King James Version

What Does Luke 9:55 Mean?

Luke 9:55 in the King James Version says “But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 9:55 · KJV


Context

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.

56

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

57

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he turned, and rebuked them (ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς, epetimēsen autois)—the verb epitimaō is strong, the same word used for rebuking demons and silencing storms. Jesus treats their vindictive spirit as seriously as demonic opposition. And said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of (οὐκ οἴδατε οἵου πνεύματός ἐστε, ouk oidate hoiou pneumatos este)—they fundamentally misidentified the source of their impulse.

The disciples assumed their zeal for Jesus's honor came from righteous indignation, but Christ exposes it as fleshly vengeance dressed in religious garb. The 'spirit' driving their desire for judgment was not the Holy Spirit but human pride wounded by rejection. This rebuke echoes Jesus's earlier correction of Peter: 'Get thee behind me, Satan... thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men' (Matthew 16:23). Proximity to Jesus doesn't automatically sanctify our motives. Even apostles must distinguish between godly zeal and carnal vindictiveness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some manuscripts add 'For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them' (though likely not original, it captures the theological point). Jesus's mission is salvific, not destructive—He saves even those who reject Him. This principle would guide the apostles' later ministry: Paul blessed persecutors (Romans 12:14), and Peter commanded Christians to bless enemies (1 Peter 3:9). The lesson learned in this Samaritan village shaped apostolic ethics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between godly zeal for Christ's honor and fleshly vindictiveness that merely uses religious language to justify wounded pride?
  2. What does Jesus's rebuke of James and John teach about the danger of assuming that your proximity to truth or doctrinal correctness automatically validates your attitudes and actions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
στραφεὶς1 of 12

he turned

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 12

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπετίμησεν3 of 12

and rebuked

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτοῖς4 of 12

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

καὶ5 of 12

and

G2532

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

εἶπεν,6 of 12

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ7 of 12

not

G3756

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

οἰδατε8 of 12

Ye know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οἵου9 of 12

what manner

G3634

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

πνεύματός10 of 12

of spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐστε11 of 12

are of

G2075

ye are

ὑμεῖς·12 of 12

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)


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 9:55 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 9:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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