Luke 10:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:21 captures a moment of profound, Spirit-filled exultation from Jesus, immediately following the joyful return of the seventy disciples. In this prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, Jesus celebrates God's sovereign wisdom in choosing to reveal profound spiritual truths not to those considered intellectually superior or self-sufficient, but to the humble and teachable, whom He likens to "babes." This declaration underscores the divine paradox of revelation and the Father's benevolent, unchallengeable will in His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration from Jesus is situated within a significant narrative block in Luke's Gospel, specifically following the mission and successful return of the seventy-two disciples (Luke 10:1-20). Jesus had sent them out with authority to heal and proclaim the Kingdom of God, and they returned rejoicing that even demons were subject to them in His name ([Luke 10:17](/luke/10-17 "Luke 10:17 - The Return of the Seventy-Two")). While acknowledging their power, Jesus immediately redirected their focus, emphasizing that their true cause for rejoicing should be that their names are written in heaven ([Luke 10:20](/luke/10-20 "Luke 10:20 - True Joy and Heavenly Registration")). It is "in that hour," filled with the Holy Spirit (as implied by "rejoiced in spirit"), that Jesus breaks into this prayer of thanksgiving, directly connecting the disciples' successful, Spirit-empowered ministry to the Father's sovereign plan of revelation. This prayer also contrasts sharply with the preceding woes pronounced upon the unrepentant cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum ([Luke 10:13-16](/luke/10-13-16 "Luke 10:13-16 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")), highlighting that while some reject the truth despite mighty works, others, the humble, receive it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' statement challenges the prevailing cultural and religious norms of His day. In Jewish society, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with rabbinic learning, adherence to the Law, and intellectual prowess, typically embodied by scribes, Pharisees, and the educated elite. These were "the wise and prudent" in the eyes of the world. Conversely, "babes" (Greek: _nḗpios_) would have represented the unlearned, the common people (the _`am ha'aretz`_), and those without formal religious training or social standing. Jesus' declaration subverts this hierarchy, asserting that God deliberately bypasses human intellectual pride and worldly status, choosing instead to reveal His profound truths to those with humble, receptive hearts. This was a radical concept that would have been counter-cultural, emphasizing God's unconventional methods and the spiritual blindness of those who relied on their own understanding.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:21 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Humility**, asserting that spiritual understanding is not earned through human intellect or social status, but is a gracious gift from God, accessible only through a humble, childlike dependence on Him. This challenges conventional notions of wisdom and underscores a fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God. Secondly, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty and Good Pleasure** in His redemptive plan. Jesus explicitly states that this method of revelation—hiding from the "wise" and revealing to "babes"—is entirely by the Father's deliberate design and benevolent will, demonstrating His absolute control and perfect wisdom in who receives understanding. This echoes themes found in passages like [Ephesians 1:9-11](/ephesians/1-9-11 "Ephesians 1:9-11 - God's Sovereign Purpose"). Finally, Jesus' "rejoiced in spirit" signifies a deep, inner, **Spirit-Inspired Joy** stemming from the Father's perfect plan unfolding through the humble instruments of the disciples, confirming God's power working through unexpected channels. This joy is not merely emotional but a profound spiritual exultation in the Father's wise and good purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoiced (Greek, _agalliáō'_):** This word signifies an exultant, leaping, or exuberant joy, a profound inner delight that often manifests outwardly. It is not a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual rejoicing, often associated with divine inspiration or the experience of God's presence and work. Here, it indicates Jesus' profound, Spirit-filled delight in the Father's perfect will.
* **babes (Greek, _nḗpios'_):** Literally meaning "not speaking" or "infant," this term is used metaphorically here to describe those who are simple, unlearned, humble, or childlike in their dependence and receptivity. It contrasts sharply with the self-sufficient intellect of the "wise and prudent," emphasizing that spiritual truth is received through humility and openness, not through worldly sophistication or academic achievement.
* **seemed good (Greek, _eudokía'_):** This term conveys God's "good pleasure," "benevolent will," or "sovereign purpose." It emphasizes that God's decision to reveal truth to the humble and conceal it from the proud is not arbitrary but flows from His perfect, wise, and benevolent design. It underscores the divine initiative and intentionality in salvation history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit,"**: This clause sets the immediate context and emotional tone. "In that hour" refers to the moment following the disciples' victorious return. Jesus' "rejoicing in spirit" (or "in the Holy Spirit," as some translations render it) indicates a profound, divinely inspired joy, a deep inner exultation that stems from His communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit's presence. It is a moment of profound spiritual affirmation.
* **"and said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,"**: Jesus addresses God with intimate reverence, acknowledging Him as "Father" (indicating a close relationship) and as "Lord of heaven and earth" (affirming His absolute sovereignty over all creation). This dual address highlights both God's relational intimacy and His ultimate authority, setting the stage for the profound theological statement that follows.
* **"that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,"**: "These things" refers to the truths of the Kingdom of God, the mysteries of salvation, and the power demonstrated through the disciples. Jesus thanks the Father for His sovereign act of concealing these truths from those who rely on their own human wisdom and intellectual prowess ("the wise and prudent"). This is not an act of arbitrary withholding, but a consequence of their spiritual pride and self-sufficiency.
* **"and hast revealed them unto babes:"**: In stark contrast, the Father has chosen to disclose ("revealed") these same profound truths to "babes"—those who are humble, teachable, and childlike in their dependence. This highlights God's preference for humility over intellectual arrogance as the prerequisite for receiving spiritual revelation.
* **"even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."**: Jesus concludes with an affirmation of perfect alignment with the Father's will. "Even so, Father" expresses complete agreement and submission. The reason given, "for so it seemed good in thy sight," emphasizes that this divine method of revelation is not a mistake or a mystery to be questioned, but a deliberate, benevolent, and perfectly wise choice made by the Father according to His sovereign "good pleasure."

