Luke 17:7

Luke 17:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

King James Version KJV

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

American Standard Version ASV

But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;

Bible in Basic English BBE

But which of you, having a servant who is ploughing or keeping sheep, will say to him, when he comes in from the field, Come now and be seated and have a meal,

Free Bible Version FBV

Say you have a servant who does plowing or shepherding. When he comes in from work, do you say to him, ‘Come in and sit down now for a meal’?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Who is it also of you, that hauing a seruant plowing or feeding cattell, woulde say vnto him by and by, when hee were come from the fielde, Goe, and sit downe at table?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'But, who is he of you — having a servant ploughing or feeding — who, to him having come in out of the field, will say, Having come near, recline at meat?

World English Bible WEB

But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table’?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But which of you having a servant plowing, or feeding cattle, will say to him immediately, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to eat?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But which of you having a servant ploughing, or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he is come from the field: Immediately go, sit down to meat:

Translation for Translators T4T

Jesus also said, “Suppose that one of you had a servant who was plowing your fields or taking care of your sheep. After he comes into the house from the field, you (sg) would not say [RHQ], ‘Sit down and eat immediately!’

Plain English Version PEV

And Jesus said to his followers, “You know about bosses and their workers. Maybe a work-man digs the ground to plant seeds one day, or maybe he looks after sheep. When the sun starts to go down, the work-man comes back to the house of his boss. That boss doesn’t say, ‘Sit down with me, and we will have dinner together.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 17:7

BAB

Word Study

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Luke 17:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τις δε εξ υμων δουλον εχων αροτριωντα η ποιμαινοντα ος εισελθοντι εκ του αγρου ερει ευθεως παρελθων αναπεσε

τις tis G5101 which? Interrog-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

εξ ek G1537 out from Prep

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

δουλον doulos G1401 slave Noun-ASM

εχων echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAP-NSM

αροτριωντα arotriaō G722 to plow Verb-PAP-ASM

η ē G2228 or Particle

ποιμαινοντα poimainō G4165 to shepherd Verb-PAP-ASM

ος hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSM

εισελθοντι eiserchomai G1525 to enter Verb-2AAP-DSM

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

αγρου agros G68 field Noun-GSM

ερει erō G2046 to say Verb-FAI-3S

ευθεως eutheōs G2112 immediately Adv

παρελθων parerchomai G3928 to pass by Verb-2AAP-NSM

αναπεσε anapiptō G377 to recline Verb-2AAM-2S

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 17:7

τις tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-NSM

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εξ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

δουλον doulos G1401 "slave" Noun-ASM

This word also means a slave or servant, like in Romans 6:19 and Luke 1:38. It describes someone who is subject to another person or is in a state of subjection. This concept is about being under someone's control.

Definition: δοῦλος, -η, -ον, [in LXX, ὁ δ. nearly always for עֶבֶד; ὁ δ. chiefly for שִׁפְחָה ,אָמָה ;] __1. in bondage to, subject to: Rom.6:19. __2. As subst., ὁ, ἡ δ., a slave; __(a) fem., ἡ δ., a female slave, bondmaid (Cremer, 702; DB, iii, 215): Luk.1:38, 48 Act.2:18" (LXX) ; __(b) masc., ὁ δ., a slave, bond-man: Mat.8:9 18:23, al.; opposite to ἐλεύθερος, 1Co.7:22 12:13, Gal.3:28, Eph.6:8, Col.3:11, Rev.6:15 13:16 19:18; opposite to κύριος, δεσπότης, οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.10:24 13:27, 28 Luk.12:46, Jhn.15:15, Eph.6:5, Col.3:22 4:1, al.; metaphorically, δ. Χριστοῦ, τοῦ Χρ., Ἰησοῦ Χρ., Rom.1:1, 1Co.7:22, Gal.1:10, Eph.6:6, Php.1:1, Col.4:12, Jas.1:1, 2Pe.1:1, Ju 1; δ. τ. θεοῦ, τ. κυρίου, Act.16:17, 2Ti.2:24, Tit.1:1, 1Pe.2:16, Rev.7:3 15:3; δ. πονηρός, ἀχρεῖος, κακός, Mat.18:32 24:48 25:26, 30, Luk.17:10 19:22; δ. ἁμαρτίας, Jhn.8:34, Rom.6:17, 20; τ. φθορᾶς, 2Pe.2:19. SYN.: διάκονος (q.V.), θεράπων, ὐπηρέτης (see DB, iii, 377; iv, 461, 469; DCG, i, 221; ii, 613; Cremer, 215, 702). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 119 NT verses. KJV: bond(-man), servant See also: 1 Corinthians 7:21; Luke 20:11; 1 Peter 2:16.

