Luke 21:38

KJV

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G2992} came early in the morning {G3719} to {G4314} him {G846} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, for to hear {G191} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people would rise with the dawn to come and hear him at the Temple courts.

Berean Standard Bible

And early in the morning all the people would come to hear Him at the temple.

American Standard Version

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:38 vividly portrays the unwavering dedication of the common people to Jesus during his final days of public ministry in Jerusalem. Despite the escalating tension with religious authorities and the profound prophecies Jesus had just delivered, the crowds consistently sought him out at dawn in the temple courts, demonstrating an intense hunger for his teaching and a profound commitment to hearing his words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary of Jesus' daily routine in Jerusalem during the Passion Week, immediately following the profound and challenging "Olivet Discourse" (found in [Luke 21:5-36](/luke/21-5-36 "Luke 21:5-36 - The Olivet Discourse")). Luke 21:37 establishes that Jesus spent his days teaching in the temple and his nights on the Mount of Olives. Verse 38 elaborates on the people's consistent and eager response to his teaching, highlighting their sustained engagement with his message even as the forces plotting against him intensified. It underscores the contrast between the popular devotion to Jesus and the growing hostility of the religious leaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Second Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a place of worship but also a central hub for public life, commerce, and religious instruction. Its outer courts, particularly the Court of the Gentiles, were common venues for rabbis and teachers to instruct the populace. During major festivals like Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled, making the temple a prime location for reaching large audiences. The "early in the morning" detail reflects the daily rhythm of life, where people would begin their activities at dawn, and also suggests a deliberate effort on the part of the crowds to secure a good position to hear Jesus, perhaps before the temple became too crowded or before their daily labors began. This eagerness stands in stark contrast to the religious elite, who often sought to entrap or silence Jesus rather than listen to his teachings.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:38 encapsulates several powerful themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **authority and appeal of Jesus' teaching**, demonstrating why "all the people" were drawn to him, contrasting with the often-skeptical religious leaders (e.g., [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Questioned")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission** to proclaim God's truth, even as his crucifixion loomed. His daily presence in the temple, despite the danger, showcases his dedication to fulfilling his divine purpose. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **spiritual hunger of the common people**, who actively sought out divine wisdom, prioritizing it over other daily concerns. This aligns with Luke's broader emphasis on the marginalized and the receptive heart (e.g., [Luke 8:15](/luke/8-15 "Luke 8:15 - The Good Soil")). Finally, it subtly points to the **temple as a place of encounter and instruction**, a space where divine revelation was accessible to the masses, even as its physical destruction was prophesied by Jesus himself in [Luke 21:6](/luke/21-6 "Luke 21:6 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** From G2992, this word refers to "a people in general," distinguishing it from _dēmos_ which denotes one's own populace. Here, it signifies the broad, general populace of Jerusalem and its visitors, indicating that Jesus' appeal extended beyond a specific group or faction to the common folk from various backgrounds, underscoring his widespread popularity and the universal nature of his message.
* **came early in the morning (Greek, _orthrízō'_):** From G3719, this verb literally means "to use the dawn" or "to repair betimes." It conveys the idea of rising and going somewhere at very early dawn, emphasizing the extraordinary zeal, diligence, and intentionality of the crowds. They were not merely passing by; they were making a concerted, early effort to be present and attentive.
* **to hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, implying not just the physical perception of sound but also listening attentively with the intent to understand, comprehend, and receive. The people came not out of mere curiosity, but with a desire to truly grasp and internalize Jesus' teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people":** This phrase emphasizes the widespread nature of Jesus' appeal. "All" (G3956, _pâs_) suggests a significant, if not exhaustive, representation of the populace present in Jerusalem, indicating the immense impact Jesus had on the common folk, contrasting sharply with the religious elite who sought to discredit him.
* **"came early in the morning to him":** This highlights the extraordinary dedication and eagerness of the crowds. The act of coming "early in the morning" (G3719, _orthrízō_) signifies a deliberate prioritization and commitment. They were willing to sacrifice comfort and time to be present at the earliest opportunity to engage with Jesus, demonstrating a profound hunger for his words.
* **"in the temple":** The temple (G2411, _hierón_) served as the central public forum in Jerusalem, providing a readily accessible and prominent location for Jesus' public ministry. This setting underscores the public and open nature of his teaching, making his message available to a broad audience, and also highlights his courage in teaching in the very heart of the religious establishment that opposed him.
* **"for to hear him.":** This final clause states the explicit purpose of their early arrival. The people came with a specific intention: to "hear" (G191, _akoúō_) Jesus. This implies a desire not just for entertainment or spectacle, but for instruction, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment from the one they recognized as a unique teacher.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise summary in this verse employs several literary devices. The phrase "**all the people**" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast numbers and widespread popularity of Jesus among the populace, even if it wasn't every single person in Jerusalem. This hyperbole serves to underscore the profound impact Jesus had on the masses, contrasting with the growing opposition from the authorities. The detail of coming "**early in the morning**" provides **Emphasis** on the people's extraordinary zeal and dedication, highlighting their commitment to prioritize hearing Jesus' words above other daily activities. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the **temple** as the setting is significant; it is the traditional locus of God's presence and instruction, and Jesus, the living Word, now teaches within its very courts, fulfilling and reinterpreting its purpose. This sets the stage for the dramatic events of the Passion, where the true "temple" of God's presence would be redefined through Jesus' body.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:38 speaks profoundly to the enduring human hunger for divine truth and the accessibility of God's word through His chosen messenger. It underscores that genuine spiritual engagement often requires intentional effort and prioritizing the pursuit of wisdom. The people's eagerness to hear Jesus daily in the temple foreshadows the ongoing need for believers to consistently immerse themselves in God's revelation. This verse also implicitly highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate Teacher, whose words held unparalleled authority and life-giving power, drawing people from all walks of life.

* [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Noble Bereans")
* [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Building on the Rock")
* [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Luke 21:38 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers. The crowds' willingness to rise "early in the morning" and consistently seek out Jesus in the temple challenges us to examine our own priorities and the depth of our desire for God's Word. In a world filled with distractions and competing demands, do we cultivate a similar eagerness to engage with spiritual truth? This verse calls us to intentionality in our spiritual disciplines, reminding us that true spiritual growth often requires deliberate effort, perhaps even sacrificing comfort or convenience. It invites us to consider how we can create space in our daily lives for consistent, focused listening to God, whether through scripture, prayer, or communal worship. Just as Jesus faithfully taught until the very end, we are called to be faithful hearers and doers of His word, allowing it to transform our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily routine reflect my priority for hearing God's Word?**
* **What "early morning" sacrifices am I willing to make to grow in my faith and understanding of Christ?**
* **In what "temple" or public spaces am I called to actively listen for and engage with God's truth today?**
* **What might prevent me from consistently seeking to "hear Him" with the same eagerness as the crowds in Luke 21:38?**

### FAQ
**What does "early in the morning" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "early in the morning" (Greek: _orthrízō_) signifies a deep level of dedication and eagerness on the part of the people. It suggests that they were not merely casual listeners but were intentionally making an effort to be present at dawn, perhaps before the day's work began or to secure a good spot to hear Jesus. This detail emphasizes their profound hunger for Jesus' teaching and their willingness to prioritize spiritual nourishment above personal comfort or other daily activities. It highlights their commitment to consistently engage with his message.

**Who are "all the people" mentioned in Luke 21:38?**

Answer: "All the people" (Greek: _pâs ho laós_) refers to the general populace, the common folk of Jerusalem and the many pilgrims who had gathered for the Passover festival. This phrase emphasizes the widespread popularity and appeal of Jesus among the masses, distinguishing them from the religious and political elite who often opposed him. It signifies that Jesus' message resonated broadly across different segments of society, drawing large crowds who were eager to hear his words and witness his ministry in the temple courts (see [Luke 19:48](/luke/19-48 "Luke 19:48 - The People Hung on His Words")).

**What was Jesus teaching in the temple at this time?**

Answer: Leading up to Luke 21:38, Jesus had been engaged in various teachings and confrontations in the temple. Chapter 21 itself records the "Olivet Discourse," where Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple, spoke about the signs of the end times, and exhorted his disciples to be vigilant and ready for his return (e.g., [Luke 21:5-36](/luke/21-5-36 "Luke 21:5-36 - The Olivet Discourse")). Prior to this, he had been challenged by religious leaders regarding his authority, debated with them on various theological points, and delivered parables and warnings, such as the Parable of the Wicked Tenants ([Luke 20:9-19](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants")). Therefore, his teaching encompassed prophecies, ethical instructions, warnings, and defenses of his divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:38, depicting the crowds' eager pursuit of Jesus' teaching in the temple, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus himself as the ultimate Word of God and the new, living Temple. The people sought to "hear him" because in Jesus, they encountered the very voice of God, the one through whom God was speaking most clearly and definitively (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His daily presence in the physical temple foreshadowed the reality that He is the true dwelling place of God among humanity, the fulfillment of all that the temple symbolized (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")). The crowds' early morning devotion to hear His words points to the new covenant reality where access to God's presence and truth is no longer confined to a physical structure or a specific time, but is made eternally available through Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus tore the veil, opening a "new and living way" into the holiest presence of God (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), becoming the ultimate High Priest and the very object of our spiritual hunger. Thus, the desire to "hear him" culminates in a life lived in communion with the resurrected Christ, the source of all wisdom and eternal life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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 8:1

¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

John 8:2

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.