King James Version

What Does Luke 19:44 Mean?

Luke 19:44 in the King James Version says “And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon a...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

Luke 19:44 · KJV

Context

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.

43

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

45

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein , and them that bought;

46

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jerusalem's tragic ignorance: 'And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.' Jesus prophesies total destruction: Jerusalem will be 'laid... even with the ground' (ἐδαφιοῦσίν σε, edaphiousin se, leveled). The phrase 'not leave... one stone upon another' (οὐκ ἀφήσουσιν λίθον ἐπὶ λίθον, ouk aphēsousin lithon epi lithon) indicates complete demolition. The reason: 'thou knewest not the time of thy visitation' (οὐκ ἔγνως τὸν καιρὸν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς σου, ouk egnōs ton kairon tēs episkopēs sou). The word 'visitation' (ἐπισκοπῆς, episkopēs) means God's coming in grace. Jerusalem's tragedy wasn't lack of revelation but refusal to recognize it. God visited them in Christ, offering salvation, but they rejected Him. Judgment follows rejected grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled literally in AD 70. Roman legions under Titus besieged Jerusalem for months, causing mass starvation. When walls were breached, systematic destruction followed. The temple was burned, its massive stones toppled as soldiers searched for gold that had melted in the fire. Josephus records over a million Jews died. The phrase 'time of thy visitation' is haunting—God had graciously visited His people in Christ, but they killed Him instead of receiving Him. The principle applies universally: those who reject God's gracious visitation eventually face His just judgment. The day of grace doesn't last forever. Jerusalem's destruction warns all: recognize God's visitation while it's still called 'today' (Hebrews 3:7-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'the time of thy visitation' mean, and how did Jerusalem miss it?
  2. How does this warning apply to individuals and societies that hear the gospel but reject it?
  3. What are the consequences of missing God's gracious visitation in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἐδαφιοῦσίν2 of 26

“even with the ground”

G1474

to raze

σε3 of 26

“thee”

G4571

thee

καὶ4 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ5 of 26
G3588

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

τέκνα6 of 26

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

σου7 of 26

“of thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐν8 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοί9 of 26

“thee”

G4671

to thee

καὶ10 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ11 of 26

“not”

G3756

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

ἀφήσουσιν12 of 26

“leave”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἐν13 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοί14 of 26

“thee”

G4671

to thee

λίθῳ·15 of 26

“another”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ16 of 26

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

λίθῳ·17 of 26

“another”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἀνθ18 of 26

“because”

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

ὧν19 of 26
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ20 of 26

“not”

G3756

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

ἔγνως21 of 26

“thou knewest”

G1097

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

τὸν22 of 26
G3588

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

καιρὸν23 of 26

“the time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τῆς24 of 26
G3588

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

ἐπισκοπῆς25 of 26

“visitation”

G1984

inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"

σου26 of 26

“of 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 19:44 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 19:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:6Luke 13:34-35John 3:18-21Lamentations 1:81 Peter 2:12Luke 19:42

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