Devine Scripture

Luke 24:31

What does Luke 24:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:31 means

Their eyes are opened; they recognize Him—and He vanishes from their sight. Recognition comes as divine gift, just as concealment had earlier. The purpose of the encounter is achieved: Christ is known first by Scripture, then confirmed at the table. His vanishing teaches them to walk by the Word rather than by constant physical sight. The risen Lord is sovereign over His appearances, present as He wills. Joy now replaces sorrow, and conviction replaces confusion. The meal becomes a hinge—what began as hospitality to a stranger becomes communion with the Savior who lives and reigns.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And then their eyes were open, and they had knowledge of him, but he went from their view.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he became unseen by them.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And their eyes were opened: and they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And their eyes were opened, and they recognised him. And he disappeared from them.

Context

Verse 31 is the climax of the Emmaus narrative: after Scripture instruction (v. 27) and table fellowship (v. 30), recognition dawns. The immediate disappearance underscores that the key is not to cling to visible presence but to hold fast to what Scripture reveals. This prepares for their reflection in verse 32 and their urgent return in verse 33. The flow moves from revelation to testimony, as these two become heralds to the eleven, adding their witness to the growing chorus that the Lord is risen indeed.

v.30And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them.

v.31This passage

v.32And they said one to another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 4:30

    But he passing through the midst of them went his way.

  • John 8:59

    They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

  • Luke 24:16

    But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

  • John 20:13

    And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

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