Devine Scripture

Luke 24:47

What does Luke 24:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:47 means

Flowing from the suffering and rising of Christ, Jesus declares that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. The gospel is both demand and gift: turn to God, and receive forgiveness. It is centered in His name—His authority and accomplished work—and it is global in scope. Jerusalem, the scene of rejection and crucifixion, becomes the launch point of mercy, showcasing grace triumphing over sin. The message is not tribal or temporary; it is for all peoples. The risen Christ commissions a mission as wide as the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that teaching about a change of heart and forgiveness of sins is to be given to Jerusalem first and to all nations in his name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and reformation and remission of sins to be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations beginning at Jerusalem.

Context

Verse 47 follows the summary of the written gospel (v. 46) with its ordained outcome: worldwide proclamation. This anticipates the unfolding narrative of Acts. Verse 48 will fix the disciples’ role as witnesses, and verse 49 will promise the necessary empowerment. The sequence ties content and commission inseparably: the Christ-event produces a message that must be heralded to all nations, starting at the very city where He was rejected, proving that the cross becomes the fountain of forgiveness.

v.46and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;

v.47This passage

v.48Ye are witnesses of these things.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:5

    These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:

  • Psalms 67:2

    That thy way may be known upon earth, Thy salvation among all nations.

  • Colossians 1:27

    to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • Acts 20:21

    testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Isaiah 49:22

    Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my ensign to the peoples; and they shall bring thy sons in their bosom, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

  • Psalms 22:27

    All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto Jehovah; And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

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