Devine Scripture

Luke 10:24

What does Luke 10:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:24 means

Jesus explains that many prophets and kings desired to see and hear what the disciples are seeing and hearing but did not. This heightens the disciples’ privilege: they participate in the fulfillment of God’s promises. It also places Jesus’ ministry in redemptive-historical perspective—the prophets longed for this messianic revelation. The verse encourages wonder and responsibility: having received what others hoped for, the disciples must steward it faithfully and bear witness to the kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I say to you that numbers of prophets and kings have had a desire to see the things which you see, and have not seen them, and to have knowledge of the things which have come to your ears, and they had it not.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I say to you, that many prophets and kings did wish to see what ye perceive, and did not see, and to hear what ye hear, and did not hear.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I say to you that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you hear and have not heard them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I say to you that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things which ye behold, and did not see [them]; and to hear the things which ye hear, and did not hear [them].

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ private blessing and provides historical perspective. It contrasts former generations’ longing with the present reality experienced by the disciples. Immediately after this reflection, the narrative shifts to a legal expert testing Jesus, moving from public mission and revelation to moral instruction about practical love.

v.23And turning to the disciples, he said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

v.24This passage

v.25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 11:39

    And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,

  • 1 Peter 1:10

    Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

  • John 8:56

    Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.

  • Hebrews 11:13

    These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 10

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 10.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 10:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary