"Samaritan" in the bible

    In ancient Middle Eastern culture, the region of Samaria was a geographical and cultural crossroads. In the early 8th century BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern region of Israel (including Samaria), and many Jews were taken to other areas of the empire. Since then, the population of this region has gradually become diverse, including the Jewish people who were moved. The Samaritans who were expelled from Judea, and the assimilated foreign population. Therefore, there are cultural and religious differences between the Samaritans and the Jews, and the Samaritans are also considered a mixed-race. "Samaritan Woman" in the Bible is described as having religious and cultural conflicts with the Jews. And her identity is emphasized indicating that she comes from a different group.

    In the Bible, the term "Samaritan" usually refers to people living in the region of Samaria which was a border area between Jews and Gentiles in biblical times and was therefore considered impure by the Jews. In the eyes of the Jews, the Samaritans were rejected and excluded because they did not follow the teachings of Judaism, and there were racial and religious conflicts between them and the Jews.

    In the Gospel of Luke, the term "Samaritan" specifically refers to a kind Samaritan, whom Jesus calls the "Good Samaritan". This metaphor is about a man who was robbed and left severely injured on the road, and a priest and a Levite saw him but passed by, only a Samaritan saw him and had compassion on him, taking care of him and paying the price to save him. Through this metaphor, Jesus expresses the meaning of true love and care, that regardless of race, religion or social status, we should treat others with kindness and compassion. (Luke 10:25)

    Jesus especially contrasts the Samaritan, the priest, and the Levite. The Samaritan is portrayed as a person with compassion for others, which is unusual among Jews. Because there were deep racial and religious divisions between Jews and Samaritans. However, Jesus uses this metaphor to teach people to go beyond these divisions and treat every person with compassion and love. Therefore, the term "Samaritan" in the Bible carries the meaning of racial and religious conflict, as well as values of love and care. In the Bible, Jesus teaches people to go beyond the boundaries of race and religion to care for and help those in need which is an important lesson and value.

https://virtueonline.org/parable-neighbor-luke-1025-37