King James Version

What Does Luke 9:53 Mean?

Luke 9:53 in the King James Version says “And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.”

Luke 9:53 · KJV

Context

51

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

53

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

54

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

55

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Read Luke 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they did not receive him (οὐκ ἐδέξαντο αὐτόν, ouk edexanto auton)—the Samaritans actively refused hospitality. The verb dechomai means to welcome or accept, often with warmth; its negation here signals deliberate rejection. Because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem (τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἦν πορευόμενον εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, to prosōpon autou ēn poreuomenon eis Hierousalēm)—literally, 'his face was set toward Jerusalem.'

The Samaritans rejected Jesus not for who He was but where He was going. Jerusalem represented everything they opposed—the rival temple, Jewish religious hegemony, centuries of mutual contempt. Jesus's resolute determination to worship in Jerusalem (not Gerizim) made Him an enemy. The irony is tragic: they reject the Messiah over geography. This previews how religious tribalism blinds people to Christ's true identity. The woman at the well (John 4) received Jesus; this village rejected Him. Same Savior, same ethnicity, different responses—proving that receptivity to Christ transcends cultural identity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim had been destroyed by Jewish forces in 128 BC under John Hyrcanus, intensifying centuries of hatred. Samaritans believed Jacob's well and Mount Gerizim were the legitimate worship sites, not Jerusalem. Jesus's pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover would have been viewed as legitimizing the Jewish temple system they rejected, making Him complicit in their oppression despite His willingness to minister to them.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you rejected truth or ministry because it came through channels, institutions, or people associated with your theological or cultural opponents?
  2. How does the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus over destination rather than identity warn against allowing secondary issues (worship style, denominational affiliation, political alignment) to blind you to Christ Himself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

ἐδέξαντο3 of 12

“receive”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ4 of 12

“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

ὅτι5 of 12

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ6 of 12
G3588

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

πρόσωπον7 of 12

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτοῦ8 of 12

“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

ἦν9 of 12

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πορευόμενον10 of 12

“as though he would go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς11 of 12

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ12 of 12

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol 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 9:53 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 9:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:9John 4:40-42Luke 9:48

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 9 →

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