εχων echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAP-NSM

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

αροτριωντα arotriaō G722 "to plow" Verb-PAP-ASM

To plow, as in Luke 17:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:10, referring to the act of tilling the soil for farming. It involves breaking up the ground to prepare it for planting.

Definition: ἀροτριάω, -ῶ (ἄροτρον), [in LXX: Deu.22:10, al. (חָרַשׁ), Isa.7:25 (עֲדַר) ;] later form of ἀρόω, to plough (MM, see word): Luk.17:7, 1Co.9:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: plough See also: 1 Corinthians 9:10; Luke 17:7.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

ποιμαινοντα poimainō G4165 "to shepherd" Verb-PAP-ASM

To shepherd means to care for and guide a group of people, like a shepherd tends to their sheep. In the Bible, Jesus is often called a shepherd, and church leaders are also given this role, as seen in John 21:16 and 1 Peter 5:2. It involves protecting and nurturing others.

Definition: ποιμαίνω (ποιμήν), [in LXX chiefly for רָעָה ;] to act as shepherd, tend flocks: Luk.17:7; with accusative, ποιμνην, 1Co.9:7. Metaphorical, to tend, shepherd, govern: with accusative, Mat.2:6 (LXX), Jhn.21:16, Act.20:28, 1Pe.5:2, Ju 12, Rev.2:27 7:17 12:5 19:15.† SYN.: βόσκω, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: feed (cattle), rule See also: 1 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 17:7; 1 Peter 5:2.

ος hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

εισελθοντι eiserchomai G1525 "to enter" Verb-2AAP-DSM

To enter means to go into a place or situation, like Jesus entering a house in Matthew 9:25 or a city in Mark 1:21. It can be physical or symbolic, like entering a new phase of life. This word is used in many Bible stories, including when Jesus entered Jerusalem in Mark 11:11.

Definition: εἰσ-έρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא ;] to go in or into, enter: Mat.9:25, Luk.7:45, al.; before εἰς, Mat.10:12, Mrk.2:1, al.; before διά (πύλης, θύρας, etc.), Mat.7:13, Jhn.10:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. στέγην, Mat.8:8; with adv.: ὅπου, Mrk.14:14, Heb.6:20; ὧδε, Mat.22:12; ἔσω, Mat.26:58; before πρός, with accusative of person(s), Mrk.15:43, Luk.1:28, Act.10:3 11:3 16:40 17:2 28:8, Rev.3:20; of demons taking possession, Mrk.9:25, Luk.8:30 22:3, Jhn.13:27; of food, Mat.15:11, Act.11:8. Metaphorical, of thoughts, Luk.9:46; εἰς κόπον, Jhn.4:38; εἰς πειρασμόν, Mat.26:41, Luk.22:40, 46; of hope as an anchor, Heb.6:19; βοαί, Jas.5:4; πνεῦμα ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; εἰς τ. κόσμον (cf. Wis.2:24 14:14, Jhn.18:37), Rom.5:12, Heb.10:5; in counterparts of Jewish Aram. phrases relating to the theocracy (cf. Dalman, Words, 116ff.): εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.25:10; εἰς τ. χάραν τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23; εἰς τ. ζωήν, Mat.18:8, 9 19:17, Mrk.9:43, 45; εἰς τ. βασιλ. τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.5:20 7:21, al. (see: βασιλεία); εἰς τ. κατάπαυσιν, Heb.3:11, 18 4:1ff.; εἰς τ. δόξαν, Luk.24:26; εἰσ. καὶ ἐξερχ., to go in and out (like Heb. בוֹא וְצֵאת, Deu.28:6, etc.), of familiar intercourse, Act.1:21; figuratively, of moral freedom, Jhn.10:9 (cf. ἐπ-, παρ-, συν-εισέρχομαι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 185 NT verses. KJV: X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:23; Luke 11:37; Hebrews 3:11.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αγρου agros G68 "field" Noun-GSM

This word refers to a field or countryside, as mentioned in Matthew 6:28 and Mark 15:21. It can also mean a farm or a piece of land, like in Mark 10:29 and Acts 4:27.

