Jesus’ teaching on love, mercy, and compassion embodied in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is one of his most famous. It pushes against the limits of social divisions, urging believers to love their neighbors without conditions, irrespective of their background or status. Jesus introduces a Samaritan man in this parable, who, although regarded as an outsider by the Jews, embodies true love by assisting an injured stranger. These bible verses about the good Samaritan serves as a potent reminder that our deeds of kindness and compassion ought to go beyond the labels we assign to others, prompting us to assist those in need, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Our faith also hinges on the importance of action and empathy, as illustrated by the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus employs the story to answer a lawyer’s inquiry regarding eternal life, demonstrating that mere knowledge of the law is insufficient; we have to embody it by showing love through concrete deeds. The Samaritan’s eagerness to exceed normal expectations in tending to the wounded man illustrates the sort of selfless love that Christ urges us to show. This parable serves as a reminder that love goes beyond our friends and family, reaching out to everyone we meet who is in need, no matter their situation.
A remarkable feature of the parable of the Good Samaritan is its challenge to our instinctive tendencies to evaluate others according to social, ethnic, or cultural distinctions. The narrative depicts how the priest and Levite, both of whom hold religious roles, opt to overlook the wounded individual. In contrast, the Samaritan—who is regarded as an adversary—comes forth to provide help. Believers learn from this reversal of expectations that genuine kindness is based on our readiness to extend mercy, rather than the identity of the recipient. Jesus employs this narrative to demonstrate that loving our neighbor is a core aspect of the Christian faith—one that frequently necessitates stepping beyond our comfort zones and biases.
As a parable, the Good Samaritan offers an enduring teaching about Christ’s love and its radical character. It urges us to scrutinize our hearts and readiness to serve as conduits of God’s mercy in a world that frequently promotes apathy. Believers are called to embody the grace and kindness of Jesus by examining the Samaritan’s actions, ensuring that we acknowledge and address the suffering of others, regardless of whether they are strangers, adversaries, or members of our own communities. These bible veses about he good samaitan serves as a reminder that while demonstrating love is not always easy, it is essential; by doing so, we obey God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About The Good Samaritan in 2025
1. Luke 10:25-28
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’”
In this initial interaction, Jesus affirms the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors. This sets the foundation for the parable of the Good Samaritan, teaching us that eternal life is linked to love—both for God and for others.
2. Luke 10:29-30
“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In reply, Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.’”
The lawyer’s question—”Who is my neighbor?”—reveals a desire to limit the scope of love. Jesus begins the parable to demonstrate that love extends beyond social and ethnic boundaries, to even those considered enemies.
3. Luke 10:31
“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.”
The priest represents religious authority and is expected to show compassion. However, he chooses to ignore the injured man. This highlights how easy it can be to neglect those in need, even when we should act according to our faith.
4. Luke 10:32
“So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”
The Levite, another religious figure, also neglects the wounded man. Both the priest and the Levite fail to act, serving as a warning that religious status doesn’t guarantee genuine love and compassion.
5. Luke 10:33
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”
The Samaritan, often despised by the Jews, becomes the unexpected hero. His compassion for the man shows that love transcends societal boundaries, and even those considered “outsiders” can show the most mercy.
6. Luke 10:34
“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
The Samaritan’s actions go beyond mere sympathy; he demonstrates practical love by tending to the man’s wounds, ensuring his comfort, and providing for his care. This teaches that love is an active, sacrificial choice.
7. Luke 10:35
“The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”
The Samaritan’s commitment continues as he ensures the man’s care is financially supported, showing that love may require a financial cost and long-term commitment, not just a one-time gesture.
8. Luke 10:36
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
Jesus challenges the lawyer’s understanding by asking which of the three men acted as a neighbor. The question forces a rethinking of the definition of “neighbor”—one who shows mercy, not just one’s fellow countrymen.
