Luke 19:48
What does Luke 19:48 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 19:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 19:48 means
Despite their intense desire to kill Jesus, the religious leaders could not find a way to accomplish their goal because the people were completely captivated by His teaching, hanging on every word. Their widespread admiration and attentiveness provided a protective barrier for Jesus, temporarily frustrating His enemies' plans. This demonstrates the powerful influence of Jesus over the common people and the leaders' fear of a popular uprising.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But they were not able to do anything, because the people all kept near him, being greatly interested in his words.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they were not finding what they shall do, for all the people were hanging on him, hearing him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they found not what to do to him: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and did not find what they could do, for all the people hung on him to hear.
Context
This verse concludes the chapter, detailing the religious leaders' dilemma in their plot against Jesus, immediately following their decision to destroy him. It explains their momentary paralysis, attributing it to the people's unwavering attention and admiration for Jesus's teaching. This cliffhanger sets the stage for the continued conflict and the eventual betrayal and arrest of Jesus in subsequent chapters.
v.47And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him:
v.48This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:2
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
- Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.
- Luke 20:19
And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
- Nehemiah 8:3
And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
- Matthew 22:15
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk.
- John 7:46
The officers answered, Never man so spake.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 19
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 19.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.