The text highlights that this Samaritan, an outsider to Israel, immediately recognized Jesus as God's instrument and returned to give Him thanks. This act of profound gratitude, performed by one considered a "stranger," stands in stark contrast to the ingratitude of the nine Israelites who were healed but failed to return.
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus sends ten lepers to show themselves to the priests, fulfilling the requirements of the law for cleansing, one man realizes he's been healed and immediately turns back. This one, who turns out to be a Samaritan, throws himself at Jesus' feet, loudly praising God, while the other nine, all presumably Jewish, disappear without any acknowledgment. Jesus then points out this stark contrast, highlighting the rarity of gratitude, especially from those who have received more outward religious privilege.
When you receive an incredible gift, what's your first instinct? For one of the ten lepers, it wasn't just a polite 'thank you' – it was a powerful, public declaration.
Imagine being completely isolated, suffering from a disease that marked you as an outcast. Then, with a single word from Jesus, you're instantly healed.
The Urgency of Praise
This leper didn't wait. As soon as he saw he was healed, he turned back. His overwhelming joy and recognition of God's power propelled him to praise God with a 'loud voice.' It wasn't a planned response; it was an immediate, spontaneous outpouring of gratitude.
This highlights that true gratitude isn't just an internal feeling; it often demands an outward expression. When we recognize the source of a blessing – whether it's a miraculous healing or a daily provision – our hearts should be moved to give praise.
In a world divided by deep-seated prejudice, one man's actions stood out not just for his gratitude, but for who he was.
Jesus himself points out the remarkable nature of this leper's response: 'Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? None are found that have returned to give glory to God except this stranger.'
Beyond Ethnicity
This leper was a Samaritan. In that day, Jews and Samaritans had a bitter, long-standing animosity. Samaritans were often viewed with contempt by the Jews. Yet, it was this 'stranger' – this outsider – who demonstrated a profound faith and gratitude that shamed the nine Jewish lepers.
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This reveals that true faith and thankfulness are not confined by religious or ethnic lines. God's grace and the recognition of His power can work in anyone, regardless of their background or how others perceive them. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and recognize genuine heart responses to God's goodness.
Jesus told the thankful leper, 'Your faith has saved you.' Was he just talking about physical healing?
When Jesus commends the Samaritan leper, he doesn't just say, 'Your healing is complete.' He says, 'Your faith has saved you.' This points to a deeper reality than just the physical cure.
More Than a Miracle
While all ten lepers were physically cleansed, only one returned to give thanks. Jesus distinguishes this one, not just by his gratitude, but by his faith. This faith was not just belief in a miracle happening, but a trust that led him to acknowledge the source of the miracle and its ultimate significance.
Jesus' words suggest that this faith led to a salvation that extends beyond the physical. It's a salvation that acknowledges God's ultimate authority and offers eternal life, not just temporary relief. The physical healing was a visible sign of a deeper spiritual reality that this man embraced.
Understand the original words
doxazo · Greek Verb
The act of expressing adoration, honor, and thanksgiving to the Creator for His character and works. It is a central duty and response of those who have experienced God's grace.
iaomai · Greek Verb
The restoration of health, wholeness, or soundness; in a biblical context, it often points to God's restorative power over the effects of the fall, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
piptō · Greek Verb
To prostrate oneself; an act of deep reverence, submission, or worship, often used to show humility before God or a superior.
Samareitēs · Greek Noun
An inhabitant of Samaria; in the New Testament, they were considered social and religious outcasts by the Jews, often representing those on the margins who receive grace.
katharizō · Greek Verb
To be purified or made clean, often used in the context of leprosy to denote both physical healing and ritual restoration to the community.
doxa · Greek Noun
An expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of God's glory and works; it signifies giving God the honor due to Him for His benefits.
allogenēs · Greek Noun
One belonging to another nation or race; a term often used to denote an outsider, highlighting the inclusion of all nations in the scope of God's mercy.
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm conviction, trust, or reliance on God; in this context, it signifies the personal trust in Jesus that leads to both physical and spiritual salvation.
sōzō · Greek Verb
To be saved, healed, or made whole; implies a restoration of health or spiritual wholeness, often extending beyond physical recovery to include salvation.
This event highlights the deep societal divide between Jews and Samaritans, yet it was the Samaritan, considered an 'outsider,' who showed true gratitude and faith, prompting Jesus to reflect on the rarity of thankfulness.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus travels through Samaria and Galilee
While on his journey towards Jerusalem, Jesus passed through a region that encompassed both Samaritan and Jewish territories.
c. 30 AD
Ten lepers encounter Jesus
Ten men suffering from leprosy, a physically and socially isolating disease, cry out to Jesus for mercy from a distance, as required by law.
c. 30 AD
Jesus directs lepers to the priests
Jesus tells them to go and present themselves to the priests, a required step for lepers to be declared clean and reintegrated into society.
c. 30 AD
Lepers are healed
As the men travel to the priests, they realize they have been miraculously cleansed of their leprosy.
c. 30 AD
One leper returns to praise God
A Samaritan leper, seeing he is healed, immediately turns back, crying out and glorifying God with a loud voice, then falls at Jesus' feet in gratitude.
c. 30 AD
Jesus questions the absence of the others
Jesus notes the return of only one, a Samaritan, to give thanks, highlighting the ingratitude of the other nine, who were likely Jewish.
Just as Naaman was instructed to wash in the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy, these lepers were told to show themselves to the priests, highlighting the obedience of faith in following God's prescribed means.
Psalm 103:1-5This psalm is a powerful outpouring of praise for God's deliverance from sin and disease, mirroring the leper's fervent gratitude and desire to 'forget not all his benefits.'
Romans 1:20Paul speaks of how God's 'invisible attributes' are clearly seen through what has been made, much like this leper recognized the divine power at work in his healing and responded with worship.
1 Thessalonians 5:18This verse calls believers to give thanks in all circumstances, a principle powerfully embodied by the Samaritan leper who immediately expressed his gratitude, demonstrating a thankful heart.
Matthew 23:17-19Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their misplaced priorities regarding offerings and sacrifice, which contrasts sharply with the Samaritan leper’s sincere act of giving glory to God as the immediate priority.
barnesLuke 17:15: "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,"
One of them ... - This man, sensible of the power of God and grateful for his mercies, returned to express his gratitude to God for his goodness. Instead of obeying "at once" the "letter" of the command, he "first" expressed his thanks to God and to his Great Benefactor. There is no evidence, however, that he did not, "after" he had given thanks to God, and had poured out his joy at…
pooleLuke 17:15: "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,"
Ver. 15,16. It is most probable that this leper first showed himself to the priest, according to the commandment and the direction of our Saviour, and then returned to give our Saviour thanks. Some think that this glorifying God here mentioned, and his giving thanks to Christ, signify the same thing. I doubt it, because nothing appeareth from this story sufficient to convince us that…
The text highlights that this Samaritan, an outsider to Israel, immediately recognized Jesus as God's instrument and returned to give Him thanks. This act of profound gratitude, performed by one considered a "stranger," stands in stark contrast to the ingratitude of the nine Israelites who were healed but failed to return.
As Jesus sends ten lepers to show themselves to the priests, fulfilling the requirements of the law for cleansing, one man realizes he's been healed and immediately turns back. This one, who turns out to be a Samaritan, throws himself at Jesus' feet, loudly praising God, while the other nine, all presumably Jewish, disappear without any acknowledgment. Jesus then points out this stark contrast, highlighting the rarity of gratitude, especially from those who have received more outward religious privilege.
As Jesus sends ten lepers to show themselves to the priests, fulfilling the requirements of the law for cleansing, one man realizes he's been healed and immediately turns back. This one, who turns out to be a Samaritan, throws himself at Jesus' feet, loudly praising God, while the other nine, all presumably Jewish, disappear without any acknowledgment. Jesus then points out this stark contrast, highlighting the rarity of gratitude, especially from those who have received more outward religious privilege.
"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the ni…" — The text highlights that this Samaritan, an outsider to Israel, immediately recognized Jesus as God's instrument and returned to give Him thanks. This act of profound gratitude, performed by one cons…
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Last reviewed October 2026
