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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 17:9 Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/17-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/42_Luk_17_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 17:9 - The Power of Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/17-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/17-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/17-8.htm" title="Luke 17:8">◄</a> Luke 17:9 <a href="/luke/17-10.htm" title="Luke 17:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Is he thankful to the servant because he did the things having been commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Is he grateful to the slave because he did the things which were commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He does not thank the servant just because he did what he was ordered to do, does he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Servants don't deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He doesn't thank the servant for following orders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He doesn't praise the servant for doing what was commanded, does he? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He won't thank the slave because he did what he was told, will he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Doth he thank that servant, because he did the things that were commanded him? I suppose not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Does he thank the servant for obeying his orders?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank the servant because he did what he was told? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Does he have favor to that servant because he did the things directed? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Is he thankful to the servant because he did the things having been commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hath he favour to that servant because he did the things directed? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He has no favor to that servant, for he did the things appointed. I think not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Doth he thank that servant, for doing the things which he commanded him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Would he be grateful to that servant, for doing what he commanded him to do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Why, will that servant receive praise, because he did what he was commanded to do? I do not think so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Does that servant receive his thanks because he did the thing that he was commanded? I think not.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Does he thank that servant, because he did what was commanded? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Whether does he thank the servant because he did the things which were commanded?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Doth he hold it as a favour from that servant, that he did the things which were ordered him? I think not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />will he think himself oblig'd to that servant for doing what he was order'd? I believe not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Does he thank the servant for obeying his orders?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Does he thank the servant, because he did the things that were commanded?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Is he obliged to that servant for doing what he was ordered?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/17-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6822" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/17.htm">The Power of Faith</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Instead, won’t he tell him, ‘Prepare my meal and dress yourself to serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">Does he</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charin (N-AFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">thank</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulō (N-DMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servant</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">he did</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1299.htm" title="1299: diatachthenta (V-APP-ANP) -- To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.">he was told?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a></span><br />“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4</a></span><br />Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16-17</a></span><br />Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Matthew 18:23-35</a></span><br />Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Luke 12:37</a></span><br />Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-12.htm">Luke 19:12-27</a></span><br />So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13-16</a></span><br />You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></span><br />For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2-3</a></span><br />“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? / Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/35-7.htm">Job 35:7-8</a></span><br />If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand? / Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14</a></span><br />You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a></span><br />If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/luke/14-22.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/luke/8-55.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/luke/7-5.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/luke/14-22.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/luke/15-29.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/luke/13-13.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/14-23.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Thank</a> <a href="/luke/9-33.htm">Thankful</a> <a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Think</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/luke/18-2.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/acts/5-32.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/luke/17-15.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/john/5-39.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Thank</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Thankful</a> <a href="/john/4-29.htm">Think</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-1.htm">Jesus teaches to avoid occasions of offense;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-3.htm">and to forgive one another.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-5.htm">The power of faith.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-6.htm">How we are bound to God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-11.htm">Jesus heals ten lepers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/17-22.htm">Of the kingdom of God, and the coming of the Son of Man.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Does he thank the servant</b><br>In the cultural context of the first-century Roman Empire, servants or slaves were common in households, and their roles were well-defined. Servants were expected to perform their duties without expectation of gratitude or reward beyond their sustenance and shelter. This reflects the societal norms where a servant's work was seen as fulfilling their obligation. The question posed here challenges the listener to consider the nature of duty and gratitude. In biblical terms, this can be connected to the idea of serving God without expecting earthly rewards, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/6.htm">Matthew 6:1-4</a>, where acts of righteousness are to be done without seeking human praise.