17:20 17:20

Luke 17:21

17:22 17:22

Bible Versions

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Neither {G3761} shall they say {G2046}, Lo {G2400} here {G5602}! or {G2228}, lo {G2400} there {G1563}! for {G1063}, behold {G2400}, the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is {G2076} within {G1787} you {G5216}.
nor will people be able to say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘Over there!’ Because, you see, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.

Luke 17:21 (KJV)

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God, likely in response to questions from the Pharisees (Luke 17:20). They were looking for a visible, dramatic, and perhaps political manifestation of God's rule. Jesus corrects their expectation, indicating that the Kingdom's arrival won't be something to be pointed out like a physical location or event that everyone can see externally.

Key Themes: The nature and location of the Kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom is not merely a future, external event, but a present reality. It is not something to be sought in a specific geographical spot ("Lo here! or, lo there!"). Instead, its presence is related to God's rule and authority being active, both in the person of Jesus himself and in the lives of those who follow Him.

Linguistic Insights: The crucial phrase is "within you." The Greek is "entos humon" (ἐντὸς ὑμῶν). This phrase can be translated in two main ways:

  • "Within you" (plural): Referring to the internal spiritual reality of God's rule in the hearts of believers.
  • "Among you" (plural): Referring to the fact that the Kingdom was present in their midst because Jesus, the King, was there.

Both interpretations are possible and hold truth. Given the contrast with external observation ("Lo here! or, lo there!"), the idea of the Kingdom being a spiritual reality experienced internally or present in the community of believers (Jesus and his disciples) makes sense. Many commentators see "within you" as highlighting the personal, spiritual aspect of God's reign in the believer's life.

Practical Application: This verse challenges us to look beyond external signs or future predictions when seeking the Kingdom of God. While the Kingdom will have a future culmination, it is also a present reality. We experience the Kingdom of God when we submit to God's rule in our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to work righteousness, peace, and joy within us (Romans 14:17). The Kingdom is not just "out there" but is to be lived "in here" and "among us" as believers.

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.

  • Matthew 12:28

    But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

  • Romans 14:17

    For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

  • Mark 13:21

    And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not:

  • Luke 10:9

    And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • Luke 10:11

    Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • Colossians 1:27

    To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • Matthew 24:23

    Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.
 Back

Search Scripture