King James Version

What Does Luke 9:26 Mean?

Luke 9:26 in the King James Version says “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:26 · KJV


Context

24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

28

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. sayings: or, things


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. The verb epaischynthē (ἐπαισχυνθῇ, "be ashamed") indicates embarrassment or reluctance to publicly identify with Christ. Jesus distinguishes between mere intellectual assent and bold confession—saving faith confesses Christ openly (Romans 10:9-10). The phrase "me and of my words" (eme kai tous emous logous, ἐμὲ καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους) links Christ's person and teaching inseparably—rejecting His words rejects Him.

The consequence is reciprocal shame when he shall come in his own glory (en tē doxē autou, ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ)—the parousia, Christ's second coming in unveiled divine majesty. The triple glory—his own... his Father's... the holy angels—emphasizes the cosmic magnitude of that day. Those who denied Christ to preserve reputation or comfort will face His denial before the Father (Matthew 10:32-33). This is the ultimate reversal: temporary shame for Christ yields eternal glory; avoiding shame now guarantees eternal disgrace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the first-century Roman Empire, confessing Christ as Lord was politically dangerous—'Caesar is Lord' was the required confession. Christians faced social ostracism, economic persecution, and potential execution. The temptation to hide faith or compromise doctrinally was intense. Jesus warns that temporary safety purchased through denying Him results in eternal condemnation. Early Christians understood this—ten of the twelve apostles suffered martyrdom rather than deny Christ. The church fathers like Polycarp declared, 'Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' Jesus' warning steeled believers for persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what situations are you tempted to remain silent about Christ or His teachings to avoid ridicule or rejection?
  2. How does the certainty of Christ's glorious return in judgment motivate boldness in witness despite present opposition?
  3. What does it mean practically to be unashamed of Christ's 'words' when specific biblical teachings are culturally offensive?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὃς1 of 28

whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἂν3 of 28
G302

whatsoever

ἐπαισχυνθήσεται4 of 28

be ashamed

G1870

to feel shame for something

με5 of 28

of me

G3165

me

καὶ6 of 28

and

G2532

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

τοὺς7 of 28
G3588

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

ἐμοὺς8 of 28

of my

G1699

my

λόγους9 of 28

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦτον10 of 28

of him

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

11 of 28
G3588

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

υἱὸς12 of 28

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ13 of 28
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου14 of 28

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐπαισχυνθήσεται15 of 28

be ashamed

G1870

to feel shame for something

ὅταν16 of 28

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἔλθῃ17 of 28

he shall come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν18 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῇ19 of 28
G3588

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

δόξῃ20 of 28

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

αὐτοῦ21 of 28
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

καὶ22 of 28

and

G2532

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

τοῦ23 of 28
G3588

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

πατρὸς24 of 28

in his Father's

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

καὶ25 of 28

and

G2532

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

τῶν26 of 28
G3588

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

ἁγίων27 of 28

of the holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἀγγέλων28 of 28

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor


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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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