Luke 9:53
What does Luke 9:53 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 9:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 9:53 means
The Samaritans did not receive him because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem. Their refusal reflects the deep political and religious tension between Jews and Samaritans and hints that Jesus’ direction toward Jerusalem—seen as adversarial—made him unwelcome. The villagers may have expected hostility from Judeans going to Jerusalem or feared the implications of sympathy. Their rejection underscores how the path to redemption involves being misunderstood and refused, even outside explicit religious opposition, and it foreshadows the opposition Jesus will face.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But they would not have him there, because he was clearly going to Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they did not receive him, because his face was going on to Jerusalem.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they received him not, because his face was of one going to Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they did not receive him, because his face was [turned as] going to Jerusalem.
Context
This verse follows the messengers’ attempt to prepare lodging (v.52) and shows the immediate rejection by Samaritans. Luke includes this to demonstrate how Jesus’ mission provokes resistance across cultural lines. The refusal triggers a response by James and John (v.54), illustrating disciples’ struggle with vengeance and zeal, and frames the next lesson on mercy and self-control (vv.54–56).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 9:48
and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
- John 4:40
So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.
- John 4:9
The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
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