Luk 10:31-32 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 31. By chance . Accidentally, or as it happened. It means that he did not do it with a design to aid the man that was wounded. A certain priest . It is said that not less than twelve thousand priests and Levites dwelt at Jericho; and as their business was at Jerusalem, of course there would be many of them constantly travelling on that road. When he saw him . He saw him lie, but came not near him. Passed by on the other side . On the farther side of the way. Did not turn out of his course even to come and see him. (h) "passed by on the other side"

Luke 10:31-32

Verse 31. By chance. Accidentally, or as it happened. It means that he did not do it with a design to aid the man that was wounded.

A certain priest. It is said that not less than twelve thousand priests and Levites dwelt at Jericho; and as their business was at Jerusalem, of course there would be many of them constantly travelling on that road.

When he saw him. He saw him lie, but came not near him.

Passed by on the other side. On the farther side of the way. Did not turn out of his course even to come and see him.

(h) "passed by on the other side" Ps 38:11 Verse 32. A Levite. The Levites, as well as the priests, were of the tribe of Levi, and were set apart to the duties of religion. The peculiar duty of the priest was to offer sacrifice at the temple; to present incense; to conduct the morning and evening services of the temple, &c. The office or duty of the Levites was to render assistance to the priests in their services. In the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, it was their duty to transport the various parts of the tabernacle and the sacred utensils. It was their duty to see that the tabernacle and the temple were kept clean; to prepare supplies for the sanctuary, such as oil, incense, wine, &c. They had also the care of the sacred revenues, and after the time of David they conducted the sacred music of the temple service, Nu 8:5-22; 1Chr 23:3-5,24-32; 24:27-31.

Came and looked on him. It is remarked by critics, here, that the expression used does not denote, as in the case of the priest, that he accidentally saw him and took no farther notice of him, but that he came and looked on him more attentively, but still did nothing to relieve him.

(i) "came and looked on him" Ps 109:25, Prov 27:10