Good Samaritan
Meaning
A Good Samaritan is someone who helps another person, especially a stranger, in a time of need, typically with no expectation of reward.
Origin
The phrase "Good Samaritan" originates from a parable told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. In the story, a traveler is robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the road. A priest and a Levite both pass him by without offering aid. However, a Samaritan—a member of a group often despised by Jews—stops, tends to the man's wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. Jesus used this narrative to exemplify unconditional love and compassion for one's neighbor, establishing the Samaritan as the enduring symbol of selfless help to a stranger.
Examples
- When her car broke down late at night, a Good Samaritan pulled over and helped her change the flat tire.
- The man who returned the lost wallet with all its contents intact was praised as a true Good Samaritan.