King James Version

What Does Luke 13:35 Mean?

Luke 13:35 in the King James Version says “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when y... — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Luke 13:35 · KJV


Context

33

Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares: 'Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord' (ἰδοὺ ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν ἔρημος· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐ μή με ἴδητε ἕως ἥξει ὅτε εἴπητε, Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου). 'Your house' (ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν) likely refers to the temple, once called 'my Father's house' (John 2:16) but now abandoned by God. The passive 'aphietai' (ἀφίεται, is left) indicates divine judgment—God withdraws His presence. The future clause anticipates Israel's recognition of Messiah at His second coming (Romans 11:25-26, Zechariah 12:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Within one generation of Jesus' prophecy, the temple was destroyed (AD 70), never rebuilt. The phrase 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord' quotes Psalm 118:26, which crowds had shouted during Jesus' triumphal entry (Luke 19:38). Their rejection turned blessing to judgment, but Jesus promises future restoration when Israel will genuinely acknowledge Him as Messiah. This fits the prophetic pattern of judgment followed by restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1-6, Hosea 5:15-6:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the shift from calling the temple God's house to your house mark the tragic consequence of rejecting Christ?
  2. What does the promise of future recognition teach about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἰδού,1 of 27

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀφίεται2 of 27

is left

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ὑμῖν3 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

4 of 27
G3588

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

οἶκος5 of 27

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

ὑμῶν6 of 27

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἔρημος·7 of 27

desolate

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

ἀμὴν8 of 27

verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

δὲ9 of 27

and

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγω10 of 27

I say

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

ὑμῖν11 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι12 of 27
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ13 of 27
G3756

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

μὴ14 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

με15 of 27

me

G3165

me

ἴδητέ16 of 27

Ye shall

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

ἕως17 of 27

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄν18 of 27
G302

whatsoever

ἥξῃ,19 of 27

the time come

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

ὅτε20 of 27

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

εἴπητε21 of 27

ye shall say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Εὐλογημένος22 of 27

Blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

23 of 27
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενος24 of 27

is he that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν25 of 27

in

G1722

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

ὀνόματι26 of 27

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου.27 of 27

of the Lord

G2962

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


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 13:35 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 13:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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