And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Greek word used here, hugianonta, doesn't just mean "well," but suggests "recovering health" or "thriving," highlighting the immediate and complete restoration of the servant's well-being. This subtle linguistic choice emphasizes the miraculous and instantaneous nature of Jesus' healing power, showing it wasn't just an absence of sickness but a vibrant return to full health.
And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The centurion, deeply concerned for his gravely ill servant, had sent Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus, not daring to approach Jesus himself due to his Gentile status and perceived unworthiness. Jesus, marveling at the centurion's extraordinary faith and trust in His word alone, declared the servant healed even before the messengers returned. Upon their arrival back at the house, they discovered the servant miraculously restored to health.
Jesus was miles away from the sick servant, yet healing occurred instantly. How is this possible?
This passage highlights the incredible power of Jesus' word, a power not bound by physical proximity. The centurion understood this: he didn't need Jesus to come to his house; he only needed Jesus to speak. "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and let my servant be healed" (Luke 7:6-7). This demonstrates a profound understanding that Jesus' authority extends everywhere, and His spoken word carries divine, immediate power. The instant healing of the servant confirms this astounding reality.
Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith. What made it so exceptional?
Jesus declares, 'Not even in Israel have I found such faith' (Luke 7:9). This wasn't just belief that Jesus could heal, but a deep understanding of His authority. The centurion, a man accustomed to giving commands and seeing them obeyed, recognized Jesus' word as having absolute authority, not just over people, but over sickness itself. He understood Jesus' authority stemmed directly from God. This level of faith, recognizing divine authority in Jesus' word without needing to see Him or experience His touch, was extraordinary.
The wording describing the servant's recovery is specific. What does it reveal?
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The Greek word used for 'whole' (hygiainonta) is a medical term, often translated as 'healthy,' 'sound,' or 'convalescent.' As Bengel notes, it means 'using the health and soundness given him.' This suggests more than just the absence of sickness; it implies a return to full vitality and strength, actively enjoying the health restored. Luke, known for his medical insights, uses this precise language to emphasize the completeness and immediacy of the healing. The servant wasn't just no longer sick; he was fully restored and functioning.
Understand the original words
hygiainō · Greek Adjective/Participle
To be in a state of physical health, soundness, or wholeness; it can refer to being saved, delivered, or restored from illness or spiritual death.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great's Death
The death of Herod the Great, a powerful client king of Rome, led to a period of instability and division of his kingdom among his sons.
c. AD 6
Judea becomes a Roman Province
After Archelaus, Herod the Great's son, was deposed, Judea was placed under direct Roman rule, with a prefect or procurator governing the region.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
During this period, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, including traveling to Capernaum.
c. AD 28— this verse
The Centurion's Servant Healed
A Roman centurion in Capernaum, known for his love of the Jewish people and for building their synagogue, requests Jesus to heal his gravely ill servant. Jesus, impressed by the centurion's faith, heals the servant from a distance with a word.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, marking the foundational events of Christianity.
c. AD 60-65
Luke's Gospel Written
Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, writes his Gospel, likely in Caesarea or Rome, detailing Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings.
This passage directly follows the centurion's interaction with Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, stating that the servant was healed 'that very hour,' mirroring the swift and complete recovery described in Luke.
John 4:50This verse records Jesus telling another official, 'Go your way; your son will live,' demonstrating Jesus' power to heal from a distance, just as He did for the centurion's servant without being physically present.
1 Samuel 1:20Hannah's prayer for a son is answered, and 'after a year had passed,' she conceived and bore a son, showing how God can bring about significant results after a period of waiting and prayer, similar to the centurion's hope for his servant.
2 Kings 4:26The Shunammite woman’s son is restored to life after Elisha's intervention, highlighting God's power over death and sickness, and the miraculous restoration that can occur through faithful servants of God.
calvinLuke 7:1-10: "Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum."
- And when Jesus had entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, beseeching him, 6. And saying, Lord, my servant is lying at home afflicted with palsy, and is grievously tormented. 7. And Jesus saith to him, When I shall come, I will heal him. 8. And the centurion answering him said, Lord, I do not deserve that thou shouldst come under my roof: but only say the word, and my serva…
ellicottLuke 7:10: "And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick."
(10) Found the servant whole. —Note St. Luke’s characteristic use, as in Luke 5:31 , of a technical term for “healthy” or “convalescent.”
The Greek word used here, hugianonta, doesn't just mean "well," but suggests "recovering health" or "thriving," highlighting the immediate and complete restoration of the servant's well-being. This subtle linguistic choice emphasizes the miraculous and instantaneous nature of Jesus' healing power, showing it wasn't just an absence of sickness but a vibrant return to full health.
The centurion, deeply concerned for his gravely ill servant, had sent Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus, not daring to approach Jesus himself due to his Gentile status and perceived unworthiness. Jesus, marveling at the centurion's extraordinary faith and trust in His word alone, declared the servant healed even before the messengers returned. Upon their arrival back at the house, they discovered the servant miraculously restored to health.
The centurion, deeply concerned for his gravely ill servant, had sent Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus, not daring to approach Jesus himself due to his Gentile status and perceived unworthiness. Jesus, marveling at the centurion's extraordinary faith and trust in His word alone, declared the servant healed even before the messengers returned. Upon their arrival back at the house, they discovered the servant miraculously restored to health.
"And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well." — The Greek word used here, hugianonta, doesn't just mean "well," but suggests "recovering health" or "thriving," highlighting the immediate and complete restoration of the servant's well-being. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026