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    The Great Physician

    Luke 5:31 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick."
    — Luke 5:31 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Confronted for eating with tax collectors, Jesus answers with a one-line manifesto: He came as a physician, and physicians belong with the sick, not the well.

    Historical Context

    Pharisees prized ritual separation from sinners. Jesus models the opposite — proximity that heals. Levi's banquet (v. 29) becomes a clinic, not a compromise.

    Original Language Insights

    'Whole' (hugiainontes) — healthy, sound. The irony is sharp: the Pharisees think they qualify; Jesus' answer leaves them to draw their own conclusion.

    Theological Significance

    The only people Jesus cannot help are those who refuse to admit they are sick. Self-righteousness is the one disease that shuts the door to the doctor.

    Practical Application

    If you feel unworthy to approach Christ, you are precisely the person He came for. The sick belong in the physician's office.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Luke 5:32

    "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

    The mission statement that follows the diagnosis of v. 31.

    1 Timothy 1:15

    "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

    Paul echoing the same gospel logic.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I am sick and I admit it. Thank You for being the Physician who came for people like me. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did Jesus think the Pharisees were really 'whole'?

    No — He used their self-assessment ironically. They thought themselves well, which made them the most spiritually sick of all.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Luke 5 verse by verse:

    After · Luke 5:32Exact verse

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    Theme: Jesus' Mission to Sinners

    After · Luke 5:33Exact verse

    And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

    Theme: When the Bridegroom Is Present

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    Theme: Forgiveness

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    Read Luke 6Commentary: Luke 6:31
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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Elder Brother Represent in the Prodigal Son?

    The elder brother represents self-righteous people who serve God dutifully but lack grace for repentant sinners — a mirror of the Pharisees Jesus was addressing.

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    What Is the Parable of the Great Supper?

    In Luke 14, Jesus told of a man who prepared a great supper—when invited guests made excuses, he sent servants to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind.

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    Who were the Pharisees?

    The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group known for strict observance of the Law and oral traditions, frequently criticized by Jesus for hypocrisy and legalism.

    Read answer

    What is the Great Commission?

    The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.

    Read answer

    What is justification by faith?

    Justification by faith is the doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Protestant theology.

    Read answer

    Who Was Luke in the Bible?

    Luke was a physician and historian who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, making him the author of more New Testament content than any other writer.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Luke 1:37 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Provision
    New Testament

    The Miraculous Catch of Fish

    After a fruitless night, Peter let down the nets at Jesus' word and caught so many fish the nets began to break.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Cleansing of the Ten Lepers

    Jesus cleansed ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem; only one — a Samaritan — returned to give thanks.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law

    Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a great fever, and she rises to serve them.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Malchus' Ear

    Jesus restores the severed ear of the high priest's servant at His arrest in Gethsemane.

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    Luke 5:32 Commentary

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    Q&A

    Who were the Pharisees?

    People & Characters

    Q&A

    Who Were the Pharisees?

    People & Characters

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