King James Version

What Does Luke 24:42 Mean?

Luke 24:42 in the King James Version says “And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb . — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb .

Luke 24:42 · KJV


Context

40

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

41

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

42

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb .

43

And he took it, and did eat before them.

44

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb (οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου). The disciples offered ichthyos optou (ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ, "broiled fish")—ordinary food from a recent meal. Some manuscripts include apo melissiou kēriou (ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου, "from a honeycomb"), though this phrase is textually uncertain. Both fish and honey were common Palestinian foods; their ordinariness is significant—this was not a vision or spiritual experience but physical, mundane reality.

The offering of food serves Jesus' apologetic purpose. Ancient Jews and Greeks believed spirits could appear but not eat physical food (Tobit 12:19, where the angel Raphael explains he only seemed to eat). By requesting and consuming food, Jesus proved His resurrection was bodily, not merely spiritual. The Greek epedōkan (ἐπέδωκαν, "they gave") indicates the disciples' response to His request (v. 41: "Have ye here any meat?")—they cooperated in His demonstration.

Fish holds special significance in Luke's Gospel and early Christianity. Jesus called fishermen as disciples (5:1-11), multiplied fish to feed thousands (9:10-17), and ate fish with disciples post-resurrection (John 21:9-13). The Greek word ichthys (ἰχθύς) became an early Christian acronym: Iēsous Christos Theou Yios Sōtēr (Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior). This meal demonstrated resurrection reality and foreshadowed the church's mission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This meal occurred in Jerusalem on resurrection Sunday evening (Luke 24:33-36). Fish was a staple food in first-century Palestine, especially after Jesus made fishermen His disciples (Luke 5:1-11). Broiled fish suggests a recently prepared meal—the disciples had gathered to eat when Jesus appeared. Honeycomb was prized as a sweet delicacy in a culture lacking refined sugar. The combination of fish and honey represents ordinary Palestinian cuisine, emphasizing the resurrection's historical, physical reality rather than mystical spirituality. Later church fathers cited this passage extensively against Docetic and Gnostic heresies that denied Christ's real humanity and physical resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was eating physical food crucial evidence that Jesus rose bodily rather than as a disembodied spirit?
  2. How does the ordinariness of the food (fish and honey) strengthen rather than weaken the resurrection account?
  3. What does Jesus' willingness to eat with disciples post-resurrection teach about the incarnation's permanence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἱ1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπέδωκαν3 of 11

they gave

G1929

to give over (by hand or surrender)

αὐτῷ4 of 11

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

ἰχθύος5 of 11

fish

G2486

a fish

ὀπτοῦ6 of 11

of a broiled

G3702

cooked, i.e., roasted

μέρος7 of 11

a piece

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

καὶ8 of 11

and

G2532

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

ἀπὸ9 of 11

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

μελισσίου10 of 11

an honeycomb

G3193

relating to honey, i.e., bee (comb)

κηρίου11 of 11
G2781

a cell for honey, i.e., (collectively) the comb


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 24:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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