But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
But a certain Samaritan - one of a race excommunicated by the Jews; a byword among them, and synonymous with heretic and devil (John 8:48; and see the note at Luke 17:18);
As he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Compare what is said of the Lord Himself: "And when the Lord saw her (the widow of Nain). He had compassion on her" (Luke 7:13). No doubt the priest and Levite had their excuses for passing by their wounded brother.-`'Tisn't safe to be lingering hero; besides, he's past recovery; and then, mayn't suspicion rest upon ourselves?' So might the Samaritan have reasoned-but did not. Nor did he say, 'He would have had no dealings with me (John 4:9), and why should I with him?