King James Version

What Does Luke 10:21 Mean?

Luke 10:21 in the King James Version says “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid th...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

Luke 10:21 · King James Version


Context

19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. many ancient copies add these words at the beginning of verse, and turning to his Disciples, he said

23

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately , Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus prays: 'I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.' Jesus thanks God for revealing kingdom truth to 'babes' (Greek 'nēpiois,' νηπίοις, infants, simple ones) while hiding it from 'wise and prudent' (Greek 'sophōn kai synetōn,' σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν, wise and understanding). This divine hiddenness and revelation demonstrates sovereign election—God chooses to reveal truth to humble, receptive hearts while the proud remain blind. The phrase 'so it seemed good' (Greek 'eudokia,' εὐδοκία) indicates God's good pleasure, His sovereign will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prayer followed the seventy's successful mission and Jesus' statement about names written in heaven. The 'wise and prudent' likely refers to scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders who rejected Jesus despite their learning. The 'babes' were ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, women—who believed. This pattern fulfilled Jesus' beatitudes (blessing the poor in spirit) and demonstrated grace's nature—it comes to those knowing their need, not to those proud of their knowledge. Paul later emphasized this theme (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)—God chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly to shame the wise and strong, ensuring no human boasting.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God hiding truth from the wise while revealing it to babes teach about intellectual pride versus humble receptivity?
  2. How does this prayer demonstrate God's sovereign grace in choosing to reveal truth to whom He pleases?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 40 words
Ἐν1 of 40

“In”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτὰ2 of 40

“that”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τῇ3 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥρᾳ4 of 40

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἠγαλλιάσατο5 of 40

“rejoiced in”

G21

properly, to jump for joy, i.e., exult

τῷ6 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματι7 of 40

“spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ὁ8 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς,9 of 40

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ10 of 40

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν11 of 40

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἐξομολογοῦμαί12 of 40

“I thank”

G1843

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

σοι13 of 40

“thee”

G4671

to thee

πατήρ14 of 40

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

κύριε15 of 40

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τοῦ16 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῦ17 of 40

“of heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ18 of 40

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς19 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς20 of 40

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ὅτι21 of 40

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπέκρυψας22 of 40

“thou hast hid”

G613

to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret

ταῦτα23 of 40

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἀπὸ24 of 40

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σοφῶν25 of 40

“the wise”

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

καὶ26 of 40

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνετῶν27 of 40

“prudent”

G4908

mentally put (or putting) together, i.e., sagacious

καὶ28 of 40

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπεκάλυψας29 of 40

“hast revealed”

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

αὐτὰ30 of 40

“that”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

νηπίοις·31 of 40

“unto babes”

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ναί32 of 40

“even so”

G3483

yes

ὁ33 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατήρ34 of 40

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὅτι35 of 40

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὕτως36 of 40

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐγένετο37 of 40

“it seemed”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εὐδοκία38 of 40

“good”

G2107

satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

ἔμπροσθέν39 of 40

“in”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

σου40 of 40

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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