Luke 9:15
What does Luke 9:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:15 means
The disciples obeyed and arranged everyone to sit. Their compliance shows submission to Jesus’ instructions even when the plan seemed unusual. It emphasizes the disciples’ role as organizers and stewards of what Jesus provides. This action readies the people to receive the blessing and also models cooperation: miracles often involve human participation with divine power. Their obedience facilitates the forthcoming miracle and highlights that ministry requires both divine initiative and human responsiveness to Jesus’ commands.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they did so, and made them all sit down.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they did so, and made them all sit down.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they did so, and made them all sit down.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they did so, and made them all be seated.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they did so, and made all to recline;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they did so and made them all sit down.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they did so, and made them all sit down.
Context
This brief verse follows the seating instruction (v.14) and marks the immediate cooperation needed for the miracle. Luke keeps the narrative tight—planning (v.14), obedience (v.15), and then the miraculous blessing (v.16). The disciples’ action links the human and divine elements of the episode: God provides through the disciples’ simple, obedient service.
v.14For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.
v.15This passage
v.16And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
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