King James Version

What Does Luke 24:6 Mean?

Luke 24:6 in the King James Version says “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Luke 24:6 · KJV


Context

4

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? the living: or, him that liveth

6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8

And they remembered his words,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angels continue: 'He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee' (οὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε, ἀλλ᾽ ἠγέρθη· μνήσθητε ὡς ἐλάλησεν ὑμῖν ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ). The passive 'ēgerthē' (ἠγέρθη, is risen) indicates divine action—God raised Jesus (Acts 2:24, Romans 6:4). The command 'mnēsthēte' (μνήσθητε, remember) calls them to recall Jesus' predictions, demonstrating Scripture's fulfillment and divine plan. That angels direct women to remember Jesus' words elevates their testimony and establishes them as first witnesses. The resurrection vindicates Jesus' claims, validates His atoning death, and guarantees believers' future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection multiple times (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33), but disciples failed to understand. Now, post-resurrection, angels help them connect prediction to fulfillment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, women's testimony was often discounted (they could not testify in court), making Jesus' choice of women as first witnesses remarkable. Luke emphasizes this: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary mother of James, and 'other women' (v.10) became the first evangelists, though the eleven considered their words 'idle tales' (v.11) initially.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to remember Jesus' words emphasize the importance of Scripture and fulfilled prophecy in faith?
  2. What does Jesus' choice of women as first resurrection witnesses teach about the gospel's reversal of worldly status and honor?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὐκ1 of 14

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν2 of 14

He is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὧδε3 of 14

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ἀλλ'4 of 14

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἠγέρθη5 of 14

is risen

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

μνήσθητε6 of 14

remember

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

ὡς7 of 14

how

G5613

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

ἐλάλησεν8 of 14

he spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὑμῖν9 of 14

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἔτι10 of 14

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ὢν11 of 14

when he was

G5607

being

ἐν12 of 14

in

G1722

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

τῇ13 of 14
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίᾳ14 of 14

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine


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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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