King James Version

What Does Luke 9:56 Mean?

Luke 9:56 in the King James Version says “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 9:56 · KJV


Context

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.

58

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus rebukes James and John: 'For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.' The brothers wanted to call fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus (v. 54). Jesus' rebuke clarifies His mission—salvation, not destruction. The verb 'destroy' (Greek 'apolesai,' ἀπολέσαι) and 'save' (Greek 'sōsai,' σῶσαι) create stark contrast. Jesus came to rescue, not judge (though judgment will come at His return). His first advent brings grace; His second brings judgment. The disciples' vengeful impulse revealed misunderstanding of Jesus' present mission and character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The incident occurred during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem through Samaria (v. 51-53). Jews and Samaritans had centuries-old hostility. Samaritan rejection of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem was typical ethnic-religious animosity. James and John's suggestion echoed Elijah calling fire from heaven on soldiers (2 Kings 1:10-12), but Jesus' mission differed from Elijah's. The church age is marked by grace, not judgment. Jesus later died for Samaritans too—gospel later flourished in Samaria (Acts 8). This rebuke teaches patience with rejectors and trust in God's timing for judgment. Our mission is evangelism, not vengeance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' mission statement 'not to destroy...but to save' teach about His first advent versus second coming?
  2. How should Jesus' rebuke of James and John's vengeful impulse shape Christian response to rejection and opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

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

ὑιὸς3 of 17

the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ4 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων5 of 17

men's

G444

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

οὐκ6 of 17

not

G3756

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

ἦλθεν7 of 17

come

G2064

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

ψυχὰς8 of 17

lives

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἀνθρώπων9 of 17

men's

G444

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

ἀπολέσαι,10 of 17

to destroy

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

αλλα11 of 17

but

G235

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

σῶσαι12 of 17

to save

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 17

them And

G2532

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

ἐπορεύθησαν14 of 17

they went

G4198

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

εἰς15 of 17

to

G1519

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

ἑτέραν16 of 17

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

κώμην17 of 17

village

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)


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 9:56 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 9:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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