King James Version

What Does Luke 24:30 Mean?

Luke 24:30 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

Luke 24:30 · KJV


Context

28

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

30

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. vanished: or, ceased to be seen of them

32

And they said one to another , Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus revealed in breaking bread: 'And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.' At dinner, Jesus 'took bread' (λαβὼν τὸν ἄρτον, labōn ton arton), 'blessed it' (εὐλόγησεν, eulogēsen), 'brake' (κλάσας, klasas), and 'gave to them' (ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς, epedidou autois). This sequence echoes the Last Supper (22:19) and the feeding miracles (9:16). The familiar actions triggered recognition—these were distinctively Jesus' gestures. This teaches that Christ reveals Himself through Word (Scripture exposition, vv. 25-27) and sacrament (breaking bread). The pattern establishes Christian worship's structure: Word proclaimed and table shared. Christ meets His people in both.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The breaking of bread has profound significance. First, it connects to the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted Communion. Second, it demonstrates that the risen Christ has physical body capable of eating—He's not mere spirit but resurrected flesh. Third, it reveals Christ's presence in ordinary meals—He transforms common food into sacred encounter. Fourth, it establishes liturgical pattern: Word and sacrament together communicate Christ. The disciples' eyes opened during bread-breaking (v. 31) suggests Christ is both revealed and hidden in Eucharist—physically present yet requiring faith to recognize. This scene influenced Christian practice: from earliest times, believers gathered for Scripture reading and Communion (Acts 2:42, 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' breaking bread connect to the Last Supper and establish Communion's significance?
  2. What does this teach about Christ revealing Himself through both Word and sacrament?
  3. How should this narrative shape Christian worship's structure and content?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 16

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 16

as

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 16
G3588

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

κατακλιθῆναι5 of 16

sat at meat

G2625

to recline down, i.e., (specially) to take a place at table

αὐτοῖς·6 of 16

he

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

μετ'7 of 16

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῖς·8 of 16

he

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

λαβὼν9 of 16

he took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν10 of 16
G3588

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

ἄρτον11 of 16

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

εὐλόγησεν12 of 16

and blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

καὶ13 of 16

And

G2532

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

κλάσας14 of 16

brake

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

ἐπεδίδου15 of 16

and gave

G1929

to give over (by hand or surrender)

αὐτοῖς·16 of 16

he

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 24:30 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 24:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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