Luke 10:31

by chance Rather, by coincidence, i.e. at the same time. The word -chance" (τύχη) does not occur in Scripture. The nearest approach to it is the participle τυχὸν in 1 Corinthians 15:37 (if τυγχάνοντα be omitted in Luke 10:30). Chance, to the sacred writers, as to the most thoughtful of the Greeks, is -the daughter of Forethought;" is "God's unseen Providence, by men nicknamed Chance" (Fuller). "Many good opportunities work under things which seem fortuitous." Bengel.

a certain priest His official duties at Jerusalem were over, and he was on his way back to his home in the priestly city of Jericho. Perhaps the uselessness of his external service is implied. In superstitious attention to the letter, he was wholly blind to the spirit, Deuteronomy 22:1-4. See 1 John 3:17. He was selfishly afraid of risk, trouble, and ceremonial defilement, and, since no one was there to know of his conduct, he was thus led to neglect the traditional kindness of Jews towards their own countrymen(Tac. Hist.v. 5, Juv. xiv. 103, 104), as well as the positive rules of the Law (Deuteronomy 22:4) and the Prophets (Isaiah 58:7).

that way Rather, on that road. It is emphatically mentioned, because there was anotherroad to Jericho which was safe and therefore more frequently used.