King James Version
What Does Luke 19:40 Mean?
“And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Context
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,
42
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(40) **If these should hold their peace.**—Here, then, at the very moment when He foresaw most clearly His own approaching end, and the failure of all earthly hopes of the city over which He wept, our Lord accepted every word that disciples or multitude had uttered of Him as being in the fullest sense true.
**The stones would immediately cry out.**—The startling imagery had a precedent in the language of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:11), “The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 19:40 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 19:40
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge