Devine Scripture

Luke 9:19

What does Luke 9:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:19 means

The disciples report what the crowds say: some think Jesus is John the Baptist, others Elijah, or one of the old prophets returned. This repetition of public speculation (cf. vv.7–8) shows confusion about Jesus’ identity. People recognized prophetic power but misapplied it to past figures, indicating awareness of divine action without acknowledging its newness in Jesus. Their guesses reveal expectation that God will use prophetic figures, yet they also miss the unique person and mission Jesus fulfills as something unprecedented, not merely a recycled prophet.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they, answering, said, John the Baptist; but others say Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has come back.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they answering said, `John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and others, that a prophet, one of the ancients, was risen;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But they answered and said: John the Baptist; but some say Elias: and others say that one of the former prophets is risen again.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But they answering said, John the baptist; but others, Elias; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen again.

Context

This verse echoes earlier rumors recorded (vv.7–8) and sets up the contrast between popular opinion and the apostles’ confession. Luke uses the crowd’s speculation to heighten the moment when Jesus asks his disciples directly (v.20). That contrast anticipates a turning point: personal recognition by the disciples followed by instruction about suffering and discipleship (vv.21–27).

v.18And 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?

v.19This passage

v.20And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:25

    And they asked him, and said unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou art not the Christ, neither Elijah, neither the prophet?

  • John 7:40

    Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.

  • Luke 9:7

    Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;

  • Mark 6:15

    But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

  • John 1:21

    And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No.

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