King James Version

What Does Luke 24:15 Mean?

Luke 24:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.”

Luke 24:15 · King James Version

Context

13

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. The phrase "it came to pass" (egeneto, ἐγένετο) signals divine intervention. As the disciples communed together and reasoned (homilousan kai syzētein, ὡμιλοῦσαν καὶ συζητεῖν), Jesus sovereignly joined them. The verb "communed" (homileō, ὡμιλέω) means intimate conversation, while "reasoned" (syzēteō, συζητέω) suggests questioning, disputing, seeking to understand. Their earnest pursuit of truth created the context for Christ's self-revelation.

The statement Jesus himself drew near (autos Iēsous eggisas, αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας) emphasizes Christ's personal initiative—the emphatic pronoun "himself" (autos, αὐτὸς) stresses it was truly Jesus, the risen Lord. The verb "drew near" (eggizō, ἐγγίζω) indicates He approached and joined them, unrecognized. He then went with them (syneporeueto autois, συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς), the compound verb suggesting He walked alongside, companioning them on their journey.

This models how Christ meets seekers. He joins our conversations, enters our confusion, walks alongside in our journey. Before revealing Himself, He'll open Scripture (verses 25-27), warm hearts (verse 32), then make Himself known (verse 31). The pattern shows that Christ revelation comes progressively: presence before recognition, Scripture before sight, understanding before full revelation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The risen Christ's appearance to these disciples was one of several resurrection appearances that first Easter Sunday: to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-18), to the women (Matthew 28:9-10), to Peter (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), to the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:13-35), and to the eleven (Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23). Paul later listed resurrection appearances spanning forty days (Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

Jesus' unrecognized presence (verse 16) demonstrates His resurrection body's unique properties—physically real yet somehow different, able to be concealed and revealed at will. This same pattern appears in John 20:14 (Mary doesn't initially recognize Jesus) and John 21:4 (disciples don't recognize Him by the sea).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' initiative in drawing near to confused disciples demonstrate God's grace in seeking the lost and bewildered?
  2. What does this teach about Christ's presence with believers even when they don't recognize Him?
  3. How should knowing Christ walks alongside us in confusion and disappointment affect our response to difficult circumstances?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 15

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 15

“that while”

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 15
G3588

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

ὁμιλεῖν5 of 15

“communed”

G3656

to be in company with, i.e., (by implication) to converse

αὐτοῖς6 of 15

“them”

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

καὶ7 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

συζητεῖν8 of 15

“reasoned”

G4802

to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil

καὶ9 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτοῖς10 of 15

“them”

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

ὁ11 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς12 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐγγίσας13 of 15

“drew near”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

συνεπορεύετο14 of 15

“and went with”

G4848

to journey together; by implication, to assemble

αὐτοῖς15 of 15

“them”

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 24:15 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 24:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:20John 14:18-19Luke 24:36

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