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31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Read full chapter Luke 10:31 in all English translations
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him , and departed, leaving him half dead.
New International Version. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. New Living Translation. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. English Standard Version.
Verse 31. - There came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Both the priest and Levite were frequent travellers along this road between the capital and Jericho.
Luke 10:30-31. The road between Jerusalem and Jericho was a steep, rocky, dangerous gorge, troubled by prowling robbers. Because of their high religious stature, thieves did not usually assault priests and Levites, but others were "fair game."
What does Luke 10:30 mean? As an expert in the law, the lawyer to whom Jesus is speaking knows that loving God and loving one's neighbor is the heart of the Mosaic law. But he wants specifics. Who is his neighbor (Luke 10:25–29)? Jesus tells a story that turns the question around.
What does Luke 10:31 mean? A lawyer knows he should show love to his neighbor, but he wants to restrict the command so it's not overly difficult. He wants to know exactly who his neighbor is, so he knows to whom he is required to show love (Luke 10:25–29).
