Devine Scripture

Luke 9:20

What does Luke 9:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:20 means

Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is, and Peter answers, “The Christ of God.” This is a pivotal confession: Peter recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah (Christ). The simplicity and clarity of the confession mark spiritual insight and faith granted to Peter. Yet Jesus’ immediate response will complicate Messianic expectations. Peter’s declaration is foundational—acknowledging Jesus’ unique role in God’s plan—and it sets up the teaching about the Messiah’s path of suffering rather than triumphal political victory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, But who do you say that I am? And Peter, answering, said, The Christ of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `And ye--who do ye say me to be?' and Peter answering said, `The Christ of God.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answering, said: The Christ of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, But ye, who do ye say that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ ofGod.

Context

This verse is the climactic point following the crowd’s guesses (v.19). Peter’s confession contrasts popular misidentification and signals a turning point in Jesus’ ministry: private recognition among the disciples leading to deeper disclosure. Immediately afterward, Jesus commands secrecy (v.21) and explains that his messianic mission involves suffering (vv.22–27), challenging common expectations about the Christ.

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

v.20This passage

v.21But he charged them, and commanded them to tell this to no man;

Cross references

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

  • Acts 17:3

    opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ.

  • John 4:29

    Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ?

  • John 4:42

    and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.

  • Acts 8:36

    And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

  • 1 John 5:1

    Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

  • John 1:41

    He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).

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