Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that this wasn't just any servant, but one "highly valued" by his master. This detail is crucial because in Roman society, slaves were often treated as disposable property, making the centurion's deep concern for this particular individual extraordinary. It foreshadows the centurion's profound humility and faith when he later emphasizes his own unworthiness, revealing a character already shaped by genuine care and respect for another.
Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds and enters Capernaum. Immediately, a Roman centurion, a Gentile commander of about 100 soldiers, approaches Jesus because his highly valued servant is gravely ill and near death. This encounter sets the stage for one of Jesus' most striking demonstrations of faith, which transcends ethnic and social boundaries.
When we hear 'slave' or 'servant' in ancient texts, we often imagine someone with no worth. But this verse hints at something deeper.
Luke introduces us to a Roman centurion's servant who was 'highly valued' (or 'precious'). This wasn't just any servant; this was someone the centurion deeply cared for.
More Than Just Labor
We often associate deep faith with those who seem to have all the 'right' credentials. But Jesus' encounter here points to faith flourishing where you might least expect it.
This Roman centurion, a Gentile and an officer in the occupying army, demonstrates a profound faith that even surprises Jesus. His interactions, though not detailed in this specific verse, reveal a heart open to God.
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A Gentile's Astonishing Trust
Understand the original words
hekatontarchēs · Greek Noun
A Roman military officer in charge of approximately one hundred soldiers. Their presence in the Gospels reflects the Roman occupation of Judea and their interactions with the Jewish population.
doulos · Greek Noun
A person in a position of service or slavery to a master. In a New Testament context, it often refers to a bondservant or domestic slave.
This event highlights the Roman occupation of Galilee and Jesus' ministry in towns like Capernaum, demonstrating how Jesus' power and compassion extended even to Gentiles, challenging the exclusive notions of faith held by some in Israel.
c. 6 BC
Roman Presence in Galilee
Rome establishes a strong military and administrative presence in Galilee, with centurions commanding troops stationed in key towns like Capernaum to maintain order and collect taxes.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Capernaum
Jesus begins his public ministry, frequently visiting Capernaum, a busy fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, making it a base for his activities.
c. AD 29
Centurion's Servant Healed
A Roman centurion in Capernaum, known for his love of the Jewish people and his contribution of building a synagogue, has a highly valued servant near death. He sends Jewish elders to Jesus, then friends, expressing his profound faith and humility, leading to the miraculous healing of his servant by Jesus' word alone.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Rejected in Nazareth
Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and is largely rejected by his own people, contrasting sharply with the faith shown by this Gentile centurion.
c. AD 30-33
Growing Conflict with Authorities
As Jesus' ministry continues, his popularity and the nature of his miracles, like the healing of the centurion's servant, draw increasing attention and suspicion from Jewish religious leaders.
This passage, alongside Luke's account, tells the same story of the centurion's servant and his remarkable faith, highlighting the compassion and authority of Jesus.
Acts 10:1This chapter introduces Cornelius, another centurion described as devout and God-fearing, showing that this Roman officer's character was not an isolated exception but part of a pattern of godly Gentiles.
Isaiah 53:4This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant bearing our griefs and sorrows, which resonates with Jesus' power to heal the sick and even overcome death, as seen in the centurion's servant.
Philippians 2:5This verse encourages believers to have the same mindset as Christ, which is echoed in the centurion's humility and deep respect for Jesus, as he deemed himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home.
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…
clarkeLuke 7:2: "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die."
A certain centurion's servant - See this miracle explained on Matthew 8:5-13 (note).
The verse highlights that this wasn't just any servant, but one "highly valued" by his master. This detail is crucial because in Roman society, slaves were often treated as disposable property, making the centurion's deep concern for this particular individual extraordinary. It foreshadows the centurion's profound humility and faith when he later emphasizes his own unworthiness, revealing a character already shaped by genuine care and respect for another.
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds and enters Capernaum. Immediately, a Roman centurion, a Gentile commander of about 100 soldiers, approaches Jesus because his highly valued servant is gravely ill and near death. This encounter sets the stage for one of Jesus' most striking demonstrations of faith, which transcends ethnic and social boundaries.
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds and enters Capernaum. Immediately, a Roman centurion, a Gentile commander of about 100 soldiers, approaches Jesus because his highly valued servant is gravely ill and near death. This encounter sets the stage for one of Jesus' most striking demonstrations of faith, which transcends ethnic and social boundaries.
"Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him." — The verse highlights that this wasn't just any servant, but one "highly valued" by his master. This detail is crucial because in Roman society, slaves were often treated as disposable property, makin…
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Last reviewed October 2026