Luke 9:27
What does Luke 9:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:27 means
Jesus declares that some standing there will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God. This cryptic promise prepares for an immediate fulfillment in the transfiguration: a glimpse of the kingdom’s glory for some present. It reassures disciples that God’s purposes are unfolding within their lifetimes. The phrase can point to an inaugurated kingdom seen in Christ’s ministry and especially in the forthcoming transfiguration experience. The promise encourages endurance: although suffering awaits, revelation of God’s rule and glory will also come to strengthen faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But truly I say to you, Some of those who are here now will have no taste of death till they see the kingdom of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I say to you, truly, there are certain of those here standing, who shall not taste of death till they may see the reign of God.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I tell you of a truth: There are some standing here that shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I say unto you of a truth, There are some of those standing here who shall not taste death until they shall have seen the kingdom ofGod.
Context
This verse acts as a bridge between predictions of suffering (vv.22–26) and the transfiguration narrative (vv.28–36). Luke signals a nearby demonstration of the kingdom that certain disciples will witness, balancing the earlier teaching on the cross with an experience of glory. The following verses narrate that event about eight days later, offering hope that suffering and glory are both parts of God’s plan.
v.26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.
v.27This passage
v.28And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 9:1
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power.
- Hebrews 2:9
But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man.
- Luke 2:26
And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
- John 8:59
They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
- John 8:51
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.
- Mark 14:25
Verily I say unto you, I shall no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
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