King James Version

What Does Luke 17:20 Mean?

Luke 17:20 in the King James Version says “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom o... — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: with: or, with outward shew

Luke 17:20 · KJV


Context

18

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

20

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: with: or, with outward shew

21

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. within you: or, among you

22

And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pharisees question about the kingdom: 'And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.' The Pharisees 'demanded' (ἐπερωτηθεὶς, eperōtētheis, were questioning/interrogating) about 'when the kingdom of God should come' (πότε ἔρχεται ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, pote erchetai hē basileia tou Theou). They expected a visible, political, military messianic kingdom overthrowing Rome. Jesus' answer contradicts this: 'The kingdom of God cometh not with observation' (οὐκ ἔρχεται μετὰ παρατηρήσεως, ouk erchetai meta paratērēseōs). The term 'observation' means careful watching for visible signs. The kingdom doesn't arrive with trumpet blasts, military conquest, or political revolution but through spiritual transformation invisible to physical eyes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectations focused on visible restoration of Davidic monarchy, Jerusalem's exaltation, and Israel's dominance. These hopes fueled revolutionary movements throughout the first century. Jesus consistently disappointed these expectations, teaching that His kingdom was 'not of this world' (John 18:36). The kingdom came through His death and resurrection, establishing spiritual reign over hearts before eventual visible return in glory. The Pharisees' question reflected political hopes; Jesus' answer redirected to spiritual realities. This teaching prepared disciples for a kingdom that advances through gospel proclamation, not military might; through suffering service, not political power; through death and resurrection, not revolution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Jesus' teaching about the kingdom's nature contradict Jewish expectations?
  2. What does it mean that the kingdom comes 'not with observation'—without visible signs?
  3. How should this teaching shape Christian expectations about the church's role in politics and culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἐπερωτηθεὶς1 of 23

when he was demanded

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑπὸ3 of 23

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν4 of 23
G3588

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

Φαρισαίων5 of 23

the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

πότε6 of 23

when

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

ἔρχεται7 of 23

cometh

G2064

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

8 of 23
G3588

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

βασιλεία9 of 23

The kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ10 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀπεκρίθη12 of 23

he answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτοῖς13 of 23

them

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

καὶ14 of 23

and

G2532

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

εἶπεν15 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ16 of 23

not

G3756

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

ἔρχεται17 of 23

cometh

G2064

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

18 of 23
G3588

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

βασιλεία19 of 23

The kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ21 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μετὰ22 of 23

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

παρατηρήσεως23 of 23

observation

G3907

inspection, i.e., ocular evidence


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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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