Luke 10:32

So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Study Bible

So too, a Levite
The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties in Israel. Historically, they were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and later the temple, assisting the priests in their sacred duties. The mention of a Levite in this parable is significant because it highlights a person who, by virtue of his religious role, would be expected to show compassion and adherence to God's laws, including the command to love one's neighbor. The Greek word for Levite, "Λευίτης" (Leuitēs), emphasizes his identity as a religious figure, which makes his actions—or lack thereof—more poignant in the narrative.

when he came to that spot
The phrase "came to that spot" indicates a deliberate approach to the location where the injured man lay. The Greek word "ἐλθὼν" (elthōn) suggests an intentional movement, implying that the Levite was aware of the situation. This detail underscores the Levite's conscious decision-making process, as he was not merely passing by without noticing the man in need. The specificity of "that spot" serves to focus the reader's attention on the exactness of the encounter, emphasizing the opportunity for the Levite to act.

and saw him
The act of seeing, "ἰδὼν" (idōn), is crucial in this context. It indicates that the Levite was fully aware of the man's condition. In biblical terms, seeing often implies understanding and acknowledgment. The Levite's sight of the injured man should have prompted a response of compassion and mercy, as seeing is often the first step toward action. This phrase highlights the Levite's moral and spiritual failure, as he chooses to ignore the need he clearly perceives.

passed by on the other side
The phrase "passed by on the other side" is translated from the Greek "ἀντιπαρῆλθεν" (antiparēlthen), which conveys a deliberate avoidance. This action is not merely a passive neglect but an active decision to distance oneself from the situation. In the cultural and religious context of the time, such behavior would be seen as a failure to fulfill the law's demands for mercy and compassion. The Levite's choice to avoid the injured man contrasts sharply with the expected behavior of someone in his religious position, serving as a critique of empty religiosity that lacks genuine love and compassion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Levite
A member of the tribe of Levi, traditionally responsible for religious duties and temple service in Israel. Levites were expected to uphold the law and serve as examples of holiness and compassion.

2. The Road
The setting is the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, known for its danger and frequent robberies. This road symbolizes the journey of life, filled with unexpected challenges and opportunities for moral decision-making.

3. The Injured Man
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the injured man is central to the parable. He represents those in need of help and compassion, regardless of their social or ethnic background.

4. The Priest
Mentioned in the preceding verse, the priest also passed by the injured man, highlighting a failure of religious leaders to act with compassion.

5. The Samaritan
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the Samaritan is the one who ultimately helps the injured man, contrasting with the actions of the Levite and the priest.

Teaching Points

The Call to Compassion
As followers of Christ, we are called to act with compassion, not just in words but in deeds. The Levite's failure serves as a warning against indifference.

Religious Duty vs. True Righteousness
True righteousness is not about religious status or duties but about living out God's love and mercy in practical ways.

Overcoming Prejudices
The parable challenges us to overcome social and ethnic prejudices, as demonstrated by the Samaritan's actions, and to see every person as our neighbor.

The Danger of Indifference
Indifference to the suffering of others is a serious spiritual failing. We must be vigilant in recognizing and responding to the needs around us.

Living Out the Greatest Commandment
This account exemplifies the command to love God and love our neighbor, urging us to integrate these principles into our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What might have motivated the Levite to pass by the injured man, and how can we avoid similar rationalizations in our lives?

2. How does the Levite's inaction contrast with the teachings of Jesus about loving one's neighbor?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our religious practices do not become empty rituals but are filled with genuine compassion and mercy?

4. How can we identify and overcome any prejudices that might prevent us from helping those in need?

5. Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to help someone in need. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience in light of this parable?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:34
This verse commands the Israelites to love the foreigner residing among them as themselves, which connects to the broader theme of loving one's neighbor, as demonstrated by the Samaritan.

James 2:14-17
This passage discusses faith without works being dead, paralleling the Levite's inaction despite his religious status.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice and mercy, which relates to the Levite's failure to show compassion.