The Good Samaritan (Parable Character)

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Greek Samaritēs (“Samaritan,” a person from Samaria), identifying ethnic-regional background rather than a personal name
  • Period/Era: Second Temple Period (as a parable character in Jesus’ teaching)
  • Main References: Luke 10:25–37
  • Key Connections: Jesus (teacher of the parable); the injured traveler; the priest and Levite in the story

Who was The Good Samaritan (Parable Character)?

The Good Samaritan is an unnamed figure in a parable told by Jesus.
He is portrayed as a Samaritan traveler who encounters a wounded man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
In the story he becomes the positive example of “neighbor” through practical mercy.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: He sees the injured man and responds with compassion rather than passing by.
  • Event 2: He provides immediate care, using oil and wine, and transports the man to an inn.
  • Event 3: He pays the innkeeper two denarii and promises to reimburse any additional cost.

Life Lesson & Legacy

In Jesus’ teaching, the Samaritan illustrates neighbor-love expressed through costly, concrete care within discipleship.

Key Verse

"Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" — Luke 10:36, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. In the parable, what does the Samaritan use to provide immediate care for the injured man?

2. How much does the Samaritan pay the innkeeper in the story?