King James Version

What Does Luke 18:31 Mean?

Luke 18:31 in the King James Version says “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

Luke 18:31 · KJV


Context

29

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, we go up to Jerusalem (ἰδοὺ ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, idou anabainomen eis Ierousalēm)—This is Jesus's third and most detailed passion prediction in Luke. The present tense anabainomen (we are going up) conveys both immediacy and inevitability. Jerusalem sits at 2,500 feet elevation; 'going up' was literal, but also theological—the city where prophets die (13:33).

All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished (τελεσθήσεται πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα, telesthēsetai panta ta gegrammena)—the future passive telesthēsetai (will be fulfilled/completed) appears in John 19:30 as Jesus's final word ('It is finished'). This isn't tragedy but divine purpose: Isaiah 53's suffering servant, Psalm 22's forsaken one, Zechariah 12:10's pierced one. Jesus controls the narrative by predicting it, demonstrating His mission isn't derailed by suffering but fulfilled through it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Luke's composition (c. AD 60-80), this prediction would resonate with readers who knew the crucifixion's outcome. The journey to Jerusalem dominates Luke 9:51-19:27—Jesus walks deliberately toward the cross, teaching disciples about suffering's necessity for both Messiah and followers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's foreknowledge of His suffering demonstrate both His divinity and His voluntary sacrifice?
  2. Which specific Old Testament prophecies does this verse invoke, and how does their fulfillment validate Scripture's reliability?
  3. What does Jesus's determination to go to Jerusalem despite knowing the outcome teach about obedience to God's will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Παραλαβὼν1 of 23

he took

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

δὲ2 of 23

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς3 of 23
G3588

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

δώδεκα4 of 23

unto him the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

εἶπεν5 of 23

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς6 of 23

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς7 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

Ἰδού,8 of 23

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀναβαίνομεν9 of 23

we go up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς10 of 23

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα11 of 23

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ12 of 23

and

G2532

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

τελεσθήσεται13 of 23

shall be accomplished

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

πάντα14 of 23

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ15 of 23
G3588

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

γεγραμμένα16 of 23

that are written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

διὰ17 of 23

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῶν18 of 23
G3588

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

προφητῶν19 of 23

the prophets

G4396

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

τῷ20 of 23
G3588

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

υἱῷ21 of 23

concerning the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου·23 of 23

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 18:31 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 18:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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