And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Luke 17:17,18 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? …
2 Chronicles 32:24-26 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign…
Psalm 30:1,2,11,12 A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me…
he came back
The act of returning is significant, demonstrating a conscious decision to express gratitude. In the context of Jewish customs, the healed leper's return to Jesus instead of immediately going to the priest (as prescribed in Leviticus 14) underscores the recognition of Jesus as the true source of healing. This return can be seen as an act of faith, prioritizing thanksgiving over ritual compliance. It also reflects the broader theme of repentance and turning back to God, a central message in the teachings of Jesus.
praising God in a loud voice
The loud voice signifies the intensity and sincerity of the man's gratitude. Publicly praising God was a common practice in Jewish worship, often seen in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 100:1-2). This act of vocal praise not only acknowledges God's power but also serves as a testimony to others. The healed man's response contrasts with the silence of the other nine, highlighting the importance of giving glory to God for His works. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of worship and thanksgiving as essential responses to God's grace and mercy.
- Out of the ten men with leprosy who obeyed Jesus’ command to “go and show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14), only one person is highlighted.
- Scripture often narrows from the crowd to the individual to show personal faith (Luke 8:45; John 4:53).
- God notices the single heart that responds (2 Chronicles 16:9).
- Jesus later asks, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17), underscoring how rare gratitude can be.
- The healing was literal, immediate, and complete, just as Isaiah 35:5-6 foretold of Messiah’s works.
- Recognition precedes response; the man first perceives God’s mercy, then acts (Psalm 103:2-3).
- His awareness parallels the prodigal “coming to himself” before returning to the father (Luke 15:17-18).
- Salvation likewise begins when sinners perceive their cleansing through Christ’s blood (1 John 1:7).
- He reverses direction, illustrating repentance and return (Hosea 6:1).
- The man places worship ahead of ritual; instead of hurrying to the priest, he seeks the Priest-King who healed him (Hebrews 7:24-25).
- His return fulfills Jesus’ intent that miracles draw people closer to Him, not merely to benefits (John 6:26-27).
- This step models the believer’s continual call to “draw near to God” (James 4:8).
- Grateful praise bursts out; silence is unthinkable (Psalm 98:4, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth”).
- The volume reflects wholehearted thankfulness, like the blind man who “began glorifying God” after his sight was restored (Luke 18:43).
- Public praise testifies to others, fulfilling Psalm 34:3, “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.”
- His worship centers on God, not on himself or even the miracle, embodying 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in every circumstance.”
One leper out of ten recognizes Jesus’ mercy, turns back, and openly glorifies God. Luke 17:15 teaches that genuine faith sees God’s work, responds immediately, returns to Christ, and erupts in thankful, public praise.
(15) Turned back, and with a loud voice.--The words imply that the work of healing was not accomplished till the company of lepers were at least out of sight.