King James Version

What Does Luke 24:25 Mean?

Luke 24:25 in the King James Version says “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:”

Luke 24:25 · KJV

Faith

Context

23

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

24

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

25

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

26

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus rebukes the Emmaus disciples: 'O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.' The word 'fools' (Greek 'anoētoi,' ἀνόητοι) means without understanding, senseless. 'Slow of heart' (Greek 'bradeis tē kardia,' βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ) indicates sluggish, reluctant belief. Their problem wasn't intellectual but volitional—they could have believed but chose not to. The phrase 'all that the prophets have spoken' emphasizes comprehensive Old Testament testimony about Messiah's suffering before glory. Selective belief—accepting pleasant prophecies while rejecting difficult ones—reveals unbelief. True faith embraces all Scripture, not just preferred portions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Emmaus disciples were sad and disillusioned after crucifixion (vv. 17-21). They hoped Jesus would redeem Israel politically but didn't understand prophecies of suffering Messiah. Jesus rebuked their selective belief—they accepted Messiah's glory prophecies but missed or rejected suffering prophecies. The Old Testament clearly predicted both (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Zechariah 13:7). Jesus then expounded Moses and all prophets concerning Himself (v. 27), showing how Scripture pointed to His suffering and glory. This hermeneutical principle—Christ-centered Scripture reading—became foundational for early church. Modern believers also tend toward selective belief, accepting comfortable texts while avoiding challenging ones.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' rebuke for being 'slow of heart to believe' teach about the volitional nature of unbelief?
  2. How does selective belief in Scripture—accepting pleasant prophecies while rejecting difficult ones—reveal underlying unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“Then”

G2532

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

αὐτούς2 of 19

“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

εἶπεν3 of 19

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς4 of 19

“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,

αὐτούς5 of 19

“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

Ὦ6 of 19

“O”

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

ἀνόητοι7 of 19

“fools”

G453

unintelligent; by implication, sensual

καὶ8 of 19

“Then”

G2532

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

βραδεῖς9 of 19

“slow”

G1021

slow; figuratively, dull

τῇ10 of 19
G3588

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

καρδίᾳ11 of 19

“of heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

τοῦ12 of 19
G3588

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

πιστεύειν13 of 19

“to believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐπὶ14 of 19
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

πᾶσιν15 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἷς16 of 19

“that”

G3739

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

ἐλάλησαν17 of 19

“have spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

οἱ18 of 19
G3588

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

προφῆται·19 of 19

“the prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

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 24:25 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 24:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:18Hebrews 5:11-12Mark 9:19Mark 16:14Mark 8:17-18

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