Luke 17:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ten lift up their voices together and cry to Jesus for mercy.
What Does Luke 17:13 Mean?
Forbidden to approach, the lepers use the one strength left to them — their voices, raised as one. They call Jesus "Master," a title of recognized authority, and they ask for neither ritual nor explanation but simply for mercy.
This is prayer at its barest: His name, His authority, our need. They do not dictate what the mercy must look like; they leave the method to Him. Every soul that has nothing left but a cry can pray this prayer. The whole story turns on the fact that Jesus hears it — He always does — and mercy is already moving toward them before they know it.
Luke 17:13 in the Original Language
epistates (ἐπιστάτης), 'Master' -- overseer, one in authority; a title for Jesus found only in Luke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 17:13
What does Luke 17:13 mean?
The ten lift up their voices together and cry to Jesus for mercy.