9. Luke 10:37
“The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
Jesus emphasizes the core lesson: true neighborly love is defined by mercy. He commands the lawyer—and us—to act in the same way, showing compassion to everyone in need, regardless of their background.
10. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse extends the lesson of the Good Samaritan to loving our enemies, further challenging our natural tendencies to limit compassion to those who are like us. Jesus calls us to love, even when it’s difficult.
11. Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The Golden Rule encapsulates the heart of the Good Samaritan parable. By treating others with the same care and compassion we wish for ourselves, we fulfill God’s law of love.
12. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Just as the Good Samaritan carried the injured man’s burdens, we are called to help others in their struggles. This is a practical expression of Christ’s love.
13. Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse highlights that showing kindness to those in need is not just commendable but blessed in God’s eyes. The Good Samaritan exemplifies this truth.
14. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
By showing kindness and mercy, we demonstrate God’s love and His heart for the poor and hurting, much like the Samaritan’s care for the injured man.
15. James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
James echoes the command of Jesus to love our neighbor. The Samaritan’s actions are an example of fulfilling this royal law through sacrificial love.
16. Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Loving others is a direct command of God’s law. The Good Samaritan embodies this by acting in the best interest of the injured man, even at personal cost.
17. Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
Jesus emphasizes that genuine love often involves loving those who do not return our kindness, just as the Samaritan cared for someone who would traditionally be his enemy.
18. John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus calls His followers to love each other in the same way He loves them. The Samaritan’s compassion shows this kind of love, which identifies us as true disciples.
19. 1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse encourages believers to show love in action, not just words. The Samaritan’s mercy is a model of how our love should be practical and genuine.
20. Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus reinforces that loving our neighbor is as important as loving God. The parable demonstrates how to put this command into practice by loving even those who might be our enemies.
21. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
The Good Samaritan’s care for the man in need reflects the call to practice hospitality and generosity toward those who are suffering.
22. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
This verse teaches the importance of being hospitable to strangers. The Samaritan’s willingness to care for a stranger demonstrates true hospitality.
23. Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Jesus teaches that serving others in practical ways is serving Him. The Samaritan exemplifies this by caring for the injured man’s basic needs.
24. 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Hospitality and service should be given willingly and cheerfully, as exemplified by the Samaritan’s selfless care for the injured man.
25. Isaiah 58:10
“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
This verse echoes the Samaritan’s act of mercy, showing that when we care for those in need, we bring light into the world.
26. Luke 7:47
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
True love is often born out of a deep understanding of forgiveness. The Samaritan’s love for the injured man is a reflection of his compassion, much like the woman who shows great love because of the forgiveness she received.
27. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
The qualities of love outlined here match the Samaritan’s actions, as he shows patience, kindness, and a lack of self-seeking in his help.
28. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness and compassion are central to the Christian faith, just as they were demonstrated by the Samaritan.
29. Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Helping others, especially the weak and vulnerable, is a fundamental aspect of Christian life. The Samaritan’s generosity shows that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
30. Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Christians are called to embody compassion and kindness, qualities the Samaritan displayed in his care for the injured man.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Good Samaritan parable powerfully reminds Christians to love others with compassion, irrespective of their background, race, or status. Through this tale, Jesus prompts us to reconsider our conception of neighborliness, accentuating that genuine love is not just verbal—it demands action. The Samaritan’s readiness to extend mercy, even to those who would normally be regarded as his adversary, serves as an example of the kind of love we are meant to show every day. This love is not limited to our friends or those who are easy to love but extends to all, including strangers and those who may have hurt us.
Additionally, the Good Samaritan exemplifies that to love others often necessitates sacrifice and a deliberate approach. The Samaritan offers not just immediate assistance but also guarantees the wounded man’s future welfare, exemplifying how we ought to address others’ needs in our own lives. We are summoned as believers to express this love through concrete manifestations of kindness, hospitality, and generosity, with no anticipation of recompense. This way, we carry out Christ’s instruction to love our neighbors like ourselves and show His love to the world.
