Devine Scripture

Luke 9:18

What does Luke 9:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:18 means

While Jesus was praying apart, the disciples were with him, and he asked them what the crowds were saying about him. This sets a reflective moment: Jesus withdraws into prayer, a pattern of seeking the Father, then asks his pupils to report the public opinion. The question moves the focus from external acclaim to true identity. It prepares for a deeper disclosure about who Jesus is and reveals that public rumor and personal confession are different things, prompting the disciples to consider not what others think but what they themselves believe.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And it came about that when he was in prayer, by himself, and the disciples were with him, he put a question to them, saying, Who do the people say I am?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass, as he is praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he questioned them, saying, `Who do the multitudes say me to be?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples also were with him: and he asked them, saying: Whom do the people say that I am?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass as he was praying alone, his disciples were with him, and he asked them saying, Who do the crowds say that I am?

Context

This verse follows the feeding miracle (vv.13–17) and introduces a quieter, formative scene. Luke moves from public signs to private instruction: after remarkable works, Jesus seeks to define his identity with his closest followers. This transition is important because it frames Peter’s confession (v.20) and Jesus’ teaching about his suffering (vv.21–27), shifting the reader’s attention to doctrinal truth about Jesus’ person and purpose.

v.17And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets.

v.18This passage

v.19And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 22:39

    And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed him.

  • Luke 11:1

    And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.

  • Mark 8:27

    And Jesus went forth, and his disciples, into the villages of Cæsarea Philippi: and on the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Who do men say that I am?

  • Matthew 26:36

    Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray.

  • Matthew 16:13

    Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 9:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary