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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Luke 18:31–34.
Here is, I. The notice Christ gave to his disciples of his sufferings and death approaching, and of the glorious issue of them, which he himself had a perfect sight and foreknowledge of, and thought it necessary to give them warning of, that it might be the less surprise and terror to them. Two things here are which we had not in the other evangelists: - 1. The sufferings of Christ are here spoken of as the fulfilling of the scriptures, with which consideration Christ reconciled himself to them, and would reconcile them: All things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man, especially the hardships he should undergo, shall be accomplished. Note, The Spirit of Christ, in the Old Testament prophets, testified beforehand his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, Pe1 1:11. This proves that the scriptures are the word of God, for they had their exact and full accomplishment; and that Jesus Christ was sent of God, for they had their accomplishment in him; this was he that should come, for whatever was foretold concerning the Messiah was verified in him; and he would submit to any thing for the fulfilling of scripture, that not one jot or tittle of that should fall to the ground. This makes the offence of the cross to cease, and puts an honour upon it. Thus it was written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, thus it became him. 2. The ignominy and disgrace done to Christ in his sufferings are here most insisted upon. The other evangelists had said that he should be mocked; but here it is added, He shall be spitefully treated, hubristhēsetai - he shall be loaded with contumely and contempt, shall have all possible reproach put upon him. This was that part of his sufferings by which in a spiritual manner he satisfied God's justice for the injury we had done him in his honour by sin. Here is one particular instance of disgrace done him, that he was spit upon, which had been particularly foretold, Isa 50:6. But here, as always, when Christ spoke of his sufferings and death, he foretold his resurrection as that which took off both the terror and reproach of his sufferings: The third day he shall rise again.
II.The confusion that the disciples were hereby put into.
This was so contrary to the notions they had had of the Messiah and his kingdom, such a balk to their expectations from their Master, and such a breaking of all their measures, that they understood none of these things, Luk 18:34. Their prejudices were so strong that they would not understand them literally, and they could not understand them otherwise, so that they did not understand them at all. It was a mystery, it was a riddle to them, it must be so; but they think it impossible to be reconciled with the glory and honour of the Messiah, and the design of setting up his kingdom. This saying was hidden from them, kekrummenon ap' autōn, it was apocrypha to them, they could not receive it: for their parts, they had read the Old Testament many a time, but they could never see any thing in it that would be accomplished in the disgrace and death of this Messiah. They were so intent upon those prophecies that spoke of his glory that they overlooked those that spoke of his sufferings, which the scribes and doctors of the law should have directed them to take notice of, and should have brought into their creeds and catechisms, as well as the other; but they did not suit their scheme, and therefore were laid aside. Note, Therefore it is that people run into mistakes, because they read their Bibles by the halves, and are as partial in the prophets as they are in the law. They are only for the smooth things, Isa 30:10. Thus now we are too apt, in reading the prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled, to have our expectations raised of the glorious state of the church in the latter days. But we overlook its wilderness sackcloth state, and are willing to fancy that is over, and nothing is reserved for us but the halcyon days; and then, when tribulation and persecution arise, we do not understand it, neither know we the things that are done, though we are told as plainly as can be that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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(Hom. 65. in Matt.) He speaks with His disciples apart, concerning His Passion. For it was not fitting to publish this word to the multitudes, lest they should be troubled, but to His disciples He foretold it, that being habituated by expectation, they might be the more able to bear it.
(ubi sup.) Esaias prophesied of this when he said, I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (Isa. 50:5.) The Prophet also foretold the crucifixion, saying, He hath poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors; (Isa. 53:12.) as it is said here, And after they have scourged him, they shall put him to death. But David foretold Christ's resurrection, For thou shalt not leave my soul in hell, (Ps. 16:10.) and so it is here added, And on the third day he shall rise again.
The Savior of all then declared these things beforehand to the holy apostles. It says, "They did not understand what was said, and the word was hid from them." They did not then know accurately what the holy prophets proclaimed. Although [Peter] who was first among the disciples heard the Savior once say that he should be crucified, die and arise, he did not yet understand the depth of the mystery. He resisted, saying: "Far be that from you, Lord. This will not happen to you." He was rebuked for speaking this because he did not know the meaning of the relevant Scripture inspired by God. When Christ arose from the dead, he opened their eyes, as another of the holy Evangelists wrote. They were enlightened, being enriched with the abundant participation of the Spirit.
(l. ii. Ep. 212.) I marvel at the folly of those who ask how Christ rose again before the three days. If indeed He rose later than he had foretold, it were a mark of weakness, but if sooner, a token of the highest power. For when we see a man who has promised his creditor that he will pay him his debt after three days, fulfilling his promise on that very day, we are so far from looking upon him as deceitful, that we admire his veracity. I must add, however, that He said not that He should rise again after three days, but on the third day. You have then the preparation, the Sabbath until sun set, and the fact that He rose after the Sabbath was over.
Our Redeemer, foreseeing that the souls of the disciples would be troubled by His passion, foretold to them long beforehand both the suffering of that same passion and the glory of His resurrection, so that when they saw Him dying, as had been predicted, they would not doubt that He would also rise again. But because the disciples, still carnal, were by no means able to grasp the words of the mystery, a miracle is performed. Before their eyes a blind man receives light, so that those who could not grasp the words of the heavenly mystery might be strengthened in faith by heavenly deeds.
(Hom. 2. in Ev.) The Saviour foreseeing that the hearts of His disciples would be troubled at His Passion, tells them long beforehand both the suffering of His Passion and the glory of His Resurrection.
And they understood none of these things. And this saying was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what was said. We read in the Gospel according to John, the Lord saying: "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." The crowd answered and said: "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. And how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'?" (John 12). Why, then, is it that the disciples, who had the mystery of the Lord’s passion repeated to them so many times, could not understand it, while the Jews, at a single word, and so obscurely put that the Evangelist deemed it worthy of explanation: "Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death He would die" (ibid.), immediately understood that the exaltation of the cross was meant, except because the disciples, whose lives especially wished to witness that, could not hear of His death? They, knowing Him not only as an innocent man but also as the true God, thought He could by no means die. And because they were accustomed to hearing Him often speak in parables, whenever He said anything about His passion, they believed it was not to be understood as it sounded, but to be referred allegorically to something else dictated by love. But the Jews, because they conspired for His death, understood whatever He spoke about His passion or cross; for He spoke what they most eagerly wished to occur and labored to bring about. Thus, in a marvelously unusual way, the same mystery of undergoing the cross, which love concealed from the faithful, envy revealed to the unfaithful.
And knowing that there would arise certain heretics, saying, that Christ taught things contrary to the Law and the Prophets, He shows already that the voices of the Prophets had proclaimed the accomplishment of His Passion, and the glory which should follow.
For because they desired His life above all things, they could not hear of His death, and as they knew him to be not only a spotless man, but also very God, they thought He could in no wise die. And whenever in the parables, which they frequently heard Him utter, He said any thing concerning His Passion, they believed it to be spoken allegorically, and referred to something else. Hence it follows, And this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. But the Jews, who conspired against His life, knew that He spoke concerning His Passion, when he said, The Son of man must be lifted up; therefore said they, We have heard in our law that Christ abideth for ever, and how sayest thou the Son of man must be lifted up?
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Summary
Luke 18:34 profoundly illustrates the disciples' complete inability to grasp Jesus' clear predictions of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Despite the explicit nature of His words, their understanding was divinely veiled, highlighting a crucial moment in God's sovereign plan where truth was concealed until the appointed time, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of redemption.
Context
Literary Context
Luke 18:34 immediately follows Jesus' third and most detailed prophecy of His passion, crucifixion, and resurrection (Luke 18:31-33). This prediction, delivered as they journey towards Jerusalem, explicitly outlines His betrayal, mockery, scourging, and death at the hands of the Gentiles, culminating in His resurrection on the third day. This is not the first time Jesus has spoken of His suffering; earlier, in Luke 9:22, He spoke of the Son of Man suffering many things, and again in Luke 9:44, He stated that the Son of Man would be delivered into the hands of men. Each time, the disciples demonstrated a similar incomprehension, often being afraid to ask for clarification, as seen in Mark 9:32. Luke 18:34 serves as a stark commentary on their spiritual blindness, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Passion Week.
Historical & Cultural Context
The disciples, like most first-century Jews, held deeply ingrained expectations of a Messiah who would be a conquering king, a political liberator who would overthrow Roman rule and restore the Davidic kingdom. Their understanding was shaped by prophecies of a glorious, triumphant king (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7), not a suffering servant who would be rejected, tortured, and crucified. The concept of a Messiah who must suffer and die was antithetical to their nationalistic hopes and theological frameworks. This cultural lens, combined with their human limitations, created a profound barrier to understanding Jesus' words about His impending passion. They were looking for a crown, not a cross, and this preconception fundamentally skewed their perception of Jesus' mission.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Human Incomprehension versus Divine Revelation. Despite Jesus' clear teaching, the disciples' minds were not yet ready to receive the full truth, highlighting humanity's inherent limitations in grasping God's higher ways. Secondly, the phrase "this saying was hid from them" points to the Sovereignty of God in Revelation and Timing. It was part of God's predetermined plan that the full spiritual implications of Jesus' atoning sacrifice would remain veiled until after His resurrection, when the Holy Spirit would illuminate their understanding and guide them into all truth (as promised in John 16:13). This divine concealment ensured the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 53), which the disciples would only fully comprehend in retrospect. Finally, the passage emphasizes the Centrality and Necessity of the Cross in God's redemptive plan, a truth so profound and counter-intuitive that it defied human logic and required divine unveiling.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (G4920) means "to put together" or "to comprehend mentally." It implies a process of connecting ideas and grasping their meaning. The use of the negative ("understood none") emphasizes a complete lack of intellectual or spiritual apprehension, indicating that the disciples could not integrate Jesus' words into their existing framework of understanding.
