Luke 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

What does Luke 9:8 mean?

Explanation

Luke 9:8 depicts a scenario where the identity of Jesus is a subject of speculation among the masses.

The verse reflects the various opinions held by people at that time, particularly about the notable figures in Israel's history whom Jesus is likened to.

The mention of Elias (Elijah) suggests that people thought a great prophet had returned since Malachi’s prophecy (Malachi 4:5) implied Elijah would return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." Others speculated that Jesus might be one of the other old prophets, like Moses or Jeremiah, who was risen again.

This belief stemmed from a Jewish expectation that God would raise a prophet like unto Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).

The phrase signifies the confusion and curiosity about Jesus’ true identity and mission among the people who encountered His teachings and miracles.

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Historical Context

The verse is set during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry in Roman-occupied Judea in the 1st century CE.

During this period, there was a strong expectation among the Jewish people for the coming of the Messiah, who would deliver Israel from foreign oppression and restore the kingdom of David.

Prophecy played a central role in Jewish belief, and there was anticipation for the return of prominent prophets as messianic forerunners or participants in the messianic age.

Elijah, in particular, was expected to return based on the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/old-testament/malachi/4/5/what-does-malachi-4-5-mean).

The historical context of this verse reveals the various hopes and messianic expectations of the time which serve as a backdrop for the differing opinions about Jesus’ identity.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Luke 9:8 highlights the mystery surrounding the person of Jesus Christ and points to His unique role in salvation history. It reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the raising up of a prophet like Moses.

Additionally, the verse could be interpreted as an indication of Jesus' alignment with the prophetic tradition, yet surpassing it in significance.

From a Jewish perspective, the references to Elijah and the prophets might be seen as a continuation of God's ongoing revelation and interaction with His people.

The speculation among the people also indicates the active discernment occurring among the Jews regarding the signs of the times and the fulfillment of prophecies.

Practical Applications

Luke 9:8 challenges the modern reader to consider the identity of Jesus Christ and the claims made about Him. It invites individuals to reflect on their own preconceptions and openness to the ways God may choose to reveal Himself.

The verse encourages believers to remain rooted in scriptural prophecies and teachings, while also being discerning of contemporary interpretations and movements that may arise.

It also calls for humility in recognizing that God’s ways and timings, including the fulfillment of prophecies, might transcend human expectations and understandings.

Cross-References

[Malachi 4:5-6](/old-testament/malachi/4/5/what-does-malachi-4-5-mean) - "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD."
Deuteronomy 18:15 - "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."
Matthew 16:14 - "And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets."
John 1:21 - "And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.

Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No."

Language Study

"Elias": This is the New Testament Greek form of the Hebrew name "Elijah," which means "The Lord is my God." Elijah was a significant prophet in the Old Testament known for powerful miracles and confrontation with the prophets of Baal.
"One of the old prophets was risen again": The concept of a prophet rising again conjures up the idea of a resurrection or a return from the dead, particularly significant in a culture that held belief in the possibility of divine or miraculous intervention.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made to other cultures' expectations of the return of significant figures, such as the prophesied return of a hero or spiritual leader.

For instance, in Zoroastrianism, there is the expectation of the coming of a savior figure, Saoshyant.

In Buddhism, there is the prophecy of the coming Buddha, Maitreya.

The Jewish messianic expectation and the Christian interpretation of Jesus as the fulfillment of such prophecies mirror the broader religious and cultural phenomena of eschatological anticipation.

Scientific Perspectives

The debate over Jesus’ identity, as represented in Luke 9:8, is a matter of faith and religious belief that generally falls outside the purview of scientific inquiry.

However, the disciplines of history, anthropology, and sociology might analyze the social structures, cultural contexts, and collective psychology that contribute to messianic expectations and how people respond to new religious movements.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that people mistook Jesus for a prophet due to His powerful teachings, healings, and control over evil spirits, paralleling the actions of prophets like Elijah.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers notes that the speculation mentioned in the verse indicates a measure of respect and some acknowledgment of superhuman power attributed to Jesus, even if it falls short of the full acknowledgement of Him as the Christ.
The Pulpit Commentary remarks upon the variety of public opinion about who Jesus was, pointing out that although there was a consensus on Him being a figure of great importance, there was uncertainty about His exact nature and mission.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 9:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?