Luke 17:20

KJV

¶ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he was demanded {G1905} of {G5259} the Pharisees {G5330}, when {G4219} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} should come {G2064}, he answered {G611} them {G846} and {G2532} said {G2036}, The kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} cometh {G2064} not {G3756} with {G3326} observation {G3907}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The P’rushim asked Yeshua when the Kingdom of God would come. “The Kingdom of God,” he answered, “does not come with visible signs;

Berean Standard Bible

When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs.

American Standard Version

And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:20 captures a pivotal exchange where the Pharisees, anticipating a dramatic, observable arrival of God's kingdom, question Jesus about its timing. In response, Jesus challenges their conventional expectations, asserting that the kingdom of God does not come with outward spectacle or discernible signs that can be carefully watched for, thereby redirecting their focus from external pomp to a more profound, internal, and present reality of God's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a significant discourse by Jesus concerning the nature and coming of the Kingdom of God, immediately following His teachings on forgiveness and faith (Luke 17:1-19). The Pharisees' question in [Luke 17:20](/luke/17-20 "Luke 17:20 - The Kingdom of God Comes Without Observation") serves as a direct prompt for Jesus to clarify misconceptions about the Kingdom's arrival. The subsequent verse, [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You"), provides a crucial interpretive key, stating that the kingdom is "within you" or "among you," which profoundly shapes the understanding of Jesus's initial response. The discourse then broadens to describe the future, visible coming of the Son of Man, contrasting it with the present, less observable manifestation of the Kingdom (Luke 17:22-37).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people of Jesus's time, including the Pharisees, lived under Roman occupation and harbored strong messianic expectations. They largely anticipated a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from foreign rule and establish a glorious, earthly kingdom with visible power and signs. This expectation was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies of a kingly reign and national restoration. The Pharisees, as a religious and political sect, were particularly concerned with the fulfillment of these prophecies and the establishment of God's righteous rule, often interpreting it in terms of national sovereignty and external displays of divine power. Their question to Jesus reflects this widespread eschatological hope for a dramatic, observable intervention by God.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to the overarching theme of the **Nature of the Kingdom of God** in Luke's Gospel. Jesus consistently redefines the Kingdom, moving it beyond purely political or nationalistic aspirations. Here, He emphasizes its spiritual and present reality, contrasting it with the Pharisees' expectation of a purely external, observable event. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus's ministry, such as when He casts out demons by the "finger of God," signaling that [the Kingdom of God has come upon them](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You"). The passage also touches on the theme of **Misconceptions about the Messiah and His Reign**, highlighting the disparity between popular Jewish expectations and the true character of Jesus's mission and the Kingdom He inaugurated. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **"Already and Not Yet"** dynamic of the Kingdom, which is both a present reality and a future hope, a concept further developed in passages like [Luke 17:22-37](/luke/17-22-37 "Luke 17:22-37 - The Coming of the Son of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **demanded (Greek, _eperōtáō_):** From ἐπί and ἐρωτάω, meaning "to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek." Here, it highlights the Pharisees' direct and perhaps challenging inquiry about the timing of the Kingdom's arrival, indicative of their keen interest in eschatological events and their desire for a clear, definitive sign.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai_):** A primary verb meaning "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the arrival or manifestation of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its dynamic and active presence rather than a static state.
* **observation (Greek, _paratḗrēsis_):** From παρατηρέω, meaning "inspection, i.e. ocular evidence." This term signifies a careful watching for outward signs, a visible display, or public spectacle. Jesus's use of this word directly counters the expectation of a kingdom arriving with discernible, external pomp and circumstance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, identifying the interrogators as the Pharisees, a group often at odds with Jesus, and their specific question concerning the timing of the Kingdom of God's arrival. Their inquiry reflects a common Jewish expectation of a dramatic, visible, and politically transformative event.
* **"he answered them and said,"**: This phrase indicates Jesus's direct and authoritative response to their question, signaling that His subsequent words are a crucial teaching on the nature of God's reign.
* **"The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:"**: This is the core of Jesus's teaching in this verse. He directly refutes the idea that the Kingdom's arrival will be accompanied by outward, observable signs or a public spectacle that one can meticulously watch for. This statement immediately challenges the conventional, material expectations of His audience, pointing to a different mode of the Kingdom's manifestation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Direct Discourse** is central, as Jesus's precise words are quoted, giving His teaching immediate authority and clarity. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting up a clear distinction between the Pharisees' expectation of a kingdom arriving with "observation" (outward signs) and Jesus's declaration that it does not. This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between human, earthly expectations and God's divine reality. Furthermore, there is an element of **Paradox** at play: the most significant reality (the Kingdom of God) is described as coming in a way that is not outwardly observable, challenging conventional understanding and inviting deeper spiritual insight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:20 is foundational for understanding the "already and not yet" nature of the Kingdom of God. Jesus's statement challenges the prevailing eschatological expectations, asserting that God's reign is not merely a future, cataclysmic event but also a present, spiritual reality that operates without outward pomp or political display. This spiritual presence of the Kingdom is inaugurated through Jesus's ministry and is manifested in transformed lives and the work of the Holy Spirit, often subtly and internally. While there will be a future, visible consummation of the Kingdom at Christ's return, this verse emphasizes its current, pervasive influence, requiring spiritual discernment rather than mere physical observation.