This primary verb (G2928) signifies "to conceal" or "to cover." In this context, it suggests an active concealment, implying that the truth was not merely difficult to grasp but was supernaturally veiled from them. This points to a divine agency in their lack of understanding, suggesting that God had sovereignly determined the timing of this revelation.
This verb (G1097) means "to know" in a comprehensive sense, implying experiential knowledge or full recognition. The repetition of the negative ("neither knew they") reinforces the depth of their incomprehension, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a complete lack of recognition or familiarity with the profound spiritual realities Jesus was describing.
Verse Breakdown
"And they understood none of these things:"
This opening clause immediately establishes the disciples' profound incomprehension. Despite Jesus' explicit and repeated declarations regarding His passion, their minds were entirely closed to the meaning of His words. This was not a partial misunderstanding but a complete failure to grasp the essence of what He was saying.
"and this saying was hid from them,"
This phrase introduces a crucial theological dimension. The passive voice ("was hid") suggests a divine agency at work. It implies that their inability to understand was not solely due to their own limitations or preconceived notions, but also part of God's sovereign plan. The truth was veiled from them by divine design, ensuring that the full revelation of the cross and resurrection would unfold at God's appointed time.
"neither knew they the things which were spoken."
This final clause serves as a powerful reiteration and intensification of the preceding statements. It emphasizes the totality of their ignorance, moving beyond simple intellectual comprehension to a complete lack of experiential or intuitive knowledge of the profound truths Jesus was articulating. The repetition underscores the depth of their spiritual blindness regarding the most critical aspect of Jesus' mission.
Literary Devices
Luke 18:34 employs several potent literary devices. There is profound Irony in this verse: Jesus, the divine Son of God, speaks with perfect clarity about His mission, yet His closest followers, who have witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings, are utterly blind to His most crucial message. This creates a dramatic tension, highlighting the chasm between divine truth and human perception. The verse also functions as Foreshadowing, hinting at the eventual illumination that will occur after Jesus' resurrection, when the Holy Spirit will open their understanding to the Scriptures (as seen in Luke 24:45). Furthermore, the use of the Divine Passive in "was hid from them" subtly points to God's sovereign hand in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This suggests that the disciples' blindness was not merely a human failing but part of a larger divine purpose, ensuring that the timing and nature of the revelation aligned with God's perfect will.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Luke 18:34 powerfully underscores the theme of divine revelation and human receptivity. It highlights that spiritual truth, especially concerning the deepest mysteries of God's plan, is not always accessible through mere intellectual effort or human reasoning. There are times when God, in His sovereign wisdom, chooses to veil understanding until the appointed moment, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled according to His perfect timing. This divine concealment serves to magnify the eventual unveiling of truth, often through the work of the Holy Spirit, transforming the disciples' incomprehension into profound insight after the resurrection. It teaches us that true spiritual understanding is ultimately a gift from God, dependent on His grace and timing, rather than solely on human capacity or desire.
Reflection and Application
Luke 18:34 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the disciples struggled to reconcile their preconceived notions with Jesus' divine reality, we too can fall prey to our own expectations, biases, or cultural assumptions, which may blind us to God's deeper truths or His specific will for our lives. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and openness, recognizing that God's ways are often higher and more mysterious than our own, as articulated in Isaiah 55:8-9. It reminds us that true spiritual understanding is not solely a product of intellectual study, but requires the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are encouraged to diligently study God's Word while simultaneously praying for divine revelation, trusting that God will unveil truth in His perfect timing, transforming our confusion into clarity and our limited perspectives into a deeper comprehension of His glorious plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why couldn't the disciples understand Jesus' clear predictions of His death and resurrection?
The disciples' inability to understand stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, their deeply ingrained Jewish messianic expectations anticipated a conquering, political king, not a suffering servant. This cultural lens created a significant barrier, making the concept of a dying Messiah unthinkable and irreconcilable with their hopes. Secondly, the text suggests a divine element at play: "this saying was hid from them." This implies that God, in His sovereign plan, had veiled their understanding until the appropriate time. It was not yet time for them to fully grasp the profound theological implications of Jesus' sacrifice. Their full comprehension would only come after the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who would then guide them into all truth and open their minds to understand the Scriptures (as seen in Luke 24:45 and John 16:13).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Luke 18:34, though depicting the disciples' profound incomprehension, ultimately points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Their blindness was a necessary part of the divine drama, ensuring that the cross, the central act of salvation, would unfold precisely as prophesied, without human interference or premature understanding. It is in Christ's death and resurrection that the "hid" saying is finally unveiled. The very events the disciples failed to grasp became the foundation of the gospel message they would later boldly proclaim. After His resurrection, Jesus Himself "opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45), revealing how all the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to His suffering and glory (Luke 24:44). The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ (John 14:26), then empowered them to fully comprehend and articulate the mystery of Christ crucified, a wisdom previously hidden but now revealed for the salvation of all who believe (1 Corinthians 2:7-10). Thus, the incomprehension of Luke 18:34 serves as a dramatic backdrop against which the glorious, Christ-centered revelation of God's saving work shines all the more brightly.