Luke 11:49

KJV

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} also {G2532} said {G2036} the wisdom {G4678} of God {G2316}, I will send {G649}{G1519} them {G846} prophets {G4396} and {G2532} apostles {G652}, and {G2532} some of {G1537} them {G846} they shall slay {G615} and {G2532} persecute {G1559}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and emissaries; they will kill some and persecute others’;

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’

American Standard Version

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send unto them prophets and apostles; and some of them they shall kill and persecute;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:49, Jesus delivers a profound and prophetic indictment against the religious leaders of His day, declaring that "the wisdom of God" has decreed the sending of prophets and apostles, many of whom would be slain and persecuted. This statement underscores God's consistent initiative in revealing His truth through chosen messengers, while simultaneously highlighting humanity's persistent pattern of rejecting and even violently opposing divine revelation, a pattern that culminated in the rejection of Christ Himself and would continue with His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of "woes" (Luke 11:42-52) pronounced by Jesus against the Pharisees and lawyers (scribes) for their hypocrisy, legalism, and spiritual blindness. Specifically, it follows Jesus' condemnation of them for building tombs for the prophets their ancestors killed, thereby affirming their complicity in those historical acts (Luke 11:47-48). The phrase "Therefore also said the wisdom of God" serves as a solemn, authoritative introduction, linking Jesus' present words to an eternal divine decree and a historical pattern of God's interaction with Israel. The subsequent verses (Luke 11:50-51) explicitly connect this rejection to the shedding of righteous blood from Abel to Zechariah, culminating in the judgment that would fall upon that generation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, the Jewish religious elite, prided themselves on their adherence to the Law and their reverence for the prophets. However, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy: while honoring past prophets with monuments, they perpetuated the same spirit of rejection towards God's current messengers, including Jesus Himself. The concept of "wisdom of God" (Greek: _sophia tou theou_) resonated deeply within Jewish thought, where wisdom was often personified as an attribute of God active in creation and revelation, as seen in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Praise of Wisdom") and [Sirach 24](/sirach/24 "Sirach 24 - Wisdom's Self-Praise"). By invoking this phrase, Jesus claims divine authority for His pronouncements, suggesting that His words are not merely human opinion but the very utterance of God's eternal plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sending and Human Rejection**, illustrating God's persistent love and desire to communicate with humanity by sending messengers, contrasted with humanity's consistent pattern of rejecting, persecuting, and even killing these divine envoys. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Messengers**, bridging the Old Testament "prophets" with the New Testament "apostles," demonstrating a seamless thread of divine communication from the Old Covenant to the New, with Jesus Himself being the ultimate Prophet and Apostle (as seen in [Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, the Apostle and High Priest")). Thirdly, it serves as a stark **Prophecy of Persecution**, foretelling the harsh reality that Christ's followers, like the prophets before them, would face immense opposition, suffering, and martyrdom for proclaiming the Gospel, echoing similar warnings Jesus gave elsewhere, such as in [Matthew 23:34](/matthew/23-34 "Matthew 23:34 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem"). Finally, it subtly underscores **God's Unchanging Character**, revealing His enduring patience and commitment to drawing people to Himself, even in the face of persistent human rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophia'_):** G4678. Refers to higher or lower, worldly or spiritual wisdom. In this context, "the wisdom of God" signifies divine, eternal wisdom, often personified in Old Testament thought as an attribute of God active in creation and revelation. Here, it carries the weight of divine counsel and purpose, implying that the sending and subsequent persecution of messengers is part of God's sovereign, overarching plan.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophētēs'_):** G4396. A foreteller or inspired speaker. This term primarily refers to the Old Testament figures who were called by God to speak His word, often delivering messages of warning, repentance, or future hope. Their role was to convey divine revelation directly to the people.
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** G652. A delegate, specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially, a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers. This term refers to the special messengers sent by Jesus in the New Testament era, particularly the twelve disciples chosen by Him, who were commissioned to spread the Gospel and establish the early church. The inclusion of "apostles" alongside "prophets" signifies the continuity of God's sending of messengers into the new covenant era.
* **persecute (Greek, _ekdiṓkō'_):** G1559. From _ek_ (out) and _diōkō_ (to pursue); to pursue out, i.e., expel or persecute implacably. This word denotes a severe and relentless pursuit with the intent to harm, expel, or oppress. It highlights the intense and often violent opposition faced by God's messengers, ranging from expulsion to physical harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore also said the wisdom of God,"**: This opening phrase asserts the divine origin and authority of the subsequent statement. Jesus is not speaking merely His own words, but articulating a decree or principle that emanates from the very essence of God's eternal wisdom and plan. It implies a consistent divine perspective throughout history regarding the sending of messengers and the response to them.
* **"I will send them prophets and apostles,"**: This clause reveals God's continuous initiative in communicating with humanity. "Prophets" represent the long line of Old Testament messengers, while "apostles" refer to the New Testament messengers specifically commissioned by Christ. The phrase "I will send" emphasizes God's sovereign act of dispatching these individuals, demonstrating His desire to reveal Himself and guide His people.
* **"and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:"**: This final clause is a stark prophecy of the fate awaiting these divine messengers. It highlights the tragic reality of human rebellion against God's truth. The phrase "slay and persecute" encompasses a range of hostile actions, from violent death (martyrdom) to relentless harassment and oppression. This foretelling serves as both a lament over humanity's persistent rejection of God's word and a warning to those who oppose His messengers.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:49 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "the wisdom of God" is presented as an active agent that "said" something, giving a voice and intentionality to an abstract divine attribute. This device emphasizes the divine authority and eternal nature of the decree being spoken by Jesus. Closely related is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells the future persecution and slaying of His messengers, the apostles, drawing a direct line from the historical persecution of Old Testament prophets. This prophetic utterance serves as both a warning and a preparation for His disciples. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play: the very religious leaders who claim to honor God's law and prophets are condemned for perpetuating the cycle of rejecting and persecuting God's messengers. Finally, **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "prophets and apostles" and "slay and persecute," highlighting the continuity of God's sending of messengers across dispensations and the consistent, violent opposition they face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:49 powerfully articulates a recurring theological theme throughout biblical history: God's persistent and loving outreach to humanity through His chosen messengers, met consistently by human rejection and hostility. This verse underscores the cost of divine revelation and the profound implications of rejecting God's truth. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of such opposition, by continuing to send those who speak on His behalf. The continuity from "prophets" to "apostles" emphasizes that God's plan of communication and salvation is a unified, unfolding narrative, culminating in Christ. The theological weight of "the wisdom of God" speaking implies that this pattern of sending and rejection is not an unforeseen anomaly but part of a divine, eternal purpose, ultimately leading to the full revelation and triumph of God's kingdom.

* [Matthew 23:34-36](/matthew/23-34-36 "Matthew 23:34-36 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem's Rejection of Prophets")
* [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Sanhedrin")
* [Hebrews 11:36-38](/hebrews/11-36-38 "Hebrews 11:36-38 - The Sufferings of Faith's Heroes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:49 serves as a sober and challenging reminder for believers today, highlighting the enduring reality that proclaiming God's truth often comes with significant cost. It calls us to recognize that our mission as Christ's followers is not merely to share a message, but to participate in a divine narrative that has historically involved opposition and suffering. This verse prepares us for the likelihood of misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution when we faithfully live out and articulate the Gospel in a world often hostile to God's ways. It encourages a deep appreciation for the immense value God places on communicating His truth, compelling us to cherish and heed His word, and to boldly stand for it, knowing that we are part of a long and noble lineage of those who have faithfully proclaimed God's message, drawing strength from the same divine wisdom that sent the prophets and apostles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical pattern of rejecting God's messengers shape your expectation of how the world might receive your witness?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to compromise or soften the truth of the Gospel to avoid potential "persecution" or rejection?**
* **How does the idea of "the wisdom of God" speaking through Jesus encourage you in your own calling to share His message?**
* **What specific steps can you take to better cherish and heed God's word in your daily life, given the immense value He places on communicating His truth?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the wisdom of God" in this verse, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "The wisdom of God" (Greek: _hē sophia tou theou_) in Luke 11:49 is a profound theological statement. While some scholars interpret it as Jesus referring to Himself as the embodiment of divine wisdom, it is more broadly understood as Jesus speaking with the authority of God's eternal plan and purpose. In Jewish thought, wisdom was often personified as an attribute of God, active in creation and revelation (e.g., [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Praise of Wisdom")). By stating that "the wisdom of God" said this, Jesus asserts that the sending of prophets and apostles, and their subsequent persecution, is not a random occurrence but an integral part of God's sovereign, overarching design for human history and redemption. It signifies that Jesus' words are not merely His own, but are aligned with the very mind and will of God.

**What is the distinction between "prophets" and "apostles" as mentioned by Jesus?**

Answer: In Luke 11:49, Jesus uses "prophets" to refer primarily to the messengers God sent in the Old Testament era, such as Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others, who spoke God's word to Israel. They were divinely inspired individuals who often foretold future events, called the people to repentance, and revealed God's will. "Apostles," on the other hand, refers specifically to the special messengers commissioned by Jesus in the New Testament era, particularly the Twelve disciples whom He personally chose and sent out (e.g., [Luke 9:1-2](/luke/9-1-2 "Luke 9:1-2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). The term _apostolos_ literally means "one who is sent" or "an envoy." By mentioning both, Jesus emphasizes the continuity of God's mission to send His truth-tellers across different historical periods, from the Old Covenant to the New, and highlights that the pattern of rejection these messengers faced would continue into the era of the early church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:49 finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the preeminent embodiment of "the wisdom of God," as declared by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), where Christ is identified as "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Jesus is not merely a messenger but the very message, the Word made flesh ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate Prophet, greater than all who came before Him ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), and the supreme Apostle, "sent" by God to accomplish the mission of salvation ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, the Apostle and High Priest")). The prophecy that "some of them they shall slay and persecute" was tragically fulfilled in His own crucifixion, the ultimate act of humanity's rejection of God's perfect messenger. Yet, His death was not the end; it was the means by which God's wisdom and saving plan were fully enacted. Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus vindicated the message and empowered His chosen apostles to continue His mission, knowing they would face similar persecution ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples")). Thus, Luke 11:49 not only describes a historical pattern but points forward to the climactic event of Christ's passion and the ongoing mission of His church, all under the sovereign, wise decree of God.

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

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 1:2

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Acts 9:1

¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,