Devine Scripture

Luke 24:38

What does Luke 24:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:38 means

Jesus asks why they are troubled and why doubts arise in their hearts. He addresses not only their emotions but the thought patterns feeding their fear. His gentle questions invite self-examination and open the door for persuasion. Doubt is not banished by command but by truth presented and received. The Lord knows that what they need is not a scolding but assurance anchored in reality. He is about to provide it. By engaging their hearts, He dignifies their humanity and prepares them to become robust witnesses who can help others move from anxiety to confidence in the risen Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and wherefore do questionings arise in your heart?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and wherefore do questionings arise in your heart?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Why are you troubled, and why are your hearts full of doubt?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `Why are ye troubled? and wherefore do reasonings come up in your hearts?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why are thoughts rising in your hearts?

Context

Following their terror at His presence (v. 37), Jesus confronts their inner turmoil (v. 38) as a prelude to offering physical evidence. Verses 39–40 will bring them to see and touch His hands and feet, confirming continuity with the crucified Jesus. Then verses 41–43 will add the proof of eating. The sequence moves from fear to examination to conviction, paving the way for Jesus to open their minds to the Scriptures and to commission them for worldwide proclamation in verses 44–49.

v.37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.

v.38This passage

v.39See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 4:19

    Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken dumb for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries.

  • Daniel 4:5

    I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

  • Jeremiah 4:14

    O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thine evil thoughts lodge within thee?

  • Matthew 16:8

    And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

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