King James Version

What Does Luke 19:48 Mean?

Luke 19:48 in the King James Version says “And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him. were: or, hanged on him” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him. were: or, hanged on him”

Luke 19:48 · KJV

Context

46

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

47

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

48

And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him. were: or, hanged on him

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And could not find what they might do (καὶ οὐχ εὕρισκον τὸ τί ποιήσωσιν, kai ouch heuriskon to ti poiēsōsin)—Despite murderous intent, the leaders are stymied. Heuriskō (to find) in the imperfect tense shows repeated failure. They couldn't find a strategy (ti poiēsōsin, what they might do) because public support protected Jesus. The deliberative subjunctive poiēsōsin conveys their strategic dilemma: how to eliminate Jesus without triggering popular revolt?

For all the people were very attentive to hear him (ὁ λαὸς γὰρ ἅπας ἐξεκρέματο αὐτοῦ ἀκούων, ho laos gar hapas exekremato autou akouōn)—Exkremamai (to hang upon, be intent on) is vivid: the people hung on Jesus's words, utterly captivated. The imperfect tense shows continuous state; the present participle akouōn (hearing) emphasizes ongoing attention. Hapas (all, the whole) indicates widespread support—the common people recognized authentic teaching despite elite rejection.

This creates ironic contrast: religious professionals seek to destroy Jesus while ordinary people hunger for His teaching. Eventually, the leaders will manipulate a crowd (23:18-23), but for now, popular support delays their plot.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover brought up to 200,000 pilgrims to Jerusalem, creating volatile political situation. Roman garrison was on high alert for messianic uprisings. The Jewish leaders had to move carefully—arresting Jesus publicly could spark riot, bringing Roman crackdown. Thus they sought nighttime betrayal (22:6) and manipulated crowds during early-morning trials when supporters were absent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does popular support for truth-tellers sometimes provide temporary protection from institutional opposition?
  2. What does the people's hunger for Jesus's teaching reveal about the failure of religious leaders to feed their flock?
  3. When have you witnessed the contrast between institutional religion's rejection and ordinary people's hunger for genuine spiritual teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

οὐχ2 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

εὕρισκον3 of 13

“could”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸ4 of 13
G3588

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

τί5 of 13

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσωσιν6 of 13

“they might do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὁ7 of 13
G3588

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

λαὸς8 of 13

“the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

γὰρ9 of 13

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἅπας10 of 13

“all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

ἐξεκρέματο11 of 13

“were very attentive”

G1582

to hang upon the lips of a speaker, i.e., listen closely

αὐτοῦ12 of 13

“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

ἀκούων13 of 13

“to hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

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 19:48 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 19:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:3Luke 20:19-20John 7:46-49Matthew 22:15-16Acts 16:14Luke 22:2-4

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