Devine Scripture

Luke 24:49

What does Luke 24:49 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:49 means

Jesus promises to send forth the promise of His Father upon them and instructs them to tarry in the city until they are clothed with power from on high. Understanding must be matched with empowerment. The promise refers to the Holy Spirit, who will equip them for bold, effective witness. Waiting is not inactivity but obedience, trusting God’s timing. Power comes from above, not from organizational strength or natural eloquence. The risen Christ remains the giver of the Spirit, continuing His ministry through His people. Their mission will be supernatural in origin and sustained by divine presence, not human enthusiasm alone.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And now I will send to you what my father has undertaken to give you, but do not go from the town, till the power from heaven comes to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And, lo, I do send the promise of my Father upon you, but ye--abide ye in the city of Jerusalem till ye be clothed with power from on high.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I send the promise of my Father upon you: but stay you in the city till you be endued with power from on high.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but do ye remain in the city till ye be clothed with power from on high.

Context

After identifying the disciples as witnesses (v. 48), Jesus provides the essential provision for their task: the promised power (v. 49). This points forward to the outpouring described at the beginning of Acts. With message, identity, and empowerment in place, the narrative moves to Jesus’ final earthly act in this Gospel: His blessing and ascension near Bethany (vv. 50–51). The disciples’ response of worship and joy in verses 52–53 confirms their transformed understanding and anticipates the temple-centered waiting for the Spirit.

v.48Ye are witnesses of these things.

v.49This passage

v.50And he led them out untilthey were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 2:1

    And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

  • John 16:7

    Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.

  • Isaiah 59:20

    And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Jehovah.

  • Joel 2:28

    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Acts 1:4

    and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said he, ye heard from me:

  • Isaiah 44:3

    For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

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