King James Version

What Does Luke 24:46 Mean?

Luke 24:46 in the King James Version says “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:”

Luke 24:46 · KJV

Context

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.

45

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The necessity of suffering and resurrection: 'And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.' Jesus declares: 'Thus it is written' (οὕτως γέγραπται, houtōs gegraptai)—Scripture prophesied these events. The content: 'it behoved Christ to suffer' (παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν, pathein ton Christon)—the Messiah must suffer. The word 'behoved' implies divine necessity. Then: 'to rise from the dead the third day' (ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, anastēnai ek nekrōn tē tritē hēmera). Both suffering and resurrection were prophesied and necessary. This corrects Jewish expectation of conquering Messiah—glory comes through suffering, exaltation through humiliation, life through death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 53 prophesied the suffering servant who would bear sin and be vindicated. Psalm 16:10 predicted resurrection ('thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption'—quoted in Acts 2:27, 13:35). Hosea 6:2 mentions rising 'on the third day.' Jesus' claim isn't arbitrary but rooted in Scripture. The early church's central message was Christ's death and resurrection according to Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Apostolic preaching consistently argued from Old Testament that Messiah must suffer and rise (Acts 17:2-3, 26:22-23). This demonstrates Christianity's Jewish roots and Scripture's unity. New Testament gospel fulfills Old Testament anticipation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What Old Testament passages prophesy Messiah's suffering and resurrection?
  2. Why was suffering a necessary prerequisite for Messiah's glory?
  3. How does Jesus' interpretation of Scripture correct Jewish messianic expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

“unto 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

ὅτι4 of 19

“Thus”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὕτως5 of 19

“thus”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

γέγραπται6 of 19

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

καὶ7 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

οὕτως8 of 19

“thus”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἔδει9 of 19

“it behoved”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

παθεῖν10 of 19

“to suffer”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

τὸν11 of 19
G3588

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

Χριστὸν12 of 19

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ13 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναστῆναι14 of 19

“to rise”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐκ15 of 19

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν16 of 19

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

τῇ17 of 19
G3588

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

τρίτῃ18 of 19

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἡμέρᾳ19 of 19

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

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 24:46 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 24:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:2-12Isaiah 50:6Luke 24:44Luke 24:7Luke 24:26-27Acts 17:3

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 24 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes