Luke 10:30, 33-34 Quotes
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Source: Luke 10:30, 33-34
Author: Luke
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was."
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [...] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Context
This line is spoken by Jesus in Luke 10:30, 33-34.
So this lawyer is trying to trip Jesus up, and he thinks of a real puzzler. "Hey Master," he says. "We're supposed to love our neighbor, right? Well, who the heck is my neighbor, anyway?"
Jesus' response? The parable of the Good Samaritan, one of his most enduring teachings, in which a Samaritan (a traditional enemy of the Jews) takes compassion on a man after he's been robbed and left for dead. Translation: Don't worry about who your neighbor is, lawyer. Just be a neighbor to everybody.
Where you've heard it
When a stranger helps someone in need, they're often called a Good Samaritan. Someone helps you with a flat tire? BAM. Good Samaritan. Someone hands you free tickets while you're waiting for will-call? BAM. You've been Samaritan-ed. It's also a popular name for things like hospitals and charities.
In a truly 21st-century twist of Good Samaritanism, we now have laws that give protection to people who help others in need, and prevent these do-gooders from getting sued by the people they're helping. These laws are called (say it with us) Good Samaritan laws.
No spoilers, but the series finale of Seinfeld sort of turns this concept on its head. And speaking of Seinfeld, there's also an episode called "The Good Samaritan" in which Jerry tries to be a Good Samaritan by turning in a hit-and-run driver, but ends up dating her instead.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
"Good Samaritan" is such an oldie and a goodie it's become part of everyday speech, suitable for all occasions.