What does Luke 18:33 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:33 is a verse from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the events that will lead to his crucifixion and resurrection. He predicts his own suffering, death, and resurrection, describing it as a certainty.

This verse communicates the core Christian belief that Jesus, as the Messiah, would be rejected, suffer at the hands of authorities, be killed, and rise again on the third day.

The literal meaning is straightforward: Jesus would be subject to scourging (flogging with a whip), would be killed, and would miraculously return to life after three days.

The deeper meaning reflects the Christian understanding of Jesus' role in salvation history, his atoning death, and triumph over death itself, which is considered the foundation of Christian hope for eternal life.

Historical Context

Luke's Gospel was likely written between 80 and 110 A.D. when the early Christian community was facing persecution and seeking to understand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus within the context of Jewish prophecy and tradition.

At that time, messianic expectations among Jews varied, but the concept of a suffering servant was not widely accepted as a messianic role.

Luke is thought to be addressing a predominantly Gentile audience, highlighting how Jesus fulfills Jewish prophecy and explaining the events surrounding his death and resurrection in a manner that bridges Jewish and Gentile understanding.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse reinforces several key theological concepts:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus is represented as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
2. Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' prediction shows that his death and resurrection were not accidental but planned by God and known to him.
3. Atonement: The scourging and death of Jesus are seen as necessary for the atonement of human sins.
4. Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection on the third day is a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
5. Trinity: Some theologians see in the resurrection the interaction of the Trinity, with the Father raising the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit.

From a non-Christian perspective, the understanding of this verse varies significantly, with some viewing it as a legendary account or metaphorical narrative.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be applied in the following ways:

1. Encouragement in Suffering: Christians may find comfort in the idea that Jesus also suffered, showing solidarity with human suffering.
2. Hope in Resurrection: The promise of Jesus' resurrection offers hope to believers of eternal life and victory over death.
3. Faith in Difficulties: Trusting in God's plan, even when it leads one through hardship, as it did for Jesus.
4. Call to Forgiveness: Jesus' willingness to endure scourging and death can inspire forgiveness, reflecting his sacrificial love.

Cross-References

• Predictions of Jesus' Suffering and Death: "Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished." (Luke 18:31)
• Resurrection: "He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee," (Luke 24:6)

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text and their meanings include:

1. "παιδεύσουσιν" (paideusousin): Translated as "they shall scourge," it implies a severe beating or whipping.
2. "ἀποκτενοῦσιν" (apoktenousin): Translated as "put him to death," it refers to killing or murdering.
3. "ἀναστήσεται" (anastēsetai): Translated as "he shall rise again," it reflects the concept of resurrection or rising up.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a dying and rising god or hero is present in various ancient mythologies, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology, Dionysus in Greek mythology, and the Sumerian goddess Inanna.

However, in Christian theology, Jesus' death and resurrection are unique in both purpose and historical claim.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of resurrection as described in Luke 18:33 is not supported by natural laws, as death is considered a final state in biological terms.

However, the intersection of science and belief in miracles resides within the metaphysical realm and is based on faith rather than empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Luke 18:33, offering insights that range from historical analysis to theological reflection.

Renowned commentaries like those of Matthew Henry highlight the predictive accuracy of Jesus' words and their fulfillment in the context of the Gospel narrative.

Critical scholars like Bart Ehrman may examine the verse in light of historical context, textual criticism, and its place within the synoptic gospels.

Conservative theologians often focus on the doctrinal implications of Jesus' prophecy regarding his death and resurrection as divine revelation and a call to faith.