Jesus through messengers, asking Jesus to heal his servant. He explains that, as someone “set under authority” with soldiers under him, he is used to giving orders that are immediately carried out. This comparison shows the centurion’s respect for Jesus’ power and his belief that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal, without needing to be physically present.

The Greek behind Luke 7:8

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, G1849): This word means “authority” or “power.” The centurion recognizes a kind of authority in Jesus that is similar to, but greater than, his own military authority—one that operates simply through command.
  • ὑπὸ (hypo, G5259): Used twice here, meaning “under.” The centurion says he is “under authority” and also has soldiers “under” him, highlighting both his position of obedience and command, which shapes his understanding of how Jesus’ authority works.
  • λέγω (legō, G3004): “I say.” The centurion’s emphasis on speaking and things happening shows his belief that Jesus’ spoken word has real power, not just ritual or symbolic meaning.

Why Luke 7:8 matters

  • Luke 7:8 helps clear up any idea that Jesus’ miracles required physical touch or presence; the centurion’s words show faith in Jesus’ authority to heal from afar.
  • The verse highlights the centurion’s humility and insight, as he compares his own limited authority to Jesus’ much greater spiritual authority.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up Jesus’ response in the next verses, where Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith and uses it as an example for others.

Where else these words appear

“set” Greek G5021 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
  • Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

“soldiers” Greek G4757 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
  • Acts 21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

“me” Greek G1683 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

“one” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.