King James Version

What Does Luke 24:35 Mean?

Luke 24:35 in the King James Version says “And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.”

Luke 24:35 · KJV

Context

33

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

34

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

35

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

36

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

37

But they were terrified and affrighted , and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they told what things were done in the way (ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, exēgounto ta en tē hodō)—The verb exēgeomai (explained/recounted) is the root of 'exegesis,' suggesting detailed exposition. They didn't simply announce 'We saw Jesus' but narrated the journey's progression: initial blindness, scriptural instruction (v. 27), burning hearts (v. 32), and climactic revelation. In the way (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, en tē hodō) recalls Luke's frequent use of 'the Way' for Christian discipleship (Acts 9:2)—their physical journey became a spiritual pilgrimage.

How he was known of them in breaking of bread (ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου, hōs egnōsthē autois en tē klasei tou artou)—The passive voice egnōsthē (was made known) indicates Jesus revealed Himself; they didn't discover Him. Breaking of bread (κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου, klasei tou artou) becomes technical terminology for the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:42). Christ is known through Word (v. 27) and Table—the dual rhythm of Christian worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Luke's Gospel emphasizes table fellowship throughout—Jesus ate with tax collectors (5:29), Pharisees (7:36), and thousands (9:16). The resurrection appearances consistently involve meals (24:41-43; John 21:12; Acts 1:4). 'Breaking of bread' as a phrase distinguished Christian communal meals from ordinary dining. The early church immediately recognized the Lord's Supper's centrality, gathering weekly (Acts 20:7) to remember Christ's death and celebrate His presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ reveal Himself today 'in the way' of ordinary life experiences?
  2. Why is the Lord's Supper essential for recognizing Christ's presence, not merely commemorating His absence?
  3. What does the progression from scriptural teaching (v. 27) to sacramental revelation (v. 35) teach about Word and Table belonging together?

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

αὐτοῖς2 of 16

“of 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

ἐξηγοῦντο3 of 16

“they told”

G1834

to consider out (aloud), i.e., rehearse, unfold

τὰ4 of 16
G3588

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

ἐν5 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ6 of 16
G3588

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

ὁδῷ7 of 16

“the way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

καὶ8 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ὡς9 of 16

“how”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐγνώσθη10 of 16

“he was known”

G1097

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

αὐτοῖς11 of 16

“of 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

ἐν12 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ13 of 16
G3588

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

κλάσει14 o