Luke 10:24

KJV

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I tell {G3004} you {G5213}, that {G3754} many {G4183} prophets {G4396} and {G2532} kings {G935} have desired {G2309} to see {G1492} those things which {G3739} ye {G5210} see {G991}, and {G2532} have {G1492} not {G3756} seen {G1492} them; and {G2532} to hear {G191} those things which {G3739} ye hear {G191}, and {G2532} have {G191} not {G3756} heard {G191} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you are seeing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.”

Berean Standard Bible

For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

American Standard Version

for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:24 encapsulates Jesus' declaration of the unparalleled privilege bestowed upon His disciples, emphasizing that they were witnessing the direct, tangible manifestation of God's long-anticipated kingdom, a reality that even the most revered figures of Old Testament history, such as prophets and kings, had earnestly longed to experience but were never granted. This verse underscores the unique position of those who encountered Jesus during His earthly ministry, highlighting the profound significance of the dawning New Covenant era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' private blessing of His disciples in [Luke 10:23](/luke/10-23 "Luke 10:23 - The Disciples' Blessedness"), where He declares, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see." The preceding narrative describes the triumphant return of the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples, whom Jesus had sent out with authority to preach the kingdom and heal the sick ([Luke 10:1-12](/luke/10-1-12 "Luke 10:1-12 - The Mission of the Seventy")). Their joyful report of demons submitting to them ([Luke 10:17](/luke/10-17 "Luke 10:17 - Return of the Seventy")) leads to Jesus' profound statements about the spiritual authority granted to His followers and the ultimate joy found in having their names written in heaven ([Luke 10:19-20](/luke/10-19-20 "Luke 10:19-20 - Authority Over Evil")). Luke 10:24 serves as a powerful explanation and amplification of the unique blessedness articulated in [Luke 10:23](/luke/10-23 "Luke 10:23 - The Disciples' Blessedness"), setting the stage for the parable of the Good Samaritan that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is first-century Judea, a time marked by fervent messianic expectation among the Jewish people. For centuries, prophets had foretold a coming Messiah, a new covenant, and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Figures like [Isaiah](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of the Messiah") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") spoke of a future hope that transcended the current political and spiritual realities. Kings, such as [David](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - Davidic Covenant"), received promises of an eternal throne and lineage, pointing to a greater King to come. The Jewish people lived under Roman occupation, longing for liberation and the restoration of Israel's glory. In this context, Jesus' ministry, characterized by unprecedented miracles, authoritative teaching, and the proclamation of the "kingdom of God," directly challenged existing paradigms and signaled the long-awaited divine intervention. The disciples, being Jewish, would have been deeply steeped in these prophecies and expectations, making their firsthand experience of Jesus' ministry all the more profound.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of the **inbreaking Kingdom of God**, which Jesus consistently proclaims is "at hand" ([Luke 10:9](/luke/10-9 "Luke 10:9 - The Kingdom is Near")) and actively manifesting through His words and deeds. The verse also highlights the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, asserting that the long-awaited promises are now being realized in Jesus' person and ministry. This underscores the **unique privilege and blessedness** of those living during Jesus' earthly ministry, who were direct witnesses to these epochal events. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **spiritual discernment**, implying that while many saw and heard Jesus, only those with divinely opened eyes and ears truly comprehended the significance of what was unfolding, a concept Jesus elaborates on in parables like the sower ([Luke 8:9-10](/luke/8-9-10 "Luke 8:9-10 - Purpose of Parables")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb signifies a strong, active choice or preference, a deep wish or inclination. It's not merely a passive longing but an earnest desire, a determination to experience something. In this context, it conveys the profound yearning of Old Testament prophets and kings to witness the very realities that the disciples were now experiencing. Their desire was so intense that it bordered on a determined will.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** While literally meaning to perceive with the eyes, _eídō_ often carries a deeper, figurative sense of knowing, perceiving, understanding, or being aware. It implies not just physical sight but spiritual comprehension and insight. The prophets and kings desired to "know" or "understand" the full manifestation of God's plan, which the disciples were now witnessing firsthand.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This verb means to perceive by ear, but like _eídō_, it extends beyond mere physical sensation to include understanding, heeding, or obeying. The prophets and kings longed to "understand" or "perceive" the full implications of God's spoken word and the teachings of the Messiah, which the disciples were privileged to receive directly from Jesus' lips.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I tell you,"**: This opening phrase, introduced by the particle "for" (G1063, _gár_), signals that Jesus is providing a reason or explanation for the preceding statement in [Luke 10:23](/luke/10-23 "Luke 10:23 - The Disciples' Blessedness"), where He pronounced His disciples "blessed." It underscores the importance and authority of what He is about to reveal.
* **"that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see,"**: Jesus contrasts the Old Testament figures with His contemporary disciples. "Many prophets and kings" refers to the spiritual and political leaders of Israel's past, figures like [Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - Prophecy of a Prophet like Moses"), [David](/psalms/110 "Psalm 110 - Prophecy of the Messiah King"), and [Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). These revered individuals, despite their close relationship with God and the revelations they received, yearned to witness the full, tangible manifestation of God's kingdom and the Messiah's presence, which the disciples were now experiencing.
* **"and have not seen [them];"**: This clause highlights the unfulfilled desire of the Old Testament figures. Despite their profound faith and prophetic insights, they only saw "shadows" and "types" of the coming reality. They did not experience the direct, incarnate presence of God's Son, nor the full inbreaking of His kingdom through His miracles, teachings, and the outpouring of the Spirit.
* **"and to hear those things which ye hear,"**: Parallel to the desire to "see," this emphasizes the longing to "hear" the direct, authoritative teaching of the Messiah. The Old Testament figures received God's word through prophets and the Law, but they yearned for the ultimate revelation.
* **"and have not heard [them]."**: This reiterates the unfulfilled longing, emphasizing that the direct, personal instruction and revelation from the Son of God, which the disciples were privileged to receive, was beyond the grasp of even the most spiritually attuned individuals of the past. They heard prophecies, but not the fulfillment in living voice.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 10:24](/luke/10-24 "Luke 10:24 - The Disciples' Unique Privilege") is **Contrast**. Jesus starkly contrasts the privileged position of His disciples with that of "many prophets and kings" from Israel's past. This contrast serves to magnify the unique blessedness of the disciples, highlighting that they are living in an unprecedented era of salvation history. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** and **Repetition** through the phrases "to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]" and "to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them]." This rhetorical structure emphasizes the precise nature of the disciples' privilege—they are experiencing the *very things* that the revered figures of old longed for but were denied. This repetition creates a powerful rhythm that underscores the profound spiritual and historical significance of the moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:24 profoundly underscores the unique theological significance of the Christ event and the dawning of the New Covenant. It reveals that the era of Jesus' earthly ministry was the long-anticipated culmination of God's redemptive plan, a reality that surpassed the most fervent hopes of even the greatest figures in Israel's history. The "things" the disciples saw and heard were not merely historical events but the tangible manifestation of God's kingdom breaking into human history through the person and work of Jesus. This privilege highlights the shift from an era of promise and prophecy to one of fulfillment and presence, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history where the veil between the divine and human was uniquely thin. It teaches us about the progressive nature of divine revelation and the unparalleled access believers now have to God's truth through Christ.