* [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within/Among You")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful corrective to our often-externalized expectations of God's work. In a world that values visible success, grand movements, and immediate results, Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God often operates in quiet, unseen ways. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and to discern God's reign in the transformation of hearts, the quiet acts of justice and mercy, and the pervasive influence of His Spirit in our lives and communities. We are called not to wait for a spectacular display before engaging with God's purposes, but to recognize and participate in the Kingdom's present reality, cultivating its values of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This requires spiritual sensitivity and a willingness to embrace a faith that trusts in God's subtle yet powerful work, even when it defies our expectations of outward "observation."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my own expectations for how God's kingdom should manifest in the world or in my life?**
* **How might I be missing the present reality of God's kingdom because I am looking for outward signs or dramatic events?**
* **In what subtle, "unobservable" ways might the Kingdom of God be at work in my community or in my own heart today?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus's statement mean the Kingdom of God is entirely spiritual and invisible?**

Answer: While Jesus emphasizes the non-observable nature of the Kingdom's initial coming, implying a spiritual reality, it does not negate a future, visible manifestation. The Kingdom of God has an "already" dimension (present in Christ and His Spirit) and a "not yet" dimension (its full, observable consummation at Christ's return). This verse corrects the misconception that its *initial* arrival would be with outward pomp, pointing instead to its internal and pervasive influence, as further clarified in [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God Within You"). Later in the same chapter, Jesus describes the future, unmistakable coming of the Son of Man, which *will* be visible to all, like lightning flashing across the sky (Luke 17:24). Thus, the Kingdom is both a present spiritual reality and a future eschatological event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:20 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Himself. The Kingdom of God, which the Pharisees sought to observe externally, was in fact embodied and inaugurated in the very presence of Christ among them. Jesus was not merely announcing the Kingdom; He was its living manifestation. His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His death and resurrection, were not primarily "observable" in the way the Pharisees expected a political overthrow, but rather were the spiritual and redemptive acts by which God's reign broke into human history. When Jesus declared that [the Kingdom of God had come upon them](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You") through His casting out of demons, He was revealing its present, active reality, not as a visible empire, but as the sovereign rule of God over sin and darkness. The "observation" they sought was in fact standing before them, not as a political king, but as the humble [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who would establish His kingdom through sacrifice. Through His ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Christ continues to expand this Kingdom, not with outward spectacle, but through the transformation of hearts and lives, making believers citizens of [His beloved Son's Kingdom](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom") even now.

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 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Luke 19:11

¶ And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Luke 16:16

The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Acts 1:6

¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Luke 17:23

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after [them], nor follow [them].