phrase
Good Samaritan
A stranger who helps someone in trouble without obligation.
Origin
In Jesus's parable, a Jewish traveler is beaten and left for dead. Two respected religious figures pass by. A Samaritan โ a member of a despised neighboring group โ stops, treats the wounds, and pays for his recovery. The shock of the parable is who the helper is.
Modern usage
Universal in modern English, including in law: 'Good Samaritan laws' protect bystanders who try to help in an emergency.
Tags
kindness
stranger