King James Version

What Does Luke 9:61 Mean?

Luke 9:61 in the King James Version says “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Luke 9:61 · KJV


Context

59

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

61

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back , is fit for the kingdom of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house (ἀποτάξασθαι τοῖς εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου, apotaxasthai tois eis ton oikon mou)—the third would-be disciple requests permission to say goodbye to his household. The verb apotassō means to set in order, arrange, take leave of—it implies not a quick farewell but settling affairs, making arrangements, perhaps divesting property. Like the second man (9:59), he wants to follow but requests delay: let me first (πρῶτον, prōton).

His request echoes Elisha's to Elijah: 'Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee' (1 Kings 19:20). Elijah permitted it; Jesus forbids it (9:62). Why the difference? Because the kingdom's arrival in Christ creates unprecedented urgency. What was permissible in the old covenant becomes inadequate under the new. The man's request sounds reasonable—honoring family, responsible transition—but Jesus exposes it as halfhearted commitment masquerading as prudence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern custom expected proper leave-taking when entering a teacher's service, especially settling debts, transferring property, and providing for dependents. The man's request reflects cultural norms, not selfishness. But Jesus's kingdom mission operates outside normal cultural patterns. The gospel's urgency—that the Messiah has come and is heading to Jerusalem to die—permits no delays, however culturally appropriate or family-honoring. The kingdom demands immediate, absolute priority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'setting your affairs in order' keeps you from immediate, wholehearted obedience to Christ's call, and how does this man's example reveal that reasonable-sounding delays can mask divided loyalty?
  2. How does Jesus's refusal to grant what Elijah allowed Elisha demonstrate that fuller revelation demands fuller response—that living under the New Covenant requires more radical obedience than the Old Covenant saints exhibited?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Εἶπεν1 of 17

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 17

also

G2532

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

ἕτερος4 of 17

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

Ἀκολουθήσω5 of 17

I will follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

σοι6 of 17

thee

G4671

to thee

κύριε·7 of 17

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πρῶτον8 of 17

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

δὲ9 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπίτρεψόν10 of 17

let

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

μοι11 of 17

me

G3427

to me

ἀποτάξασθαι12 of 17

go bid them farewell

G657

literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce

τοῖς13 of 17
G3588

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

εἰς14 of 17

which are at home at

G1519

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

τὸν15 of 17
G3588

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

οἶκόν16 of 17

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

μου17 of 17

my

G3450

of me


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 9:61 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 9:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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