Luke 24:13

KJV

¶ And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, two {G1417} of {G1537} them {G846} went {G2258}{G4198} that {G1722} same {G846} day {G2250} to {G1519} a village {G2968} called {G3739}{G3686} Emmaus {G1695}, which was {G568} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2419} about threescore {G1835} furlongs {G4712}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That same day, two of them were going toward a village about seven miles from Yerushalayim called Amma’us,

Berean Standard Bible

That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was threescore furlongs from Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:13 initiates the profound and unique Emmaus Road narrative, recounting how two disheartened disciples, on the very day of Jesus' resurrection, journeyed away from Jerusalem towards a village named Emmaus, approximately seven miles distant. This seemingly ordinary journey sets the stage for an extraordinary encounter with the resurrected Christ, who, unrecognized at first, joins them and begins to transform their despair into understanding and fervent hope through the exposition of the Scriptures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 24:13 immediately follows the initial reports of Jesus' resurrection. The women who visited the tomb found it empty and were told by angels that Jesus was alive ([Luke 24:1-7](/luke/24-1-7 "Luke 24:1-7 - The Empty Tomb and Angelic Proclamation")). Their testimony was met with skepticism by the apostles ([Luke 24:8-11](/luke/24-8-11 "Luke 24:8-11 - Disciples' Disbelief")). Peter then ran to the tomb and found it empty, marveling at what had happened ([Luke 24:12](/luke/24-12 "Luke 24:12 - Peter at the Empty Tomb")). Against this backdrop of confusion and partial understanding, Luke 24:13 shifts the focus from Jerusalem to the road, introducing two disciples who are physically moving away from the center of these bewildering events. This narrative, unique to Luke, provides an intimate look at the process of revelation and recognition, culminating in the disciples' return to Jerusalem to share their transformative experience ([Luke 24:33-35](/luke/24-33-35 "Luke 24:33-35 - The Disciples Return to Jerusalem")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold on the "same day" as the resurrection, which would have been the first day of the week, following the Sabbath and the Passover celebrations. Jerusalem would have been a hub of activity, still reeling from the crucifixion of Jesus, a figure many had hoped would be Israel's deliverer. The disciples' journey to Emmaus, a village approximately 60 furlongs (about 7.5 miles or 12 kilometers) from Jerusalem, was a common mode of travel in ancient Judea. Their departure from the city suggests a sense of disillusionment and a desire to distance themselves from the place where their hopes had seemingly been crushed. It was customary for people to walk, and such a journey would provide ample time for conversation, reflection, and the unfolding of the narrative, highlighting the intimate and personal nature of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:13 introduces several key themes that permeate the Emmaus narrative and the broader book of Luke. The disciples' journey away from Jerusalem immediately highlights **Disillusionment and Doubt**, as their hopes for Jesus as the Messiah had been shattered by His death, leading them to abandon the city where the resurrection reports were circulating. This physical departure reflects their spiritual disorientation. Despite their confusion, the narrative powerfully demonstrates **Divine Initiative and Presence**, as Jesus actively pursues and joins them on their journey, illustrating God's compassionate engagement with individuals in their moments of uncertainty. Furthermore, the physical journey itself serves as a profound **Metaphor for the Journey of Understanding and Faith**. It represents a process where initial blindness and sorrow, as seen in their inability to recognize Jesus and their downcast faces ([Luke 24:16-17](/luke/24-16-17 "Luke 24:16-17 - Jesus Joins the Disciples")), are gradually replaced by revelation and joy, culminating in the recognition of the resurrected Lord through the breaking of bread ([Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Jesus Revealed in the Breaking of Bread")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This interjection (G2400) functions as an imperative, drawing the reader's attention to the unfolding scene. It signals something new, significant, and often unexpected is about to happen, emphasizing the dramatic shift in narrative focus from the empty tomb to the journey of these two disciples.
* **two (Greek, _dýo'_):** As a primary numeral (G1417), "two" indicates a specific, small number of individuals. In biblical narrative, two witnesses often provide corroboration, but here it highlights the intimate and personal nature of Jesus' encounter, focusing on a small group rather than a large crowd, setting the stage for a private, revelatory conversation.
* **Emmaus (Greek, _Emmaoús'_):** This proper noun (G1695) refers to a specific village. Its exact location is debated, but its significance lies in its distance from Jerusalem and its role as the destination of the disillusioned disciples. The name itself, possibly of Hebrew origin, grounds the narrative in a tangible location, yet the spiritual journey it represents transcends its physical coordinates.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold,"**: This introductory phrase, marked by the Greek "kai idou," immediately grabs the reader's attention, signaling a significant new development in the narrative. It emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the disciples' journey and the divine orchestration behind it.
* **"two of them went that same day"**: This clause establishes the timing and participants. "That same day" underscores the immediacy of the resurrection events and the disciples' swift departure. The "two of them" refers to disciples of Jesus, though not part of the inner circle of the twelve, highlighting that Jesus' post-resurrection appearances were not limited to the apostles.
* **"to a village called Emmaus,"**: This specifies their destination, a seemingly ordinary village. Their movement away from Jerusalem, the center of the recent traumatic events, suggests a physical and emotional retreat from the bewildering reports of the empty tomb and the apparent failure of their hopes.
* **"which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs."**: This provides the precise distance, approximately 60 furlongs (about 7.5 miles or 12 kilometers). This considerable walking distance allows for the extended conversation and teaching that will take place, emphasizing the time Jesus spent with them in revealing the Scriptures.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:13 employs several literary devices to set the stage for its profound narrative. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident as the disciples' physical journey *away* from Jerusalem subtly foreshadows their spiritual state of disillusionment and their inability to grasp the truth of the resurrection. The very act of "going" (Greek: _poreúomai_) introduces the central motif of a **Journey as Metaphor**, where the physical travel to Emmaus symbolizes the spiritual journey of faith, understanding, and revelation. The specific mention of "Emmaus" and its distance from Jerusalem establishes a precise **Setting**, which then becomes a symbolic backdrop for the unfolding of divine truth. Furthermore, the phrase "And, behold," functions as a **Narrative Hook**, immediately drawing the reader into the scene and signaling that something significant and divinely orchestrated is about to occur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:13, though seemingly a simple geographical and temporal marker, carries profound theological weight. It introduces us to disciples who, despite being followers of Jesus and having heard reports of the empty tomb, are consumed by sorrow and confusion. Their departure from Jerusalem signifies a retreat from the very place where God's ultimate redemptive act had just occurred, illustrating the human tendency to walk away from truth when it contradicts our expectations or causes us pain. Yet, this verse also subtly introduces the theme of God's relentless pursuit, as Jesus Himself will soon join them on this road, demonstrating His compassionate initiative to meet individuals in their doubt and lead them to understanding. It underscores that even in our moments of deepest disillusionment, Christ is present, ready to reveal Himself and His Word.