Definition: ἀγρός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for שָׂדֶה ]; __1. a field: Mat.6:28, al. __2. the country: Mrk.15:21, al.; pl., country places, farms: Mrk.5:14 6:36 56, Luk.8:34 9:12. __3. = χωρίον a piece of ground: Mrk.10:29, Act.4:27, al. (On the occurrence of this word as compared with χώρα, χωρίον see MM, VGT, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 33 NT verses. KJV: country, farm, piece of ground, land See also: Acts 4:37; Mark 15:21; Matthew 27:10.

ερει erō G2046 "to say" Verb-FAI-3S

To say or speak, like in Matthew 9:34 or John 1:29. This word is an alternate way of saying 'to utter' or 'to speak' in certain situations.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 95 NT verses. KJV: call, say, speak (of), tell See also: 1 Corinthians 14:16; Matthew 1:22; Hebrews 1:13.

ευθεως eutheōs G2112 "immediately" Adv

Immediately means doing something right away, as seen in Galatians 1:16 where Paul says God revealed Jesus to him at once.

Definition: εὐθέως adv. (εὐθύς), [in LXX: Job.5:3 (פִּתְאוֹם), Wis.5:12, 1Ma.11:12, al. ;] straightway, at once, directly: Gal.1:16, Jas.1:24, 3Jn.14 (cf. Dalman, Words, 28 f.), Rev.4:2, and frequently in Mt, Lk, Jo, Ac (in Mk, εὐθύς), which see) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway See also: 3 John 1:14; Mark 4:16; James 1:24.

παρελθων parerchomai G3928 "to pass by" Verb-2AAP-NSM

To pass by or go away from something, like in Matthew 26:39 where Jesus asks God to take away his cup of suffering. This verb can also mean to neglect or perish, as in Matthew 5:18.

Definition: παρ-ἐρχομαι [in LXX chiefly for עָבַר ;] __1. to pass, pass by; __(a) of persons: absol., Luk.18:37; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.6:48; with accusative lot., Act.16:8; before διά, with genitive, Mat.8:28; __(b) of things : τ. ποτήριον, Mat.26:39 (ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ), Mat.26:42; of time, Mat.14:15, Mrk.14:35, Act.27:9, 1Pe.4:3. Metaphorical, __(a) to pass away, perish: Mat.5:18 24:34-35 Mrk.13:30-31, Luk.16:17 21:32-33, 2Co.5:17, Jas.1:10, 2Pe.3:10; __(b) to pass by, neglect, disregard: with accusative of thing(s), Luk.11:42 15:29. __2. to come to, arrive: Luk.12:37 17:7, Act.24:7, R, mg. (cf. ἀντι-παρέρχομαι).† SYN.: παραβαίνω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: come (forth), go, pass (away, by, over), past, transgress See also: 1 Peter 4:3; Luke 21:32; James 1:10.

αναπεσε anapiptō G377 "to recline" Verb-2AAM-2S

To recline means to lean back or lie down, like at a meal in Luke 11:37 or on the ground in Matthew 15:35. Jesus reclined at the Last Supper in John 13:12.

Definition: ἀνα-πίπτω [in LXX: Gen.49:9 (כָּרַע) Tob.2:1 7:8, Jdth.12:10, Sir.25:18 32:2, Da TH Sus 1:37 * ;] __1. (cl.) to fall back. __2. In late writers = ἀνα-κλίνομαι, to recline for a repast (MM, VGT, see word): at table, Luk.11:37 14:10 17:7 22:14, Jhn.13:12 21:20; on the ground, Mat.15:35 Mrk.6:40 8:6 Jhn.6:10; to lean back, Jhn.13:25 (T, ἐπιπεσών; see: ἀνάκειμαι, ad fin.).† SYN.: ἀνάκειμαι (which see), ἀνακλίνομαι (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: lean, sit down (to meat) See also: John 6:10; Luke 17:7; Matthew 15:35.

