King James Version

What Does Luke 24:18 Mean?

Luke 24:18 in the King James Version says “And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast no...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?”

Luke 24:18 · KJV

Context

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?

18

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

20

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? One disciple is named—Cleopas (Kleopas, Κλεοπᾶς), distinct from Clopas in John 19:25. His identity is uncertain; some traditions suggest he was the other disciple's (possibly Luke himself?) companion, though this is speculative. Naming one witness while leaving the other anonymous follows ancient historiographical practice and suggests eyewitness testimony.

Cleopas's response drips with incredulity: Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem (sy monos paroikeis Ierousalēm, σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς Ἰερουσαλὴμ)—literally "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem?" The verb paroikeō (παροικέω) means to dwell as a foreigner, reside temporarily. His question implies everyone in Jerusalem knew about Jesus' crucifixion—it was the talk of the city. How could this stranger be ignorant of events that consumed public attention?

The phrase and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days (kai ouk egnōs ta genomena en autē en tais hēmerais tautais, καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις) emphasizes recent events' magnitude. Cleopas assumes no informed person could be unaware. The irony is profound: he explains Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection to Jesus Himself. This sets up Christ's rebuke (verse 25) and Scripture exposition (verses 25-27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion was a public spectacle designed to maximize shame and deter resistance. Jesus' execution outside Jerusalem's walls, during Passover when the city swelled with pilgrims, would have been widely known. The religious leaders' role, Pilate's involvement, the darkness and earthquake (Matthew 27:45, 51), the temple veil's tearing (Luke 23:45)—all created widespread awareness and discussion.

Cleopas's assumption that everyone knew reflects historical reality. Yet his response also reveals tragic irony: he knew the facts but missed their meaning. He could recite events but didn't understand their theological significance. This is the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus—historical information versus Spirit-illumined faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the irony of Cleopas explaining Jesus' crucifixion to Jesus, and what does this teach about spiritual blindness?
  2. How can people know facts about Jesus (His death, resurrection) without truly knowing Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the difference between public awareness of Christ and personal recognition of Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 26

“answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 26

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 26
G3588

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

εἷς4 of 26

“the one of them”

G1520

one

ᾧ5 of 26

“whose”

G3739

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

ὄνομα6 of 26

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Κλεοπᾶς7 of 26

“was Cleopas”

G2810

cleopas, a christian

εἶπεν8 of 26

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς9 of 26

“unto”

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,

αὐτῇ10 of 26

“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

Σὺ11 of 26

“Art thou”

G4771

thou

μόνος12 of 26

“only”

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

παροικεῖς13 of 26

“a stranger”

G3939

to dwell near, i.e., reside as a foreigner

ἐν14 of 26

“in”

G1722

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ15 of 26

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ16 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ17 of 26

“not”

G3756

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

ἔγνως18 of 26

“hast”

G1097

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

τὰ19 of 26
G3588

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

γενόμενα20 of 26

“the things which are come 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.)

ἐν21 of 26

“in”

G1722

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

αὐτῇ22 of 26

“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

ἐν23 of 26

“in”

G1722

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

ταῖς24 of 26
G3588

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

ἡμέραις25 of 26

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ταύταις26 of 26
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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 24:18 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 24:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:25

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 24 →

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