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**), seen in the stark opposition between "the wise and prudent" and "babes." This highlights the paradoxical nature of God's revelation, where worldly wisdom leads to spiritual blindness, while humble simplicity leads to divine insight. There is also an element of **Irony**, as those who are intellectually esteemed by the world are precisely the ones from whom God hides His truths, while those considered insignificant receive them. The term "babes" functions as a **Metaphor**, representing not literal infants, but individuals who possess a childlike humility, dependence, and openness to receive truth, rather than relying on their own understanding. Finally, Jesus' address to God as "Lord of heaven and earth" is a declaration of **Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute authority and control over all creation and His divine prerogative in choosing whom to reveal His truths to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly shapes our understanding of divine revelation, emphasizing that access to God's deepest truths is not a matter of human intellect or social standing, but a gift bestowed by God's sovereign grace upon the humble. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a recognition of one's own spiritual dependence, rather than self-reliance. God, in His perfect wisdom and good pleasure, deliberately chooses to confound the proud and illuminate the simple, demonstrating that His ways are higher than human ways and His Kingdom operates on principles counter to worldly values. This truth serves as both a comfort to the humble and a challenge to the intellectually arrogant, calling all to a posture of childlike faith.

* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Prayer")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")
* [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children to Enter the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:21 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and the posture with which we approach God and His truth. It challenges the pervasive human tendency to rely on intellectual prowess, worldly achievements, or self-sufficiency as pathways to understanding. Instead, Jesus reveals that the path to true spiritual insight is paved with humility, a childlike trust, and a receptive spirit. For those who feel inadequate, unlearned, or overlooked by the world, this verse offers immense encouragement, reminding us that God delights in revealing Himself to the humble. For those who are intellectually gifted or highly educated, it serves as a sobering reminder that academic achievement, while valuable, can become a barrier to spiritual truth if coupled with pride. Ultimately, it calls us to cultivate a heart that is open, dependent, and eager to receive from God, recognizing that all true wisdom is a gracious gift from the Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own "wisdom and prudence" rather than on God's revelation?**
* **What does it truly mean to have a "childlike" faith in the context of seeking spiritual understanding?**
* **How can I cultivate a more humble and receptive spirit to receive the truths God desires to reveal?**
* **How does Jesus' joy in the Father's sovereign plan encourage me to find joy in God's often-unconventional ways?**

### FAQ
**What does "rejoiced in spirit" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "rejoiced in spirit" (Greek: _agalliáō_ G21, and _pneûma_ G4151) signifies a deep, exultant, and divinely inspired joy. It's not merely a superficial happiness but a profound inner delight, often understood as being filled with or moved by the Holy Spirit. In this context, it indicates Jesus' profound spiritual exultation and perfect alignment with the Father's will, particularly as He witnessed the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the humble disciples. This joy is a spiritual response to the Father's wisdom and goodness.

**Who are "the wise and prudent" and "babes" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: "The wise and prudent" (Greek: _sophós_ G4680 and _synetós_ G4908) generally refer to those who are intellectually astute, educated, and esteemed in human society for their knowledge or worldly wisdom. In Jesus' context, this often included the religious elite, scribes, and Pharisees who relied on their own understanding and traditions. "Babes" (Greek: _nḗpios_ G3516), on the other hand, are not literal infants but a metaphor for the humble, the unlearned, the simple, and those who are childlike in their dependence and receptivity. Jesus highlights God's counter-intuitive method of revealing spiritual truths to those who, in their humility, are open to receive them, rather than to those whose pride or self-sufficiency blinds them.

**Why would God "hide" things from some and "reveal" them to others? Is this unfair?**

Answer: This passage speaks to God's sovereign prerogative in revealing truth, not an arbitrary act of unfairness. God does not hide truth from those who genuinely seek it, but from those who are proud, self-sufficient, and unwilling to humble themselves before Him. Their "blindness" is often a consequence of their own spiritual arrogance and rejection of God's ways. Conversely, He "reveals" to "babes" because their humility and openness create a receptive heart. This aligns with the principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")). It underscores that spiritual understanding is a gift of grace, not a human achievement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:21, with Jesus' exultant prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself. Jesus, the very **Wisdom of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), is the embodiment of the Father's "good pleasure" and the means by which these hidden truths are revealed. He is the **ultimate revelation of God** to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Revealed Him"), [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Paradoxically, Jesus, though divine, perfectly models the humility of a "babe," emptying Himself and taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")), thereby making the Father's revelation accessible to all who come to Him in childlike faith. Through His atoning work on the cross, He breaks down the barriers of human pride and self-sufficiency, opening the way for anyone, regardless of their worldly wisdom, to receive the profound truths of salvation. The Spirit, whom Jesus sends ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit Will Guide You Into All Truth")), continues this work of revealing the Father's heart and the Son's glory to those who humble themselves and believe, fulfilling the Father's good pleasure to draw all people to Himself through Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.