Devine Scripture

Luke 24:50

What does Luke 24:50 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 24:50 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 24:50 means

Jesus leads them out as far as over against Bethany, lifts up His hands, and blesses them. The gesture evokes priestly benediction; the risen Lord, our great High Priest, confers grace upon His people. Blessing is His parting act, not reproach. Location matters: near Bethany, where He had often found friendship and where triumphal entry had begun, He now launches them under a canopy of favor. Lifting hands signifies both authority and intercession. The church goes forth under blessing, not merely instruction. His final earthly posture toward His disciples is one of generous, continuing goodwill.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he took them out till they were near Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he gave them a blessing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he led them forth without--unto Bethany, and having lifted up his hands he did bless them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he led them out as far as Bethania: and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and having lifted up his hands, he blessed them.

Context

With the promise of power given (v. 49), Jesus now transitions the scene from Jerusalem to the vicinity of Bethany (v. 50). This sets the stage for the ascension in verse 51. The movement from teaching space to blessing place signifies completion and commissioning. The disciples, having received proof, understanding, identity, and promise, are now sent under benediction. The next verse will depict Jesus’ departure to heaven, confirming His exaltation and inaugurating a new mode of His presence with His people.

v.49And 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.

v.50This passage

v.51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 48:9

    And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me here. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

  • Mark 10:16

    And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

  • Genesis 27:4

    and make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

  • Genesis 49:28

    All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

  • Acts 1:12

    Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey off.

  • Numbers 6:23

    Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 24

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 24.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 24:50.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary