Luke 19:40

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, I tell {G3004} you {G5213} that {G3754}, if {G1437} these {G3778} should hold their peace {G4623}, the stones {G3037} would immediately cry out {G2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he answered them, “I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones will shout!”

Berean Standard Bible

“I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”

American Standard Version

And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:40 captures Jesus' emphatic declaration during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, asserting the undeniable and divinely ordained necessity of His public recognition and praise. In response to the Pharisees' demand to silence His praising disciples, Jesus states that if His followers were to cease their acclamations, the very stones of the earth would spontaneously erupt in worship, underscoring the universal and inherent truth of His messianic identity and the unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within the narrative of Jesus' [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/luke/19-28-44 "Luke 19:28-44 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"). Following His journey from Jericho and the parable of the minas, Jesus sends disciples to procure a colt, fulfilling ancient prophecy (cf. [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Entry")). As He approaches the city, a large multitude of His disciples, overflowing with joy, begins to praise God loudly for all the mighty works they had witnessed, shouting, "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" ([Luke 19:37-38](/luke/19-37-38 "Luke 19:37-38 - The Crowd's Acclamation")). This public acclamation, laden with messianic implications, provokes a sharp reaction from some Pharisees present, who demand that Jesus rebuke His disciples ([Luke 19:39](/luke/19-39 "Luke 19:39 - The Pharisees' Objection")). Jesus' response in verse 40, therefore, serves as a direct and powerful defense of the praise, asserting its divine necessity and inevitability, even as He immediately proceeds to lament over Jerusalem's impending destruction due to its rejection of Him ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, was a deliberate act echoing the humble, peace-bringing king prophesied in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Prophecy of the Humble King"). This event occurred just days before Passover, a time when Jerusalem would be teeming with Jewish pilgrims, many of whom harbored fervent hopes for a messianic deliverer who would liberate them from Roman oppression. The crowd's joyous shouts, "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord," were deeply significant, directly applying messianic titles to Jesus. The Pharisees, as religious leaders and guardians of the law, were particularly sensitive to any claims of kingship or divine authority that did not align with their interpretations or threatened the delicate political balance with Rome. They perceived the disciples' praise as blasphemous or politically seditious, hence their demand for Jesus to silence them. Jesus' reply challenges their understanding of divine sovereignty and the nature of the Messiah, asserting that His identity and mission were so profoundly true that even inanimate creation would bear witness if humanity failed to do so.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:40 powerfully articulates several crucial themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Necessity of Praise**, asserting that the recognition and adoration of Jesus as Messiah is not optional but an essential, divinely ordained reality. His identity and mission are so fundamental to God's plan that creation itself is poised to testify if humanity fails. Secondly, the verse underscores **Messianic Authority and Identity**, affirming Jesus' unique role as the promised King. The spontaneous praise from the crowd, and Jesus' defense of it, confirm His rightful claim to messianic kingship, a truth so profound that even the inanimate world would acknowledge it, contrasting sharply with the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders. Finally, the passage emphasizes the **Futility of Silencing Truth**. The Pharisees' attempt to suppress the proclamation of Jesus' kingship is met with a declaration that divine truth cannot be contained or suppressed; it will inevitably find a voice, demonstrating God's sovereign control over His redemptive purposes, which cannot be thwarted by human opposition (cf. [Psalm 118:22-23](/psalm/118-22-23 "Psalm 118:22-23 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **siōpáō (Greek, _siōpáō'_):** From a root meaning "silence" or "hush," this verb means "to be dumb" or "to hold peace." It implies a cessation of speech, often voluntary, but here used hypothetically to describe a forced or unnatural silence. In this context, it emphasizes the absurdity of the Pharisees' request—that the joyous, divinely inspired praise should be suppressed.
* **líthos (Greek, _líthos'_):** This is a primary word meaning "a stone," used literally or figuratively. In Luke 19:40, it refers literally to the physical stones of the road or the surrounding terrain. Its use here is highly figurative, personifying inanimate objects to convey the absolute certainty and undeniable nature of Jesus' messianic identity and the necessity of His praise.
* **krázō (Greek, _krázō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to croak" or "scream," generally "to call aloud" or "shriek," often denoting an urgent, public, or emotionally charged proclamation. The image of stones "crying out" vividly conveys an immediate, loud, and undeniable declaration, highlighting the inherent and overwhelming truth of who Jesus is, a truth that cannot remain silent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them":** This phrase establishes Jesus' direct response to the Pharisees' demand in [Luke 19:39](/luke/19-39 "Luke 19:39 - The Pharisees' Objection"). It signifies that Jesus is not merely making a general statement but is specifically refuting their attempt to silence the praise directed at Him. His answer carries the weight of divine authority.
* **"I tell you that":** This is an emphatic declaration, signaling the importance and certainty of what Jesus is about to say. It's a common introductory phrase in Jesus' teaching, often preceding a profound truth or a revelation of His divine perspective, demanding attention and belief from His audience.
* **"if these should hold their peace":** This sets up a hypothetical condition, referring to His disciples who are currently praising Him. The phrase "hold their peace" implies a cessation of their joyous acclamations, a silence imposed either by external force (as the Pharisees desired) or by their own will. Jesus posits this as an impossible or unnatural scenario in light of the truth.
* **"the stones would immediately cry out":** This is the startling and climactic declaration. It means that if human beings, particularly His disciples, were to fail in their God-given duty to praise Him, creation itself—represented by the most basic and inanimate elements, stones—would be compelled by divine necessity to vocalize the praise due to Him. The word "immediately" (`G2896 krázō`) emphasizes the swift and undeniable nature of this spontaneous, divinely orchestrated testimony.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:40 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses extreme exaggeration ("the stones would immediately cry out") not to deceive, but to underscore the absolute certainty and divine necessity of His praise. This vivid overstatement emphasizes that the truth of His messianic identity is so self-evident and foundational that even inanimate objects would be compelled to acknowledge it if humans remained silent. Closely related is **Personification**, as Jesus attributes the human action of "crying out" to inanimate "stones." This imbues the natural world with a conscious awareness and capacity for worship, highlighting that all creation inherently recognizes its Creator and King. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present. The religious leaders, who should have been the first to recognize and welcome the Messiah, are attempting to suppress the very praise that is due to Him, while Jesus implies that even the unthinking, unfeeling stones possess a greater capacity for spiritual discernment and spontaneous worship than these spiritually blind individuals. This creates a stark contrast between human resistance and divine inevitability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:40 profoundly underscores the sovereignty of God and the inherent, undeniable truth of Jesus' messianic identity. It reveals that God's redemptive plan is unstoppable and will be fulfilled, regardless of human opposition or spiritual blindness. The praise directed towards Jesus is not merely an emotional outburst but a divinely ordained response to the King of Glory, a truth so fundamental that if humanity fails to acknowledge it, creation itself will bear witness. This highlights the concept of creation's inherent witness to its Creator, a theme found throughout Scripture, where the natural world testifies to God's glory and power. The verse challenges believers to consider their own responsibility to praise and proclaim Christ, recognizing that silence in the face of such truth is unnatural, even blasphemous, and that God will ensure His glory is revealed through whatever means necessary.

* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalm/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Invisible Qualities Revealed in Creation")
* [Habakkuk 2:11](/habakkuk/2-11 "Habakkuk 2:11 - The Stone Cries Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:40 serves as a powerful call to reflection for every believer. It reminds us that our praise of Jesus is not merely an option, but a profound and necessary response to who He is and what He has done. If the very stones would cry out, how much more should those who have been redeemed by His grace and enlightened by His Spirit be vocal in their adoration and witness? This verse challenges us to examine the authenticity and boldness of our own praise. Are we allowing fear of man, social pressure, or spiritual apathy to silence our testimony? The passage also serves as a stark warning against spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. The Pharisees, with all their religious knowledge, missed the obvious signs of God's work right before them. We must guard against allowing our preconceived notions, traditions, or even our comfort to prevent us from recognizing and responding to God's active presence and truth in our lives and in the world. Ultimately, Luke 19:40 encourages us to be unashamed, vibrant voices for Christ, knowing that His truth is so undeniable that creation itself stands ready to proclaim Him if we falter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What might be "holding your peace" or silencing your praise for Jesus in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you become a more intentional and vocal witness for Christ, allowing His truth to "cry out" through you?**
* **How does the idea of creation praising God challenge or deepen your understanding of worship?**
* **Are there areas in your spiritual life where you might be exhibiting a form of "spiritual blindness" to God's work or truth?**

### FAQ
**Why would Jesus say "the stones would immediately cry out"?**

Answer: Jesus uses this vivid hyperbole to emphasize the absolute certainty and divine necessity of His messianic identity and the praise due to Him. It's a way of saying that His kingship and the truth of His mission are so fundamental and undeniable that if His human followers were to remain silent, God would ensure that even inanimate creation would spontaneously bear witness. It highlights that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human resistance and that the truth of Christ will always find a way to be proclaimed.

**Does this verse imply that inanimate objects have consciousness or the ability to praise?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that stones literally possess consciousness or the ability to speak. This is a powerful example of **personification** and **hyperbole**, literary devices used to convey a profound spiritual truth. Jesus is using an extreme, figurative image to underscore the undeniable nature of His messianic identity and the divine imperative for His praise. It means that the truth of who He is is so self-evident and universally significant that even the most basic elements of creation would, by divine intervention, be compelled to acknowledge it if humans failed to do so.

**How does this verse relate to our responsibility to evangelize and praise God?**

Answer: Luke 19:40 serves as a powerful motivator for believers to actively praise God and share the Gospel. If the stones would cry out, how much more should those who have experienced God's grace and salvation proclaim His glory? The verse implies that silence in the face of God's manifest truth is unnatural and unacceptable for those who know Him. It encourages boldness in witness, reminding us that our message is not a human invention but a divine reality, so powerful that it demands expression, even from creation itself ([Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:40 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very essence of Jesus' identity and mission. His statement that "the stones would immediately cry out" is not merely a retort to the Pharisees but an affirmation of His unique status as the universally acclaimed King, whose reign is so inherent to creation that it cannot be suppressed. This scene foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), is the one through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ")), and therefore, all creation inherently bears witness to Him. His triumphal entry, though met with human resistance, points to His ultimate victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, ensuring that His name will be praised forever. The "stones crying out" symbolizes the undeniable truth of His divine authority and the cosmic scope of His redemptive work, a truth that will ultimately be fully revealed when He returns in glory, and all creation will join in the chorus of praise for the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")).

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

Habakkuk 2:11

For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Psalms 96:11

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Psalms 98:7

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Matthew 27:51

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;