* [Matthew 13:16-17](/matthew/13-16-17 "Matthew 13:16-17 - Blessed are Your Eyes")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Faith of the Patriarchs")
* [1 Peter 1:10-12](/1_peter/1-10-12 "1 Peter 1:10-12 - Prophetic Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:24 serves as a profound call to gratitude and spiritual attentiveness for believers today. While we do not physically walk with Jesus as the first disciples did, we live in the full light of His completed work—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We possess the complete canon of Scripture, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive narrative, a clarity that prophets and kings of old could only glimpse in part. This verse challenges us to not take for granted the immense privilege of knowing Christ and experiencing the ongoing reality of His Kingdom. It urges us to actively "see" with spiritual eyes and "hear" with understanding hearts the truths revealed in God's Word, allowing them to transform our lives and deepen our walk with Him. Our access to God through Christ is direct and unhindered, a blessing that far exceeds the yearnings of those who lived before the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" do I "see" and "hear" today through Christ and His Word that Old Testament figures longed for?**
* **How does understanding this unique privilege impact my appreciation for Scripture and my relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might I be taking for granted the spiritual blessings and revelations available to me in the New Covenant era?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper spiritual discernment to truly "see" and "hear" what God is revealing in my life and in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "many prophets and kings" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "many prophets and kings" refer to the revered figures of the Old Testament who received divine revelation and led God's people. This includes prominent prophets like [Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - Prophecy of a Prophet like Moses"), [Isaiah](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of the Messiah"), [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant"), and [Daniel](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Son of Man"), who foretold the coming Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. It also includes righteous kings such as [David](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and [Solomon](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Wisdom"), who, despite their wisdom and position, only saw glimpses and shadows of the full reality that would be revealed in Christ. These individuals, though highly favored by God, lived in an era of promise, not full realization.

**What "things" did the disciples see and hear that were so unique?**

Answer: The "things" the disciples saw and heard refer to the direct, tangible manifestation of God's long-awaited kingdom through Jesus Christ. This includes witnessing Jesus' miraculous healings and exorcisms ([Luke 10:9](/luke/10-9 "Luke 10:9 - The Kingdom is Near")), hearing His authoritative teaching on the kingdom of God ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Preaching the Kingdom")), seeing Him embody the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and experiencing the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit at work through Him and, subsequently, through themselves ([Luke 10:17](/luke/10-17 "Luke 10:17 - Return of the Seventy")). They saw God's redemptive plan unfolding in real-time, in the person of the Messiah, a reality that had been anticipated for centuries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "things" that prophets and kings longed to see and hear are fully embodied in Christ, who is the very revelation of God and the inaugurated Kingdom. He is the Prophet greater than [Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - Prophecy of a Prophet like Moses") and the King greater than [David](/psalms/110 "Psalm 110 - The Messiah King"). The disciples were blessed because they were present at the dawning of the New Covenant, witnessing the God-man, Jesus, actively bringing God's reign to earth. His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection are the complete and final revelation of God's redemptive plan, surpassing all previous anticipations. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus opened the way for all believers to experience the "things" that were once veiled, granting us spiritual eyes to "see" His glory ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and ears to "hear" His life-giving words ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). The Holy Spirit, poured out after Christ's ascension, enables believers across all generations to continue to "see" and "hear" these realities with spiritual understanding, making the blessings of [Luke 10:24](/luke/10-24 "Luke 10:24 - The Disciples' Unique Privilege") a present reality for all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in 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

John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

1 Peter 1:12

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Hebrews 11:39

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: