Luke 24:19

KJV

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, What things {G4169}? And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Concerning {G4012} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}, which {G3739} was {G1096} a prophet {G4396} mighty {G1415} in {G1722}{G435} deed {G2041} and {G2532} word {G3056} before {G1726} God {G2316} and {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G2992}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“What things?” he asked them. They said to him, “The things about Yeshua from Natzeret. He was a prophet and proved it by the things he did and said before God and all the people.

Berean Standard Bible

“What things?” He asked. “The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:19 captures a pivotal moment on the road to Emmaus, where two disheartened disciples, unaware they are speaking with the resurrected Christ, articulate their understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. Their description highlights His profound impact as a prophet, whose ministry was characterized by extraordinary power in both His miraculous deeds and His authoritative teachings, all publicly acknowledged before God and humanity. This exchange poignantly reveals their limited grasp of the Messiah's true identity and destiny, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the post-resurrection narrative of Jesus' appearance to two disciples on the [road to Emmaus](/luke/24-13-35 "Luke 24:13-35 - The Emmaus Road Encounter"). Following the traumatic events of Jesus' crucifixion and the perplexing reports of an empty tomb, Cleopas and his companion are walking away from Jerusalem, discussing these bewildering occurrences. Jesus, unrecognized by them, joins their journey and inquires about their conversation. Their response in [Luke 24:19-21](/luke/24-19-21 "Luke 24:19-21 - Disciples' Description of Jesus") serves as a summary of their pre-resurrection understanding of Jesus, emphasizing His prophetic role and powerful ministry, yet betraying their despair over His death and their unfulfilled hopes for a political deliverer. This sets up Jesus' profound exposition of the [Old Testament prophecies](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures") concerning the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of a "prophet" was deeply ingrained, rooted in the long line of God's messengers from Moses to Malachi. Prophets were divinely appointed individuals who spoke God's word, often performed signs and wonders, and called the people to repentance or announced future events. There was a widespread expectation of a new prophet, perhaps even "the Prophet" like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")). Jesus' ministry, marked by unprecedented miracles, authoritative teaching, and bold pronouncements, led many, including these disciples, to identify Him as such a prophet ([Matthew 21:11](/matthew/21-11 "Matthew 21:11 - Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth")). The phrase "before God and all the people" underscores the public nature and divine authentication of Jesus' work, which was not done in secret but was widely observed and acknowledged by both religious authorities and the common populace.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' prophetic identity**, a significant aspect of His earthly ministry, recognized even by those who did not fully grasp His divine sonship or messianic role. Secondly, it emphasizes the **comprehensive nature of Jesus' ministry**, encompassing both powerful "deeds" (miracles, healings, exorcisms) and authoritative "words" (teachings, parables, sermons). This duality is a hallmark of true divine authorization, as seen in [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1 "Acts 1:1 - Jesus' Deeds and Words"). Thirdly, the disciples' lament in the subsequent verses reveals the theme of **unfulfilled messianic expectations**, particularly their hope for a political deliverer who would redeem Israel ([Luke 24:21](/luke/24-21 "Luke 24:21 - Disciples' Disappointment")). Finally, the entire Emmaus encounter underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness and subsequent revelation**, as the disciples initially fail to recognize Jesus, only for their "eyes to be opened" through the breaking of bread ([Luke 24:31](/luke/24-31 "Luke 24:31 - Eyes Opened at Emmaus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From G1415, meaning powerful or capable, literally or figuratively. Here, it describes Jesus' inherent ability and demonstrated power, indicating that His deeds and words were not merely human efforts but possessed divine potency and authority. It suggests an extraordinary, compelling force behind His actions and teachings.
* **deed (Greek, _érgon'_):** From G2041, meaning toil (as an effort or occupation) or, by implication, an act. In this context, "deed" refers to Jesus' actions, particularly His miracles, healings, exorcisms, and other powerful demonstrations of divine authority that accompanied His ministry. These were tangible, observable manifestations of His power.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic, reasoning, or motive. Here, "word" refers to Jesus' authoritative teachings, sermons, parables, and pronouncements. It encompasses the content and power of His spoken communication, which often astonished His listeners due to its wisdom and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, "What things?"**: This opening phrase sets the scene for the disciples' explanation. Jesus, though fully aware of the events, poses an open-ended question, inviting them to articulate their perspective and reveal the depth of their confusion and despair. It's a pastoral inquiry designed to draw out their hearts.
* **"And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth,"**: The disciples respond directly, identifying the subject of their intense discussion. The appellation "Jesus of Nazareth" is a common way to refer to Him, emphasizing His earthly origin and human identity, which is all they perceive at this moment.
* **"which was a prophet mighty in deed and word"**: This is the core of their description. They acknowledge Jesus' widely recognized prophetic status, but crucially, they qualify it with "mighty in deed and word." This phrase encapsulates the two primary dimensions of Jesus' public ministry: His miraculous actions (deeds) and His authoritative teaching (word). They saw Him as a powerful messenger from God, whose authority was demonstrated comprehensively.
* **"before God and all the people:"**: This final clause emphasizes the public and divinely attested nature of Jesus' ministry. His power and authority were not hidden; they were evident for all to see ("all the people") and were implicitly affirmed by God Himself, who empowered His prophet. It highlights the undeniable impact Jesus had on society and the divine backing of His work.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the disciples are speaking *to* the very Jesus they are describing, yet they do not recognize Him. Their accurate description of His past ministry stands in stark contrast to their present ignorance of His resurrected state, creating a dramatic tension that will be resolved later in the narrative. There is also an element of **Understatement** in their description; while "a prophet mighty in deed and word" is true, it falls short of His full identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the resurrected Lord. This understatement highlights their limited, pre-resurrection understanding. Furthermore, the phrase "mighty in deed and word" exhibits **Parallelism**, balancing Jesus' actions with His teachings, suggesting a complete and integrated ministry where His power was manifest in both what He did and what He said. This specific phrasing also creates an **Allusion** to other figures in biblical history, such as Moses, who was also described as "mighty in words and deeds" ([Acts 7:22](/acts/7-22 "Acts 7:22 - Stephen's Speech on Moses")), subtly elevating Jesus' status by associating Him with a revered prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:19 serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the historical reality of Jesus' earthly ministry with the dawning understanding of His post-resurrection identity. The disciples' accurate, yet incomplete, assessment of Jesus as "a prophet mighty in deed and word" underscores the undeniable impact of His public ministry, which was characterized by both supernatural power and profound wisdom. This dual demonstration of authority was essential for authenticating His divine mission and preparing the way for the revelation of His messianic and salvific purpose. It reminds us that Jesus' claims were not abstract but were consistently validated by His actions and teachings, making His ministry a coherent and divinely sanctioned whole. This foundation of His earthly work is what gives credibility to the radical claims of His resurrection and ultimate Lordship.

* [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1 "Acts 1:1 - The Former Treatise") - Luke, in Acts, reiterates the comprehensive nature of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing "all that Jesus began to do and to teach."
* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Authority of Jesus' Teaching") - The crowds were astonished at Jesus' teaching because He taught as one having authority, not as the scribes.
* [John 10:37-38](/john/10-37-38 "John 10:37-38 - Believe the Works") - Jesus Himself pointed to His works as evidence of His divine origin and unity with the Father.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Emmaus road encounter, beginning with this verse, offers a profound lesson on the nature of spiritual understanding and the journey of faith. The disciples, though intimately familiar with Jesus' ministry, were blinded by their preconceived notions and grief, unable to recognize the very person they were discussing. This serves as a powerful reminder that even genuine followers can miss the full truth of God's work when their hearts are clouded by disappointment or a lack of spiritual insight. For us today, it highlights the importance of continually seeking a deeper understanding of Christ, moving beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of His historical impact to a living, personal encounter with His resurrected presence. It challenges us to examine our own expectations of God, ensuring they align with His revealed truth rather than our limited perspectives, and to remain open to His transformative revelation, especially through His Word and the breaking of bread (communion).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own preconceived ideas or current struggles prevent me from fully recognizing Christ's presence or work in my life today?**
* **How do I balance my understanding of Jesus' "deeds" (His power and miracles) with His "words" (His teachings and truth) in my daily walk of faith?**
* **What "things" am I discussing or dwelling on that might be hindering my full grasp of the resurrected Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples on the Emmaus road not recognize Jesus?**

Answer: The text explicitly states, "their eyes were kept from recognizing him" ([Luke 24:16](/luke/24-16 "Luke 24:16 - Eyes Kept from Recognition")). This suggests a divine intervention or a spiritual blindness, rather than a physical disguise. Their emotional state—disheartened and confused by Jesus' death—likely also played a role in their inability to perceive His true identity. It was only after Jesus expounded the Scriptures and broke bread with them that their eyes were opened ([Luke 24:31](/luke/24-31 "Luke 24:31 - Eyes Opened at Emmaus")), indicating that spiritual understanding often requires divine revelation and the illumination of God's Word.

**What does "mighty in deed and word" signify about Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: This phrase, "mighty in deed and word," is a concise and profound summary of Jesus' earthly ministry, highlighting its comprehensive and authoritative nature. His "deeds" refer to His miraculous works—healings, exorcisms, calming storms, raising the dead—which demonstrated His divine power and authority over creation, sickness, and evil ([Luke 7:21-22](/luke/7-21-22 "Luke 7:21-22 - Jesus' Works as Evidence")). His "word" refers to His authoritative teachings, parables, and pronouncements, which were unlike those of the scribes and Pharisees, speaking with inherent power and wisdom ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Authority of Jesus' Teaching")). Together, these two aspects testified to His unique identity as God's chosen messenger, validating His claims and demonstrating His divine origin "before God and all the people."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:19, though spoken by disciples still grappling with the reality of the resurrection, powerfully foreshadows and affirms the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work. Their description of Jesus as "a prophet mighty in deed and word" points beyond a mere historical figure to the very essence of the incarnate Word of God. Jesus' "deeds" found their ultimate fulfillment not only in His miracles but supremely in His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of power over sin and death ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His "word," the authoritative teaching He delivered, is fully realized in the Gospel message—the good news of salvation through His resurrection, which He was about to unpack for these very disciples from "all the Scriptures" ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). The One who was "mighty in deed and word" before men is revealed as the resurrected Lord, whose victory over death validates every word He spoke and every deed He performed. He is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) who not only spoke truth but embodied it, and whose ultimate "deed" of atonement and resurrection secured eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")). Thus, the disciples' limited understanding becomes a profound, albeit unwitting, testimony to the Christ who perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets through His life, death, and triumphant resurrection.

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

Matthew 21:11

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

John 4:19

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Acts 2:22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

John 6:14

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Acts 7:22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.