Study Notes — Luke 17:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 17:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 17:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 17:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 17:7
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 17:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 17:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 17:7
Cambridge Bible on Luke 17:7
Barnes' Notes on Luke 17:7
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 17:7
Sermons on Luke 17:7

Context — The Power of Faith

5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

7Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

8Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you may eat and drink’? 9Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 12:11	He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?
2	Luke 13:15	“You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water?
3	Luke 14:5	And He asked them, “Which of you whose son or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?”

Luke 17:7 Summary

In Luke 17:7, Jesus is teaching about the relationship between a servant and their master, and how a servant's role is to serve and obey. He is using this example to illustrate the importance of humility and obedience in our relationship with God, as seen in (Matthew 20:26-28) and (John 13:1-17). Just like a servant is expected to serve their master without expecting special treatment, we should approach God with a servant's heart, seeking to serve and please Him, as taught in (Romans 6:22) and (2 Corinthians 5:9). By surrendering our will and desires to God, we can learn to serve Him with humility and obedience, and find true freedom and joy in our relationship with Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jesus teaching in Luke 17:7 about servants and masters?

Jesus is using a common scenario to teach about the relationship between a servant and their master, illustrating that a servant's role is to serve, as seen in Luke 17:8-9, and that this relationship can inform our understanding of our own service to God, as discussed in Romans 6:22.

Is Jesus saying that servants are not worthy of thanks or appreciation?

No, Jesus is not saying that servants are unworthy of thanks, but rather that a servant's obedience is expected, as seen in Luke 17:9, and that our service to God should be motivated by love and obedience, as taught in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.

How does this verse relate to faith, as discussed in the preceding verses?

This verse is connected to the discussion of faith in Luke 17:5-6, where Jesus teaches that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things, and here He is emphasizing the importance of humble service and obedience, as a hallmark of true faith, as seen in James 2:14-26.

What can we learn about our relationship with God from this verse?

We can learn that our relationship with God is one of servant and Master, and that we should approach Him with humility and a willingness to serve, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Matthew 20:26-28, and that our service to Him should be motivated by love and a desire to please Him, as taught in 2 Corinthians 5:9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can serve God and others in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a servant's heart?
How do I respond when I am asked to do something difficult or unpleasant, and what can I learn from Jesus' teaching in this verse about obedience and humility?
In what ways do I seek to be served, rather than to serve, and how can I shift my focus to serving others and God?
What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender my will and desires to God, and serve Him with humility and obedience?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 17:7

But which of you having a servant ploughing,.... In order to keep the disciples humble in the performance of such miraculous works; and that they might not imagine they could have any thing at the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 17:7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 17:7

Ver. 7-10 Lu 17:7-9 are plainly a parable, a part of a discourse wherein our Lord, under an earthly similitude, instructs us in a spiritual duty. This duty is easily learned from the epiparabole, , and it lieth in two things: 1. That we ought to do all those things which our Lord hath commanded us. 2. That we, when we have done all, are to look for our reward, not of debt, but of grace. He illustrates this by a similitude or parable. He supposes a man to have a servant ploughing or feeding cattle for him. By servants we must understand such servants as they had in those countries, who were not day servants, or covenant servants, who are only obliged to work their hours, or according to their contracts with us; but such servants as were most usual amongst them, who were bought with their money, or taken in war, who were wholly at their master’ s command, and all their time was their master’ s, and they were obliged by their labour only to serve him: such servants our Lord supposes to have been abroad in the field, ploughing, or sowing, or feeding cattle, and at night to be come in from their labour. He asks them which of them would think themselves obliged presently to set them to supper, (for meat, drink, and clothes were all such servants wages), or would not rather set them to work again, to make ready their master’ s supper, and then to wait upon him, tying up their long garments, which they used in those countries to wear, promising them that afterwards also they should eat and drink. And suppose they do that without murmuring, he asketh them again, whether they would take themselves obliged to thank them for doing the things which their master commanded? He tells them he supposes they would not take themselves to be under any such obligation. Now what is the meaning of all this he tells them, , So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; for the infinitely glorious and blessed God can receive no benefit by our services; we have done that which was our duty to do. By which we are instructed, 1. That we are wholly the Lord’ s, all our time, strength, abilities; we are obliged to love the Lord with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength. 2. That our labour for the Lord must not cease till the Lord ceaseth commanding, till we have done all that the Lord by his revealed will lets us know we have to do. 3. That when we have done all we shall have merited nothing at God’ s hands; a) Because we are servants. b) Because we have but done our duty. 4. That the Lord may delay our reward till we have done all that he hath commanded us. 5.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 17:7

