Devine Scripture

Luke 9:8

What does Luke 9:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:8 means

People speculate about Jesus’ identity, suggesting Elijah or another ancient prophet returned. These guesses reflect Jewish expectation that God’s great prophets might reappear before the eschatological day. The suggestions show both reverence and confusion: people sense divine activity but misidentify its source. Their speculation also evidences the religious imagination of the time—Messianic and prophetic hopes overlay every remarkable sign. The verse underscores how deeds of power can provoke speculation about authenticity and origin without yet recognizing Jesus as the Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And by some, that Elijah had come; and by others, that one of the old prophets had come back to life.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and by certain, that Elijah did appear, and by others, that a prophet, one of the ancients, was risen;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

By some that John was risen from the dead: but by other some, that Elias had appeared: and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and by some that Elias had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.

Context

This verse continues the report of public opinion that unsettles Herod (v.7). It shows the variety of popular guesses, which gives context for Herod’s curiosity in v.9. Luke is showing the growing buzz around Jesus, a buzz that mixes truth and error. This climate of rumor and expectation frames the following scene where the apostles return and Jesus ministers to large crowds (vv.10–12) leading into the feeding miracle (vv.13–17).

v.7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead;

v.8This passage

v.9And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 6:15

    But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets.

  • Matthew 17:10

    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?

  • Luke 9:19

    And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

  • John 1:21

    And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No.

  • Mark 8:28

    And they told him, saying, John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets.

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