To Look Intently and Not the Other Way: The Significance of the Portrayals of the Priest and Levite in Lk 10:29–37

Abstract

The representations of the priest and Levite in the parable of the Compassionate Samaritan found in Lk 10:29–37 are frequently undervalued due to their brief descriptions within the narrative. Although the Samaritan is the focal point of the parable, the inclusion of the priest and Levite by Luke serves to impart particular lessons to the audience. An examination of their roles through the lens of narrative criticism reveals that these figures act as foil characters, creating a narrative gap and a temporal delay for the other characters. A thorough analysis indicates that their identities, actions, silence, and the evaluation made by the lawyer and Jesus illustrate that they are not merely peripheral figures. Rather, Luke has strategically positioned them to communicate an ironic message: the imperative to refrain from turning a blind eye, or looking the other way. This also provides an alternative way of reading their characterizations, which are not solely revolved around their covert motivations. Contemporary Christian readers can draw valuable lessons from the exhortatory portrayals of the priest and Levite, encouraging them to engage more attentively with others in a society that often promotes indifference; they teach the Christians in a concrete, ironical way to avoid looking the other way when faced with a similar situation in life.