Luke 10:21
What does Luke 10:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 10:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 10:21 means
In that same hour Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit and thanks the Father for revealing truths to the humble and childlike while hiding them from 'the wise and understanding.' He praises God’s sovereign choice to reveal the kingdom to those with simple trust rather than to those relying on human wisdom. This celebrates God’s gracious reversal—what looks weak in human terms often reflects God’s wise and loving economy. Jesus’ thanksgiving underscores the gospel’s preference for humility and dependence over self-sufficiency.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In that same hour he was full of joy in the Holy Spirit and said, I give praise to you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have kept these things secret from the wise and the men of learning, and have made them clear to little children: for so, O Father, it was pleasing in your eyes.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In that hour was Jesus glad in the Spirit, and said, `I do confess to thee, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, that Thou didst hide these things from wise men and understanding, and didst reveal them to babes; yes, Father, because so it became good pleasure before Thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In that same hour, he rejoiced in the Holy Ghost and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In the same hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, I praise thee, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, that thou hast hid these things from wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to babes: yea, Father, for thus has it been well-pleasing in thy sight.
Context
Jesus’ rejoicing follows his correction about priorities. It connects the disciples’ experience and revelation to God’s larger pattern: truth is revealed to the humble. This sets up the theological claim in verse 22 about the Father–Son revelation and then leads to a private word of blessing to the disciples about the privilege of seeing what prophets longed to see.
v.20Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
v.21This passage
v.22All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:17
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
- Isaiah 66:1
Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest?
- Matthew 11:25
At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:
- Isaiah 29:14
therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
- Psalms 24:1
The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
- Zephaniah 3:17
Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.
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