7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? Ver. 7. But which of you, &c.] Whereas the disciples, having begged increase of faith, might presume to obtain it as having deserved it; Christ shows here that God is debtor to none; and that they must do their utmost in duty, and expect God’ s leisure and pleasure for the reward. It is a mercy in God (so David accounteth it) "to render to a man according to his works," Psalms 62:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 17:7

(7) But which of you, having a servant . .?—The words contain in reality, though not in form, an answer to their question. They had been asking for faith, not only in a measure sufficient for obedience, but as excluding all uncertainty and doubt. They were looking for the crown of labour before their work was done, for the wreath of the conqueror before they had fought the battle. He presses home upon them the analogies of common human experience. The slave who had been “ploughing” or “feeding sheep” (the word is that always used of the shepherd’s work, as in John 21:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2, and so both the participles are suggestive of latent parables of the spiritual work of the Apostles) is not all at once invited to sit down at the feast. He has first to minister to his master’s wants, to see that his soul is satisfied, and then, in due course, his own turn will come. So, in the life of the disciples, outward ministerial labour was to be followed by personal devotion. In other words, the “increase of faith” for which the Apostles prayed, was to come through obedience, outward and inward obedience, to their Master’s will. Faith was to show itself in virtue, and virtue would bring knowledge, and knowledge would strengthen faith. Comp. 2 Peter 1:5, as showing that the lesson had been learnt.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 17:7

Verse 7. - 9. Which of you, having a servant] It is never supposed that the master waits on the servant -- the servant is bound to wait on his master, and to do every thing for him to the uttermost of his power: nor does the former expect thanks for it, for he is bound by his agreement to act thus, because of the stipulated reward, which is considered as being equal in value to all the service that he can perform.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 17:7

7. having a servant plowing] The Parable of the Ploughing Slave is simply an illustration from daily life. The slave is working in the fields, at ploughing or pasturing, and when he comes back the master orders him to prepare his dinner, nor does he give him any special daily thanks for his ordinary daily duties, even if they be duly performed. So even the best of us do not do more than our commonest and barest duty, even if we attain to that. Perhaps the “which of you,” as addressed to the poor Apostles, may be surprising; but the sons of Zebedee at least had once had hired servants, Mark 1:20.feeding cattle] Rather, tending sheep. So that here we have two great branches of pastoral work.will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat] ‘By and by’ is an old English phrase for ‘immediately,’ and the verse should be punctuated ‘will say to him, when he enters from the field, Come forward immediately, and recline at table.’ There is none of the harshness which some have imagined. The master merely says, Get me my dinner, and then take your own.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 17:7

Having a servant ... - This parable appears to have been spoken with reference to the rewards which the disciples were expecting in the kingdom of the Messiah. The occasion on which it was spoken cannot be ascertained.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 17:7

7. Having a servant—However high the prerogatives of apostolic faith, and however great the services the apostle may thereby render to the cause of Christ, let him beware of apostolic pride, as if he

Sermons on Luke 17:7

	Sermon	Description
	Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God
	Testimony - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for action and accountability in our Christian faith. He highlights how in the West, we have an abundance of teaching and resources,
	Lord Break Me by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a bond servant of Jesus Christ. He uses the story of a man driving an elephant in Bombay to illustrate the qualities
	Do Not Sell the Gospel by John Piper	In this sermon, Pastor John Piper reflects on a message he heard 36 years ago about the story of the rich young ruler. The speaker emphasized the importance of letting go of worldl
	Prayer by David Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of worship and the story of a master and his slave in Luke 17:7-10. The slave is dedicated to serving his master by looking af
	We Would See Jesus by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing God to speak and move in our lives, rather than relying on our own efforts and strategies. He challenges the notio
	Checking Your Motives by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of integrity and commitment to truth in the preaching of the word of God. He refers to a difficult passage in Luke 17, which ta