King James Version

What Does Luke 19:39 Mean?

Luke 19:39 in the King James Version says “And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.”

Luke 19:39 · KJV

Context

37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

38

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

40

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

41

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples (διδάσκαλε, ἐπιτίμησον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου, didaskale, epitimēson tois mathētais sou). The Pharisees address Jesus as Teacher (διδάσκαλε, didaskale), not 'Lord' or 'Messiah,' refusing to acknowledge the claims implicit in the disciples' worship. The verb rebuke (ἐπιτιμάω, epitimaō) means to sternly reprove or silence—the same word used for rebuking demons (4:35, 41). They view the disciples' acclamation as dangerous, blasphemous enthusiasm that Jesus should suppress.

This demand reveals the Pharisees' blindness: they witness mighty works yet remain unmoved, hear messianic praise yet call it blasphemy. Their request is a test—will Jesus distance Himself from His disciples' implicit messianic claims? Or will He endorse what they're saying? Jesus's response in v. 40 ('if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out') vindicates the disciples and indicts the Pharisees' spiritual deafness to the moment of their visitation (v. 44).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Pharisees feared messianic movements as politically dangerous—Rome brutally suppressed any hint of Jewish nationalism. Claims to messiahship had sparked violent revolts before (Acts 5:36-37). The Pharisees may have genuinely feared Jesus's entry would provoke Roman retaliation. However, Luke portrays their request as stemming from unbelief rather than prudent caution—they consistently opposed Jesus's ministry despite overwhelming evidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do you, like the Pharisees, prefer a 'quiet' Jesus who doesn't provoke controversy or make ultimate claims?
  2. How does religious respectability sometimes demand the silencing of authentic worship?
  3. What does the Pharisees' presence 'among the multitude' teach about the mixture of belief and unbelief in religious gatherings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καί1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

τινες2 of 15

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν3 of 15
G3588

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

Φαρισαίων4 of 15

“of the Pharisees”

G5330

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

ἀπὸ5 of 15

“from”

G575

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

τοῦ6 of 15
G3588

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

ὄχλου7 of 15

“among the multitude”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

εἶπον8 of 15

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς9 of 15

“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,

αὐτόν10 of 15

“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

Διδάσκαλε11 of 15

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

ἐπιτίμησον12 of 15

“rebuke”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

τοῖς13 of 15
G3588

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

μαθηταῖς14 of 15

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

σου15 of 15

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 19:39 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 19:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 4:1-2Matthew 23:13John 12:19Acts 4:16-18James 4:5John 12:10

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