An icon of the Good Samaritan appears to have two saints or prophets in the background. Who do they represent?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the parable of the Good Samaritan is interpreted through a deep, Christological lens. According to Alexandrian exegesis, the Good Samaritan is Jesus Christ Himself, who comes to save fallen humanity (the man wounded by thieves) when the Old Covenant Law and the priesthood could not.
When you see an icon of the Good Samaritan featuring two specific figures in the background—often depicted as walking away or standing at a distance—they represent Moses and Aaron.
This symbolism is rooted in the patristic interpretation of the parable:
- The Priest: Represented by Aaron, signifying the Levitical priesthood. In the parable, the priest passes by on the other side. This illustrates that the sacrificial system of the Old Testament was unable to provide a permanent cure for the "wounds" of sin and death.
- The Levite: Represented by Moses, signifying the Law (the Torah). The Levite also passes by, illustrating that while the Law could diagnose the human condition, it did not possess the power to heal or justify the soul.
In Coptic iconography, these two figures are often included to emphasize the superiority of the Grace of Christ over the letter of the Law. While Moses and Aaron were great in the history of salvation, they represent the "Old Man" who could not carry wounded humanity to the "Inn". Only the Good Samaritan (Christ) could pour the "oil and wine"—representing the Holy Mysteries/Sacraments—and restore the man to health.
Therefore, the two "prophets" or "saints" you see are Moses and Aaron, serving as a theological reminder that the Law and the early priesthood were precursors to the ultimate healing found in our Lord.