Luke 7:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The elders earnestly urge Jesus to come, insisting the centurion deserves this kindness.
What Does Luke 7:4 Mean?
The Jewish elders do not deliver the message coldly; they plead. "Instantly" in the older English means urgently, earnestly — they press the centurion's case, arguing that this Gentile officer is "worthy" of such a favor.
There is a gentle irony Luke will unfold: the elders declare the man worthy, while the centurion himself will say, "I am not worthy" (v. 6). Others measure him by his merits; he measures himself by Jesus' greatness. Both can be true — a life of genuine goodness, and a heart too humble to lean on it. Intercession is also on display here: people carrying another's need to Jesus, pleading on behalf of someone who has not yet met Him.
Luke 7:4 in the Original Language
spoudaios (σπουδαίως), 'instantly' -- earnestly, with urgent diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 7:4
What does Luke 7:4 mean?
The elders earnestly urge Jesus to come, insisting the centurion deserves this kindness.