Luke 9:44

What does Luke 9:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:44 means

Jesus tells his disciples to let his words sink in: the Son of man will be delivered into men’s hands. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and importance of this prediction. Jesus calls attention to this sober truth amid ongoing marvel at miracles, insisting the disciples internalize it. The phrase “delivered up” highlights human responsibility in his suffering—men’s actions will bring about his handing over—while also fitting God’s redemptive plan. He wants the disciples to understand the connection between his mission and the coming betrayal and death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let these words go deep into your ears, for the Son of man will be given up into the hands of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Lay ye to your ears these words, for the Son of Man is about to be delivered up to the hands of men.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And all were astonished at the mighty power of God. But while all wondered at all the things he did, he said to his disciples: Lay you up in your hearts these words, for it shall come to pass that the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Do ye let these words sink into your ears. For the Son of man is about to be delivered into men's hands.

Context

This verse comes after the crowd’s astonishment (v.43) and reiterates the passion prediction first stated in v.22. Luke stresses that Jesus wants his closest followers to receive and reflect on this truth. Despite the disciples’ limited grasp (v.45), Jesus continues to insist on seeing the connection between his ministry and his impending suffering, a theme that frames the remainder of the Gospel.

v.43And 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,

v.44This passage

v.45But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 2:23

    him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:3

    that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

  • Luke 2:19

    But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

  • Isaiah 32:9

    Rise up, ye women that are at ease, andhear my voice; ye careless daughters, give ear unto my speech.

  • Matthew 26:2

    Ye know that after two days the passover cometh, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified.

  • Matthew 16:21

    From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

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