Devine Scripture

Luke 9:31

What does Luke 9:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:31 means

Moses and Elijah, appearing in glory, spoke about Jesus’ death which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. The Greek term here implies a decisive accomplishing of redemptive work. Their discussion connects the Law and prophetic hopes with Jesus’ sacrificial mission, portraying his death as the culmination of God’s covenantal plan. It clarifies that Jesus’ suffering is not a defeat but an accomplishment to be completed in Jerusalem. The presence of these figures testifies to the theological necessity and divine purpose of the passion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Who were seen in glory and were talking of his death which was about to take place in Jerusalem.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

who having appeared in glory, spake of his outgoing that he was about to fulfil in Jerusalem,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Appearing in majesty. And they spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

who, appearing in glory, spoke of his departure which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse explains the content of Moses’ and Elijah’s conversation mentioned in v.30. It ties the transfiguration directly to the earlier prediction of suffering (v.22). Luke emphasizes that the mountain revelation isn’t separate from the cross but confirms and illumines it. The following verses show the disciples’ partial comprehension and fear (v.32–36), capped by God’s voice endorsing Jesus.

v.30And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah;

v.31This passage

v.32Now Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18

    But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 1:15

    Yea, I will give diligence that at every time ye may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23

    but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;

  • Luke 9:22

    saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

  • Revelation 5:6

    And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

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