King James Version

What Does Luke 24:36 Mean?

Luke 24:36 in the King James Version says “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 24:36 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

38

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus appears: 'And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.' While disciples discussed resurrection appearances, 'Jesus himself stood in the midst of them' (αὐτὸς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν, autos ho Iēsous estē en mesō autōn). His sudden appearance ('stood') suggests supernatural entry (John 20:19 notes doors were locked). His greeting: 'Peace be unto you' (Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν, Eirēnē hymin), the standard Jewish greeting but now loaded with meaning. Jesus brings peace through resurrection—peace with God (Romans 5:1), peace of God (Philippians 4:7), and peace between peoples (Ephesians 2:14). Resurrection accomplishes what crucifixion purchased: reconciliation and peace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' sudden appearance in the locked room demonstrates His resurrection body's unique properties—physical enough to eat (v. 42-43) yet able to pass through walls. This previews believers' future resurrection bodies—physical but transformed, recognizable yet glorified (1 Corinthians 15:35-49, Philippians 3:20-21). His greeting 'Peace be unto you' fulfills His promise: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you' (John 14:27). Resurrection establishes peace on multiple levels: (1) legal—justified before God, (2) relational—reconciled to God, (3) personal—internal peace despite circumstances, (4) cosmic—all things will be reconciled (Colossians 1:20). The risen Christ brings comprehensive shalom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do Jesus' sudden appearance and ability to pass through walls teach about resurrection bodies?
  2. How does Jesus' 'Peace be unto you' relate to the peace accomplished through His death and resurrection?
  3. In what ways does resurrection establish peace—legal, relational, personal, cosmic?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ταῦτα1 of 16

“thus”

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς3 of 16

“as they”

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

λαλούντων4 of 16

“spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῖς5 of 16

“as they”

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

ὁ6 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς7 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἔστη8 of 16

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐν9 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

μέσῳ10 of 16

“the midst”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

αὐτοῖς11 of 16

“as they”

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

καὶ12 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

λέγει13 of 16

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς14 of 16

“as they”

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

Εἰρήνη15 of 16

“Peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ὑμῖν16 of 16

“be unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 24:36 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 24:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3:16John 20:19-23Isaiah 57:18Mark 16:14Luke 10:5Revelation 1:4

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