Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 17:14

"And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed." — Luke 17:14 (ASV)

Jesus’ command required obedience based on some faith in his healing ability (cf. Matthew 12:13; Mark 3:5). On their way to the priests, the lepers are “cleansed.” Jesus, however, uses the more comprehensive word “made well” (v.19; GK 3392) when he speaks to the Samaritan who returned to give thanks. The stress in this story is on the openly expressed gratitude of the Samaritan, who alone brought praise to God (vv.15–16).