King James Version

What Does Luke 18:34 Mean?

Luke 18:34 in the King James Version says “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spo... — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 18:34 · KJV


Context

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:

36

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they understood none of these things (καὶ αὐτοὶ οὐδὲν τούτων συνῆκαν, kai autoi ouden toutōn synēkan)—Despite Jesus's clarity, the disciples remain utterly uncomprehending. Syniēmi (to understand, comprehend) is negated by ouden (nothing, not at all). This isn't intellectual confusion but theological blindness—their Messianic expectations of earthly kingdom and military victory render them unable to process suffering and death.

This saying was hid from them (ἦν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο κεκρυμμένον ἀπ' αὐτῶν, ēn to rhēma touto kekrymmenon ap' autōn)—the perfect passive participle kekrymmenon (having been hidden) implies divine concealment. God temporarily veils truth the disciples aren't ready to receive (cf. Luke 24:16, where eyes are 'holden' before recognition). This parallels Israel's hardening in Isaiah 6:9-10—not permanent rejection but strategic delay until post-resurrection revelation illuminates all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples' incomprehension is historically credible—no first-century Jew expected a dying Messiah. Messianic hopes centered on conquest and restoration (Acts 1:6). Only after resurrection did the apostles reinterpret Scripture through the cross (Luke 24:25-27, 44-47), creating the hermeneutical revolution that birthed Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God sometimes conceal truth from us until we're spiritually prepared to receive it?
  2. How do our preconceived expectations of God's work create blindness to His actual methods?
  3. What teachings of Jesus have you initially misunderstood, only to grasp them later through experience or spiritual maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

αὐτῶν2 of 18

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

οὐδὲν3 of 18

none

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

τούτων4 of 18

of these things

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

συνῆκαν5 of 18

they understood

G4920

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

καὶ6 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἦν7 of 18

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὸ8 of 18
G3588

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

ῥῆμα9 of 18

saying

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

τοῦτο10 of 18

this

G5124

that thing

κεκρυμμένον11 of 18

hid

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

ἀπ'12 of 18

from

G575

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

αὐτῶν13 of 18

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 18

And

G2532

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

οὐκ15 of 18

neither

G3756

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

ἐγίνωσκον16 of 18

knew they

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὰ17 of 18
G3588

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

λεγόμενα18 of 18

the things which were spoken

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


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 18:34 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 18:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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