<p><b>because he did what he was told?</b><br>This phrase emphasizes obedience and duty. In the biblical context, obedience to God's commands is a recurring theme, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/11.htm">Deuteronomy 11:1</a>, where the Israelites are instructed to love and obey God. The servant's actions are not extraordinary but are simply fulfilling what is expected. This can be paralleled with the Christian life, where believers are called to obey God's commandments as a natural response to His authority and love, rather than for personal gain. The concept of doing one's duty without expectation of thanks is also reflected in Jesus' teaching in <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Luke 17:10</a>, where He instructs His followers to view themselves as unworthy servants who have only done their duty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this parable, teaching His disciples about faith, duty, and humility.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant.htm">The Servant</a></b><br>Represents believers who are called to serve God faithfully without expecting special recognition.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a></b><br>Symbolizes God, who has rightful authority over His servants and expects obedience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all followers of Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_duty.htm">The Context of Duty</a></b><br>The broader teaching in <a href="/bsb/luke/17.htm">Luke 17</a> about faith, forgiveness, and the nature of servanthood.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_role_as_servants.htm">Understanding Our Role as Servants</a></b><br>Believers are called to serve God faithfully, recognizing that our service is a duty, not a means to earn favor or recognition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>True humility acknowledges that our service to God is a response to His grace, not a basis for boasting or seeking gratitude.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_obedience.htm">Faithful Obedience</a></b><br>Our obedience to God's commands should be motivated by love and reverence, not by a desire for reward or acknowledgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_god's_grace.htm">Gratitude for God's Grace</a></b><br>While we may not receive thanks for our service, we should remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the grace that enables us to do so.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_example.htm">Reflecting Christ's Example</a></b><br>Jesus exemplified perfect servanthood and humility, and we are called to follow His example in our daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_saint_and_angel_veneration.htm">What is the veneration of saints and angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_youversion_bible_app.htm">How can I become more humble?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_one_leper_thank_jesus.htm">Why did only one healed leper return to thank Jesus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_acts_and_paul's_letters_differ.htm">Why does the Book of Acts contradict Paul's letters in describing his conversion?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Doth he thank that servant</span> . .?<span class= "ital">--</span>The words are spoken, of course, from the standpoint of the old relations between the master and the slave, not from that of those who recognise that master and slave are alike children of the same Father and servants of the same Master. In order to understand their bearing, we must remember how the subtle poison of self-righteousness was creeping in, even into the souls of the disciples, leading them to ask, "What shall we have therefore?" (<a href="/matthew/19-19.htm" title="Honor your father and your mother: and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.">Matthew 19:19</a>), and to ask for high places in His kingdom (<a href="/matthew/20-21.htm" title="And he said to her, What will you? She said to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom.">Matthew 20:21</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 9, 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.</span> And for the loyal, patient, unwearied worker there must be no saying, "What shall we have therefore?" (<a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">Matthew 19:27</a>). No spirit of self-complacency and of self-satisfaction must be allowed to brood over the faithful servant's thoughts. In much of the Lord's teaching at this period of his life the position of man as regards God seems to have been dwelt on. God is all; man is nothing. In God's great love is man's real treasure; man is simply a steward of some of God's possessions for a time; man is a servant whose duty it is to work ceaselessly for his Master, God. There are hints of great rewards reserved for the faithful steward in heaven, promises that a time should come when the unwearied servant should sit down and eat and drink in his Master's house; but these high guerdons were not <span class="accented">earned</span>, but were simply <span class="accented">free, gracious gifts</span> from the Divine Sovereign to his creatures who should try to do his will. This patient, unwearied toil; this deep sense of indebtedness to God who loves man with so intense, so strange a love; this feeling that we can never do enough for him, that when we have taxed all our energies to the utmost in his service, we have done little or nothing, and yet that all the while he is smiling on with his smile of indescribable love; - this is what will increase the disciples' faith, and only this. And in this way did the Lord reply to the disciples' prayer, "Increase our faith." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/17-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Does he</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχει</span> <span class="translit">(echei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thank</span><br /><span class="grk">χάριν</span> <span class="translit">(charin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> </span><span class="str2">From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">servant</span><br /><span class="grk">δούλῳ</span> <span class="translit">(doulō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he did</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐποίησεν</span> <span class="translit">(epoiēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was told?</span><br /><span class="grk">διαταχθέντα</span> <span class="translit">(diatachthenta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1299.htm">Strong's 1299: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/17-9.htm">Luke 17:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/17-9.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/17-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 17:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 17:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/17-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 17:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 17:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>