Topical Encyclopedia
The term "half-dead" is notably used in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is a profound teaching of Jesus that illustrates the essence of neighborly love and compassion, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Biblical Reference:·
Luke 10:30 : "Jesus took up this question and said, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half-dead.'"
In this context, "half-dead" describes the dire condition of the man who was attacked by robbers. The term conveys a state of severe physical distress, indicating that the man was on the brink of death, unable to help himself, and in desperate need of assistance.
Contextual Analysis:The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously dangerous, known for its treacherous terrain and frequent robberies. The victim's plight underscores the vulnerability of travelers in that era and sets the stage for the moral lesson Jesus imparts.
Theological Significance:The use of "half-dead" in this parable serves to highlight the severity of the man's condition, which elicits a response from the characters in the account. The priest and the Levite, both of whom pass by without offering help, represent a failure to act in accordance with the law of love that is central to the teachings of the Old Testament. Their indifference contrasts sharply with the actions of the Samaritan, who, despite cultural animosities, is moved with compassion and provides aid.
The Samaritan's response exemplifies the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (
Leviticus 19:18), a principle that Jesus affirms as one of the greatest commandments (
Matthew 22:39). The parable challenges believers to extend mercy and kindness to all, regardless of social or ethnic differences, and to act as true neighbors to those in need.
Practical Application:The depiction of the man as "half-dead" serves as a powerful reminder of the call to Christian compassion and service. It encourages believers to recognize the suffering around them and to respond with tangible acts of love and mercy. The parable invites Christians to examine their own hearts and actions, urging them to prioritize the well-being of others and to embody the love of Christ in their daily lives.
In summary, the term "half-dead" in the Parable of the Good Samaritan is a vivid illustration of human suffering and the call to compassionate action. It challenges believers to transcend societal barriers and to live out the Gospel through acts of mercy and love.
Greek
2253. hemithanes --half dead...half dead. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hemithanes Phonetic Spelling:
(hay-mee-than-ace') Short Definition:
half-
dead Definition:
half-
dead.
...Library
The Passage Quoted from St. ...
... the martyr's conflict to the pleasures of this life and the comforts of the world;
wounded by robbers, that is, by persecutors, and lefthalf dead; that good...
Whether Angels are to be Reckoned Our Neighbors.
... He told him of a certain man who, going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among
thieves, and was severely wounded by them, and left naked andhalf dead....
The Good Samaritan
... said Jesus, "was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers,
which both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving himhalf dead....
Neighbours Far Off
... man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving himhalf dead.31....
Now, as to the Question which You Raise, when it was that I Began...
... the world? Is that the lesson you have learned from that Samaritan who carried
back the man that washalf dead to the inn? Is this...
On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh...
... He fell into death, became infirm, was left in the way by the robbershalf dead;
the Samaritan, which is by interpretation keeper, passing by lifted him up on...
The Good Samaritan.
... certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving himhalf dead...
iii.
... constancy. And others were thrusthalf-dead into the prison, where in a
few days, worn out with their agonies, they met their end....
A New Age and New Standards
... said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among
robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving himhalf dead...
Gregory Consoles Himself.
... There lives still the Saviour of all men, even of thehalf-dead and the despoiled,
the Protector and Physician for all, the Word, that sleepless Keeper of all....
Thesaurus
Half-dead (1 Occurrence)Half-
dead. Half-curtain,
Half-
dead. Half-district . Multi-Version
Concordance
Half-
dead (1 Occurrence). Luke 10:30 And
...Wounds (57 Occurrences)
... from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who also, having stripped
him and inflicted wounds, went away leaving him in ahalf-dead state....
Wounded (114 Occurrences)
... certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving himhalfdead...
Inflicted (20 Occurrences)
... from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who also, having stripped
him and inflicted wounds, went away leaving him in ahalf-dead state....
Thieves (25 Occurrences)
... certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving himhalfdead...
Replying (1 Occurrence)
... from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who also, having stripped
him and inflicted wounds, went away leaving him in ahalf-dead state....
Robbers (21 Occurrences)
... A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers,
who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving himhalfdead....
Raiment (75 Occurrences)
... certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving himhalfdead...
Descended (64 Occurrences)
... from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who also, having stripped
him and inflicted wounds, went away leaving him in ahalf-dead state....
Beating (31 Occurrences)
... A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among robbers,
who after both stripping and beating him went away, leaving himhalfdead....
Resources
What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Solomon and the two prostitutes? | GotQuestions.orgThe missing link'has it been found? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
