Luke 9:11
What does Luke 9:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:11 means
Despite withdrawing, crowds followed, and Jesus welcomed them. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those needing help. This verse shows Jesus’ combined ministry of teaching and mercy; he did not avoid popular attention but used it to proclaim God’s reign while caring for sufferers. His welcome reflects compassion and authority—he engages both hearts and bodies. The kingdom message is not abstract but practical; it reaches people longing for spiritual truth and bodily healing, demonstrating the integrative nature of Jesus’ mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the multitudes perceiving it followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the multitudes perceiving it followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the people, getting news of it, went after him: and he was pleased to see them, and gave them teaching about the kingdom of God, and made those well who were in need of it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the multitudes having known did follow him, and having received them, he was speaking to them concerning the reign of God, and those having need of service he cured.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which when the people knew, they followed him: and he received them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and healed them who had need of healing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the crowds knowing [it] followed him; and he received them and spake to them of the kingdom ofGod, and cured those that had need of healing.
Context
This verse immediately follows the private withdrawal in v.10 and introduces a public scene that deepens the chapter’s twin themes of proclamation and mercy. The crowd’s following prompts Jesus to teach and heal again, leading into the logistical problem of feeding them (vv.12–17). Luke emphasizes continuity: Jesus’ teaching always accompanies compassionate action, preparing the reader for the miraculous provision to come.
v.10And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.
v.11This passage
v.12And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
- Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
- 2 Timothy 4:2
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
- Luke 9:2
And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
- Luke 1:53
The hungry he hath filled with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away.
- Matthew 21:43
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
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