Luke 10:21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

In {G1722} that {G846} hour {G5610} Jesus {G2424} rejoiced in {G21} spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, I thank {G1843} thee {G4671}, O Father {G3962}, Lord {G2962} of heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1093}, that {G3754} thou hast hid {G613} these things {G5023} from {G575} the wise {G4680} and {G2532} prudent {G4908}, and {G2532} hast revealed {G601} them {G846} unto babes {G3516}: even so {G3483}, Father {G3962}; for {G3754} so {G3779} it seemed {G1096} good {G2107} in {G1715} thy {G4675} sight {G1715}.

At that moment he was filled with joy by the Ruach HaKodesh and said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you because you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated, yet revealed them to ordinary people. Yes, Father, I thank you that it pleased you to do this.

At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.

Luke 10:21 KJV captures a profound moment of joy and thanksgiving from Jesus, immediately following the successful return of the seventy disciples He had sent out. This verse reveals key aspects of God's character and His method of revealing spiritual truth.

Context

This powerful declaration of joy from Jesus occurs right after His disciples returned with excitement, reporting that even the demons were subject to them in His name (Luke 10:17). While acknowledging their power, Jesus redirected their focus, emphasizing that their greatest joy should be that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). In that very hour, filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus broke into this prayer of exuberant thanksgiving to the Father, highlighting the divine wisdom behind God's revelation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Humility: The central theme is God's sovereign choice to reveal spiritual truths not to those who consider themselves intellectually superior or self-sufficient ("the wise and prudent"), but to the humble, simple, and teachable ("babes"). This challenges human notions of wisdom and highlights a fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God.
  • God's Sovereignty and Good Pleasure: Jesus affirms that this method of revelation is entirely by the Father's design and good pleasure. It's not arbitrary but part of God's perfect plan, demonstrating His absolute control and benevolent will over who receives understanding.
  • Jesus' Exultant Joy: Jesus' "rejoiced in spirit" signifies a deep, inner, divinely inspired joy stemming from the Father's perfect plan and the success of the disciples' mission, which underscored God's power working through humble instruments.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rejoiced in spirit" translates the Greek word agalliaō (ἀγαλλιάω), which signifies an exultant, leaping, or exuberant joy, often associated with spiritual or divine rejoicing. It's not a superficial happiness but a profound, inner delight. The contrast between "wise and prudent" (sophos - wise, and synetos - understanding/prudent) and "babes" (nepios - literally infants or children, metaphorically referring to the humble and unlearned) is crucial. It underscores that spiritual insight comes through a childlike dependence on God, rather than human intellect or worldly achievements. The phrase "seemed good in thy sight" comes from the Greek eudokia (εὐδοκία), which means "good pleasure," "will," or "purpose," emphasizing God's sovereign and benevolent choice in His divine revelation.

Related Scriptures

  • This passage has a direct parallel in Matthew 11:25, reinforcing the consistency of this teaching.
  • The idea of God choosing the "foolish things of the world" to confound the wise is further elaborated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:27.
  • Jesus' emphasis on becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven is also found in Matthew 18:3.

Practical Application

Luke 10:21 serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual understanding is a gift from God, not an achievement of human intellect. It encourages humility and a childlike faith, inviting us to approach God with a receptive heart, rather than relying on our own wisdom. For those seeking deeper insight into God's Word, this verse suggests that the path is paved with humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit, not merely academic prowess. It also encourages believers to find joy in God's sovereign plan, even when His ways seem counter-intuitive to human reasoning.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

  • Matthew 13:11

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Matthew 13:16

    But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:8

    Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
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