Luke 8:9
What does Luke 8:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:9 means
Luke 8:9 records the disciples asking Jesus to explain the parable. Their question shows that Jesus’ teaching is not meant to be obscure for insiders; the disciples are allowed deeper understanding. This request is itself an act of good soil: they hear and seek to comprehend. The verse underscores discipleship’s role in receiving and applying kingdom truth. It also models a healthy response to mystery—asking for clarity rather than assuming ignorance or despair.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And his disciples put questions to him about the point of the story.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And his disciples were questioning him, saying, `What may this simile be?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And his disciples asked him [saying], What may this parable be?
Context
After Jesus’ public parable and call to heed it, the disciples’ question shifts the scene from a broad audience to a private pedagogical moment. This transition frames the coming interpretation as privileged instruction for those committed to learning, underlining the chapter’s pattern of parable-public, explanation-private.
v.8And other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit a hundredfold. As he said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
v.9This passage
v.10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you.
- Matthew 13:10
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
- Hosea 6:3
And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.
- Mark 7:17
And when he was entered into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked of him the parable.
- Mark 4:10
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.
- Mark 4:34
and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.