Luke 24:16

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

But {G1161} their {G846} eyes {G3788} were holden {G2902} that they should {G1921} not {G3361} know {G1921} him {G846}.

but something kept them from recognizing him.

But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

Commentary

Luke 24:16 is a pivotal verse in the poignant Emmaus Road narrative, revealing the mysterious nature of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and the disciples' initial inability to recognize Him. It sets the stage for a profound lesson on spiritual revelation.

Context

This verse is situated immediately after Jesus joins two disciples, Cleopas and another unnamed one, on their walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They are deeply saddened and discussing the recent events of Jesus' crucifixion, unaware that the very person they are mourning is walking beside them. Their conversation revolves around the "things which are come to pass there" (Luke 24:14), referring to the crucifixion and the confusing reports of an empty tomb.

Key Themes

  • Divine Concealment and Revelation: The phrase "their eyes were holden" points to a supernatural act, implying that God intentionally prevented them from recognizing Jesus. This was not a physical inability to see, but a divine restraint on their perception. This highlights that spiritual understanding and recognition of Christ often come through divine timing and initiative.
  • Spiritual Blindness: Despite Jesus' physical presence, the disciples were spiritually blind to His identity. This theme underscores that true recognition of Christ requires more than just physical sight; it necessitates an opening of the heart and mind, which Jesus later provides (Luke 24:31).
  • The Nature of the Resurrected Body: Jesus' post-resurrection body was real, yet also transformed and not always immediately recognizable, as also seen with Mary Magdalene at the tomb. This verse emphasizes that the resurrected Jesus could control when and how He was perceived.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "holden" is ekratounto (ἐκρατοῦντο), from the verb krateō. It means "to hold fast," "to seize," or "to grasp," often implying an active, powerful restraint or control. It suggests that their eyes were not merely unfocused, but were supernaturally prevented from recognizing Him, indicating a purposeful divine action rather than a simple oversight on their part.

Significance and Application

Luke 24:16 teaches us several important lessons:

  • God's Timing in Revelation: Just as He did with the Emmaus disciples, God reveals Himself and His truths at His appointed time. Our recognition of Him often unfolds through a process, not always instantaneously.
  • Beyond Physical Sight: True understanding of Jesus comes through spiritual discernment, not just physical observation. It reminds us that we can walk alongside Christ, hear His words (through Scripture), and still miss His presence if our spiritual eyes are not opened.
  • The Role of Scripture and Fellowship: The disciples' eyes were opened when Jesus expounded the Scriptures to them and broke bread with them. This highlights the importance of engaging with God's Word and participating in Christian fellowship for recognizing Christ's presence in our lives today. Indeed, Jesus later opened their understanding of the Scriptures, showing that divine insight is a gift.

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Cross-References

  • John 20:14 (8 votes)

    And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

  • John 21:4 (8 votes)

    But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

  • Luke 24:31 (7 votes)

    And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

  • Mark 16:12 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 6:18 (3 votes)

    And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

  • 2 Kings 6:20 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.