Luke 19:39

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

And {G2532} some {G5100} of the Pharisees {G5330} from {G575} among the multitude {G3793} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Master {G1320}, rebuke {G2008} thy {G4675} disciples {G3101}.

Some of the P’rushim in the crowd said to him, “Rabbi! Reprimand your talmidim!”

But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”

And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples.

Luke 19:39 KJV: "And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples."

Context of Luke 19:39

This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as Palm Sunday. As Jesus rode on a colt towards the city, a large crowd of His disciples began to praise God loudly and joyfully for all the mighty works they had seen, shouting, "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" (Luke 19:38). This public acclamation was a clear declaration of Jesus' messianic identity and kingship. The Pharisees, ever present and often critical of Jesus, were deeply disturbed by this open display of worship and recognition, prompting their demand for Jesus to silence His followers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Pharisaic Opposition: The Pharisees' request to "rebuke thy disciples" underscores their consistent disbelief and hostility towards Jesus' claims and ministry. They saw the disciples' praise as blasphemous or politically dangerous, challenging their religious authority and the established order. Their demand reveals a deep-seated rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, despite the evident signs and the popular acclaim.
  • Unstoppable Praise: This verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound response in the very next verse, Luke 19:40, where He declares, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." This statement emphasizes that the praise for Him is not merely human enthusiasm but a divinely ordained and irrepressible truth. The recognition of His kingship was inevitable and essential, fulfilling ancient prophecies like Zechariah 9:9.
  • Messianic Acknowledgment: The disciples' spontaneous and joyful shouts were a profound acknowledgment of Jesus as the promised King, the Son of David. Even as religious leaders sought to suppress this truth, the common people and His followers were moved to declare it openly, signifying the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "rebuke" is epitimaō (ἐπιτιμάω). This term often carries the sense of a stern warning, censure, or command to silence. It's the same word used when Jesus rebukes demons (Luke 4:35) or even the wind and waves (Luke 8:24), demonstrating authority. The Pharisees were asking Jesus to exercise His authority to suppress the truth being declared by His disciples, highlighting their attempt to control the narrative and silence any public recognition of Jesus' divine status.

Practical Application

Luke 19:39 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Courage in Praise: Like the disciples, we are called to openly acknowledge and praise Jesus as King, even when facing opposition or discomfort from those who do not believe or understand.
  • Truth Cannot Be Silenced: The truth of Jesus' identity and reign is so powerful and fundamental that it cannot ultimately be suppressed. If humans fail to declare it, God's creation itself bears witness to His glory.
  • Discerning Opposition: We can expect that sincere faith and worship may draw criticism or attempts at suppression from those who reject Christ's authority, just as the Pharisees opposed Jesus.

This verse reminds us of the irrepressible nature of God's plan and the vital importance of proclaiming Jesus' kingship to the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 4:1

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Acts 4:2

    Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

  • Acts 4:16

    Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].

  • Acts 4:18

    And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

  • James 4:5

    Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

  • John 12:19

    The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

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