King James Version

What Does Luke 17:25 Mean?

Luke 17:25 in the King James Version says “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.”

Luke 17:25 · KJV

Context

23

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

24

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

25

But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

26

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Read Luke 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. Jesus abruptly shifts from future glory to present suffering. The word first (πρῶτον, prōton) establishes chronological necessity—before the glorious return (v. 24), the suffering servant must endure the cross. Must he suffer (δεῖ αὐτὸν πολλὰ παθεῖν, dei auton polla pathein)—the verb dei (δεῖ) indicates divine necessity, not mere prediction. God's redemptive plan required Messiah's suffering (Luke 24:26, Acts 17:3, Hebrews 2:10). The phrase many things (πολλὰ, polla) hints at the comprehensive nature of His passion: betrayal, arrest, trials, beating, mocking, crucifixion.

And be rejected of this generation (καὶ ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, kai apodokimasthēnai apo tēs geneas tautēs)—the verb apodokimazō (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι) means to reject after examination, to disqualify, to refuse as unworthy. It's used of builders rejecting a stone (Psalm 118:22, quoted in Luke 20:17). This generation (τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, tēs geneas tautēs) identifies Jesus' contemporaries—the Jewish leaders and people who would cry 'Crucify him!' (Luke 23:21).

This verse prevents triumphalist eschatology divorced from suffering. Before crown comes cross; before exaltation comes humiliation; before glory comes rejection. Jesus models the pattern believers must follow (Luke 9:23, 14:27). The 'already/not yet' kingdom includes present suffering and future glory. Those who long for 'the days of the Son of man' (v. 22) must first walk the way of the cross. Suffering isn't accidental or avoidable—it's the path Christ took and calls us to follow.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus repeatedly predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33), but disciples couldn't comprehend how Messiah could suffer. Jewish expectation emphasized Messiah's conquering power (Daniel 7:13-14), not suffering servanthood. They missed Isaiah 53's suffering servant prophecies, unable to reconcile victorious Messiah with rejected sufferer. Peter even rebuked Jesus for predicting death (Matthew 16:22).

The phrase 'this generation' carried ominous weight. Jesus elsewhere condemned it as 'wicked and adulterous' (Luke 11:29), more culpable than Sodom and Nineveh (Luke 10:12-14, 11:31-32). Their rejection of Messiah would bring covenant judgment—Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70 (Luke 21:20-24). Yet even this generation's rejection served God's redemptive purpose: their delivering Jesus to crucifixion accomplished atonement for sin (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28). God's sovereignty turns human rebellion into salvation's accomplishment. Still, willful rejection brings accountability—advantages increase responsibility (Luke 12:47-48).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' emphasis on suffering before glory challenge prosperity gospel theology that promises immediate blessing?
  2. What does it mean practically to embrace the necessity of suffering in Christian discipleship?
  3. How should the pattern of rejection-then-vindication shape believers' expectations during persecution or opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
πρῶτον1 of 12

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

δὲ2 of 12

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

δεῖ3 of 12

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτὸν4 of 12

“he”

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

πολλὰ5 of 12

“many things”

G4183

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

παθεῖν6 of 12

“suffer”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

καὶ7 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι8 of 12

“be rejected”

G593

to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate

ἀπὸ9 of 12

“of”

G575

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

τῆς10 of 12
G3588

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

γενεᾶς11 of 12

“generation”

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

ταύτης12 of 12
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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 17:25 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 17:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 16:21Luke 9:22Mark 8:31Isaiah 53:3Luke 24:25-26Matthew 21:42

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