King James Version

What Does Luke 10:24 Mean?

Luke 10:24 in the King James Version says “For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”

Luke 10:24 · KJV

Context

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:

24

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

25

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. The emphatic legō hymin (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I tell you") introduces solemn declaration of truth. The verb ēthelēsan (ἠθέλησαν, "desired") conveys intense longing—prophets and kings yearned to witness Messiah's coming.

Many prophets and kings encompasses the entire Old Testament faithful: Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day (John 8:56); Moses wrote of Him (John 5:46); David called Him Lord (Matthew 22:43-45); Isaiah saw His glory (John 12:41). These giants of faith received promises but died without seeing fulfillment (Hebrews 11:13, 39). They saw dimly through types, shadows, and prophecies—the disciples see Christ Himself, the reality casting those shadows (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1).

The parallel structure to see... and have not seen... to hear... and have not heard emphasizes both visual and auditory witness. The disciples see miracles, transfiguration, resurrection appearances; they hear the Sermon on the Mount, parables, "I am" declarations—direct divine revelation. This doesn't diminish Old Testament saints' faith; rather, it magnifies the disciples' privilege and responsibility. Greater light brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48). The church today stands in this same privileged position, possessing the full revelation of Christ through apostolic testimony in Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This statement establishes the disciples' unique redemptive-historical position at the hinge between Old and New Covenants. The Old Testament saints lived in the age of promise and anticipation; the disciples inhabit the age of fulfillment and realization. This transition from shadow to substance, from prophecy to fulfillment, from type to antitype, marks the central turning point of human history. The early church understood this privilege deeply, recognizing they possessed what patriarchs and prophets longed to see (1 Peter 1:10-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that prophets and kings longed to see Christ affect your appreciation for direct access to Jesus through Scripture?
  2. What responsibility comes with seeing and hearing what the Old Testament faithful could only anticipate?
  3. In what ways do believers today have even greater privilege than the first disciples, possessing the complete canon of Scripture and the indwelling Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγω1 of 23

“I tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 23

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλοὶ5 of 23

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

προφῆται6 of 23

“prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

καὶ7 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

βασιλεῖς8 of 23

“kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἠθέλησαν9 of 23

“have desired”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

εἶδον·10 of 23

“have”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἃ11 of 23

“those things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὑμεῖς12 of 23

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

βλέπετε13 of 23

“see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ15 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἶδον·16 of 23

“have”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ17 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

ἤκουσαν18 of 23

“have”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἃ19 of 23

“those things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἤκουσαν20 of 23

“have”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ21 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ22 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤκουσαν23 of 23

“have”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

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 10:24 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 10:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:13John 8:56Hebrews 11:391 Peter 1:10-12

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