* [John 14:18](/john/14-18 "John 14:18 - Jesus' Promise to Not Leave Disciples")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")
* [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Gather")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The journey of the two disciples to Emmaus, initiated in Luke 24:13, offers a powerful mirror for our own spiritual walks. Often, when faced with disappointment, confusion, or the shattering of our expectations, we too are tempted to "walk away" from the very source of our hope. This verse reminds us that even when our hearts are heavy and our understanding clouded, Jesus is not distant; He actively draws near to us in our moments of doubt and despair. Our personal journeys, whether marked by physical travel or internal struggle, are opportunities for divine encounter. Just as Jesus opened the Scriptures to these disciples on the road, He continues to illuminate His truth for us through His Word and His Spirit, transforming our sorrow into joy and our confusion into clarity. This narrative encourages us to remain open to His presence, even when He is unrecognized, and to trust that He is always working to reveal Himself and His purposes, rekindling our hope and redirecting our steps back towards the center of His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently feeling disillusioned or tempted to "walk away" from a difficult situation or a challenging aspect of your faith?**
* **How does the idea of Jesus joining the disciples on their journey, even when unrecognized, encourage you in your own moments of doubt or confusion?**
* **What steps can you take to be more attentive to Jesus' presence and His revelation through His Word in your daily life, especially when you feel lost?**

### FAQ
**Who were the two disciples mentioned in Luke 24:13?**

Answer: Luke 24:13 initially identifies them simply as "two of them," implying they were part of the broader group of Jesus' followers, though not among the twelve apostles. Later in the narrative, [Luke 24:18](/luke/24-18 "Luke 24:18 - Cleopas Identified") reveals the name of one of them as Cleopas. The identity of the second disciple is not explicitly stated in the biblical text, leading to various traditions and scholarly suggestions, but remaining unnamed allows for a universal identification with their experience.

**What is the significance of the distance to Emmaus being "threescore furlongs"?**

Answer: The distance of "threescore furlongs" (60 furlongs), which translates to approximately 7.5 miles or 12 kilometers, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates a considerable walking distance, providing ample time for the extended conversation and teaching that Jesus would impart to the disciples as they traveled. This unhurried pace allowed for a deep, personal revelation. Secondly, it highlights their physical movement away from Jerusalem, the place of the crucifixion and the empty tomb, symbolizing their emotional and spiritual retreat from the bewildering events. The journey itself becomes a metaphor for their spiritual state and the process of coming to terms with the resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:13, by setting the stage for the Emmaus encounter, powerfully illustrates the ongoing, personal, and revelatory ministry of the resurrected Christ. Even as these disciples walked away in despair, convinced that their hopes had been dashed, Jesus Himself drew near, embodying the truth that He never abandons His own, even in their moments of deepest confusion. This divine initiative foreshadows Christ's continued presence with His church, assuring believers that He walks with them through every trial and doubt, fulfilling His promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). The subsequent unfolding of the narrative, where Jesus interprets "in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")), reveals that all of Scripture points to Him, demonstrating His centrality as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah ([Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Luke 24:44-47 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures' Fulfillment")). The Emmaus road, therefore, becomes a timeless testament to Christ's compassionate pursuit of His people, His illuminating power through the Word, and His ultimate revelation in the breaking of bread, transforming sorrow into fervent joy and doubt into unwavering faith in the living Lord.

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

Luke 24:18

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Mark 16:12

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

Mark 16:13

And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.