He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Samaritan didn't just offer generic help; he used what he had for his own comfort—his oil, wine, and animal—turning his personal provisions into remedies and transport for a stranger in desperate need. This highlights that true compassion often involves sacrificing our own conveniences and resources.
He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the priest and the Levite's callous disregard for the beaten man, the Samaritan, moved by compassion, stops his journey. He attends to the stranger's wounds with common remedies like oil and wine, then personally transports him to an inn, demonstrating active care and commitment.
What do 'oil and wine' really signify in healing? The Good Samaritan used more than just basic first aid.
The Samaritan didn't just patch up the wounded man; he provided thorough, restorative care.
The Medical Details
This isn't just about historical remedies; it speaks to a deeper principle: true compassion involves practical, effective, and sometimes costly action to bring about restoration.
The Samaritan gave more than just his time. What did he sacrifice to help this stranger?
The Samaritan's compassion wasn't theoretical; it demanded personal sacrifice and immediate, tangible commitment.
The Cost of Compassion
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This demonstrates that true love for neighbor is willing to bear burdens, incur costs, and inconvenience oneself for the well-being of others.
The parable vividly contrasts the expected, yet absent, kindness of religious leaders with the unexpected compassion of a Samaritan, highlighting the radical inclusivity of God's love and the true meaning of 'neighbor' in a context rife with social and ethnic division.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Roman Road from Jerusalem to Jericho
This dangerous road, descending sharply through a desolate wilderness, was notorious for ambushes by robbers. Travelers often moved in caravans for safety.
c. 1st century AD
Jewish-Samaritan Animosity
Deep-seated hatred existed between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from religious and ethnic differences. Jews typically avoided Samaria and its inhabitants.
c. 1st century AD
Role of Priests and Levites
Priests and Levites served at the Jerusalem Temple. Traveling between Jerusalem and their homes or other duties, they would have known the road and its perils.
c. 1st century AD
Common Medical Practices
Oil and wine were recognized ancient remedies. Wine was used for its antiseptic properties, and oil for its soothing and cleansing effects on wounds.
This verse describes wounds being treated with oil and wine, mirroring the Samaritan's practical healing methods and highlighting a long-standing medicinal practice.
Galatians 3:28The parable's point that the Samaritan (an outsider) is the true neighbor directly challenges ethnic and social divisions, echoing Paul's declaration that in Christ, such distinctions no longer divide believers.
1 John 3:17The Samaritan's selfless actions, including giving his own animal and paying for the man's care, powerfully illustrate the practical outworking of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as described by John.
Matthew 25:40Jesus states that whatever is done for the 'least of these' is done for Him; the Samaritan's compassion for a stranger embodies this principle, showing care for someone in desperate need as if it were for Jesus Himself.
Romans 12:13The Samaritan's generosity in providing for the wounded man's needs, even at personal cost, aligns with Paul's instruction to be generous and share with those in need.
wesleyLuke 10:34: "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."
10:34 Pouring in oil and wine - Which when well beaten together are one of the best balsams that can be applied to a fresh wound.
calvinLuke 10:25-37: "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
- But when the Pharisees heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they assembled together. 35. And one of them, a doctor of the law, put a question to him, tempting him, and saying, 36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37. Jesus saith to him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.…
This Samaritan didn't just offer generic help; he used what he had for his own comfort—his oil, wine, and animal—turning his personal provisions into remedies and transport for a stranger in desperate need. This highlights that true compassion often involves sacrificing our own conveniences and resources.
Following the priest and the Levite's callous disregard for the beaten man, the Samaritan, moved by compassion, stops his journey. He attends to the stranger's wounds with common remedies like oil and wine, then personally transports him to an inn, demonstrating active care and commitment.
Following the priest and the Levite's callous disregard for the beaten man, the Samaritan, moved by compassion, stops his journey. He attends to the stranger's wounds with common remedies like oil and wine, then personally transports him to an inn, demonstrating active care and commitment.
"He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him." — This Samaritan didn't just offer generic help; he used what he had for his own comfort—his oil, wine, and animal—turning his personal provisions into remedies and transport for a stranger in desperat…
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Last reviewed October 2026