Luke 9:43
What does Luke 9:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:43 means
They were amazed at God’s majesty, marveling at all Jesus did. The crowd’s astonishment acknowledges divine presence and power revealed through Jesus’ works. “Majesty of God” points beyond mere technique to the theophany at work in compassion and authority. Their marveling is mixed with wonder at miracles and perhaps confusion about his identity. While public admiration grows, Jesus uses the moment to teach the disciples deeper truths about his forthcoming surrender (v.44), reminding readers that wonder must lead to understanding, not merely spectacle.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they were full of wonder at the great power of God. But while they were all wondering at all the things which he did, he said to his disciples,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they were all amazed at the greatness of God, and while all are wondering at all things that Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and cured the boy and restored him to his father.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all were astonished at the glorious greatness ofGod. And as all wondered at all the things which [Jesus] did, he said to his disciples,
Context
This verse follows the healing (v.42) and records the crowd’s reaction of awe. Luke links public amazement to theological reflection: miracles prompt recognition of God’s majesty, but they do not automatically produce correct understanding. Immediately after, Jesus redirects attention to the coming reality of his being handed over (v.44), showing that signs are meant to prepare hearts for the deeper truth of the cross.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 8:6
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith Jehovah of hosts.
- Acts 3:10
and they took knowledge of him, that it was he that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
- 2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- Mark 6:51
And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;
- Luke 4:36
And amazement came upon all, and they spake together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
- Luke 9:43
And they were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he said unto his disciples,
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