Luke 7:5

5 He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us."

Luke 7:5 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 7:5

For he loveth our nation
The Jewish nation, which was Christ's nation, as well as theirs, he being a Jew; see ( John 18:35 ) . This they mention as an argument to induce him to have a regard to the centurion, though he was a Gentile; since he was a friend of the Jews, and well affected and disposed to them, which was very rare: it was not common for the Gentiles to love the Jews, any more than the Jews the Gentiles; there was an hatred, yea, an enmity between them; but this man, very likely, was a proselyte to their religion, as the following instance seems to show:

and he hath built us a synagogue;
at his own private charge, and by the assistance of his soldiers under him, whom he might employ in this work: sometimes a single person built a synagogue at his own expense, and gave it to the citizens; of which the Jews say, ^F15

``if a man builds an house, and afterwards devotes it to a synagogue, it is as a synagogue.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 Piske Harosh Megilia, c. 4. art. 1.

Luke 7:5 In-Context

3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant.

4 They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, "This man really deserves your help.

5 He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us."

6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, "Sir, don't trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house,

7 neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.