King James Version

What Does Luke 18:33 Mean?

Luke 18:33 in the King James Version says “And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

35

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall scourge him, and put him to death (μαστιγώσαντες ἀποκτενοῦσιν, mastigōsantes apoktenousin)—Mastigoō refers to the Roman flagellum, a whip embedded with bone and metal designed to flay flesh. Scourging often killed victims before crucifixion. Apokteinō (to kill) is blunt—Jesus doesn't euphemize His death.

And the third day he shall rise again (τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ ἀναστήσεται, tē hēmera tē tritē anastēsetai)—the resurrection isn't an afterthought but the climax. Anistēmi (to rise, stand up) in the future middle voice suggests Jesus will raise Himself (cf. John 10:18: 'I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again'). The 'third day' fulfills Hosea 6:2 ('After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up') and establishes Christianity's central claim: death is not defeat but the doorway to victory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The third-day timeline distinguishes Jesus's resurrection from resuscitation. In Jewish thought, the soul lingered near the body for three days; after that, decay set in (John 11:39). Jesus's resurrection on the third day proves genuine death occurred, making His return to life irrefutable miracle, not near-death recovery.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is the resurrection essential to Christian faith, and what would be lost if Jesus only died nobly?
  2. How does Jesus's prediction of resurrection demonstrate His authority over death itself?
  3. What comfort does the 'third day' pattern offer believers facing 'death'—whether literal or metaphorical darkness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

μαστιγώσαντες2 of 10

“they shall scourge”

G3146

to flog (literally or figuratively)

ἀποκτενοῦσιν3 of 10

“him and put”

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

αὐτόν4 of 10

“him”

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

καὶ5 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

τῇ6 of 10
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ7 of 10

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῇ8 of 10
G3588

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

τρίτῃ9 of 10

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἀναστήσεται10 of 10

“he shall rise again”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

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 18:33 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 18:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:3-4Luke 24:7Matthew 16:21Matthew 27:63Luke 24:21

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