What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan? The Good Samaritan is Jesus' story of a despised outsider who showed mercy to a wounded stranger, revealing what it truly means to love your neighbour.
Key verse: Luke 10:33 (KJV)
The Good Samaritan is Jesus' story of a despised outsider who showed mercy to a wounded stranger, revealing what it truly means to love your neighbour.
The Good Samaritan is Jesus' story of a despised outsider who showed mercy to a wounded stranger, revealing what it truly means to love your neighbour.
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him." — Luke 10:33 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
A lawyer asked Jesus, 'Who is my neighbour?' In response Jesus told of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who was attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left half dead. A priest passed by on the other side. A Levite looked and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan — hated by Jews — had compassion. He bound the man's wounds, brought him to an inn, and paid for his care. Jesus asked: 'Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?' The lawyer answered, 'He that shewed mercy on him.' Jesus said, 'Go, and do thou likewise.' The parable shatters ethnic and religious boundaries. True neighbour-love is active mercy to anyone in need, regardless of background.
Key Scripture References
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him."
"And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
"And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
What Is the Golden Rule?
The Golden Rule is Jesus' command: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — a summary of how God wants us to treat each other.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Good Samaritan?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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