King James Version

What Does Luke 21:38 Mean?

Luke 21:38 in the King James Version says “And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.”

Luke 21:38 · KJV

Context

36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

37

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

38

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him (καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὤρθριζεν πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ, kai pas ho laos ōrthrizen pros auton en tō hierō akouein autou)—Pas ho laos (all the people) emphasizes widespread popular support. Ōrthrizō (to rise early, come at dawn) in imperfect tense shows they repeatedly came at first light, eager to secure position. The purpose infinitive akouein autou (to hear him) reveals hunger for Jesus's teaching.

This creates poignant irony: while religious leaders plot Jesus's death (22:2), common people flock to hear Him. Their eagerness—arriving at dawn, filling the temple courts—demonstrates authentic spiritual hunger that contrasts with official rejection. Yet this same crowd will be manipulated within days to cry 'Crucify him!' (23:21), showing fickleness of popular opinion and leaders' power to sway masses. Still, in this moment, popular support protects Jesus, delaying arrest until Passover night when crowds are absent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple courts opened at dawn for morning sacrifices. People arriving 'early' sought prime listening position near Jesus. This scene fulfills Isaiah 50:4: 'The Lord GOD... wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.' Luke brackets Jesus's ministry with temple teaching: beginning at age twelve (2:46-47) and climaxing in final week's intensive instruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the people's eagerness to hear Jesus teach about genuine spiritual hunger versus religious routine?
  2. How can popular support for Jesus quickly turn to rejection, and what does this reveal about human nature?
  3. What would it look like to approach God's Word with the dawn-rising eagerness these people showed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

πᾶς2 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

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

λαὸς4 of 12

“the people”

G2992

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

ὤρθριζεν5 of 12

“came early in the morning”

G3719

to use the dawn, i.e., (by implication) to repair betimes

πρὸς6 of 12

“to”

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,

αὐτοῦ7 of 12

“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

ἐν8 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ9 of 12
G3588

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

ἱερῷ10 of 12

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

ἀκούειν11 of 12

“for to hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτοῦ12 of 12

“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

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 21:38 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 21:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 8:1-2

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