But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

But {G2532} they constrained {G3849} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Abide {G3306} with {G3326} us {G2257}: for {G3754} it is {G2076} toward {G4314} evening {G2073}, and {G2532} the day {G2250} is far spent {G2827}. And {G2532} he went in {G1525} to tarry {G3306} with {G4862} them {G846}.

but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us, for it’s almost evening, and it’s getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them.

But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.

And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them.

Luke 24:29 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples, still unaware of their companion's true identity, earnestly invite Jesus to stay with them as evening approaches. This verse highlights their genuine hospitality and sets the stage for a profound revelation.

Context of Luke 24:29

This verse is part of the compelling post-resurrection narrative of Jesus' appearance to two disciples, Cleopas and another, on their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were discussing the bewildering events of Jesus' crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection when Jesus Himself joined them, though their eyes were "holden that they should not know him" (Luke 24:16). As they walked, Jesus patiently explained how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to Him, igniting their hearts (Luke 24:32). As they neared their destination, Jesus "made as though he would have gone further," testing their desire for continued fellowship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Earnest Invitation: The disciples' plea, "Abide with us," demonstrates a deep desire for continued fellowship and instruction from this insightful stranger. Their compelling words, "constrained him," suggest a sincere and persistent invitation, not a forceful demand.
  • Hospitality and Fellowship: This verse underscores the biblical theme of hospitality, where opening one's home can lead to divine encounter. Their offer of shelter for the night creates the intimate setting necessary for the upcoming revelation.
  • Divine Accessibility: Jesus, who had just spent hours teaching them profound truths, readily accepts their invitation. This shows His willingness to dwell with His people and His responsiveness to genuine requests for His presence.
  • Anticipation of Revelation: The act of Jesus entering their home to "tarry with them" is the immediate precursor to Him revealing His true identity during the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "constrained" is parebiasanto (παρεβιάσαντο), which means to urge strongly, to press, or to compel by persuasion rather than force. It conveys the disciples' earnestness and respectful persistence in wanting Jesus to stay, indicating their profound appreciation for His companionship and teaching.

Practical Application

Luke 24:29 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Invite Jesus into Your Life: Just as the disciples invited Jesus into their home, we are called to invite Him into every aspect of our lives, our decisions, and our daily walk. Often, Jesus waits for our invitation.
  • Recognize His Presence: Sometimes, Jesus' presence and work in our lives may not be immediately apparent, much like the disciples not recognizing Him on the road. This verse encourages us to remain open and discerning, for He often reveals Himself in unexpected ways and through ordinary acts.
  • Value Fellowship: The disciples' desire for continued companionship with the stranger highlights the importance of spiritual fellowship and community. It is often within relationships and shared meals that Christ's presence becomes most evident.
  • Persistence in Seeking God: The disciples' earnest "constraining" of Jesus reflects a heart that genuinely seeks divine truth and presence. Persistent seeking is often met with profound revelation and blessing.

This humble invitation led directly to the disciples' eyes being opened and their recognizing the Risen Lord, transforming their sorrow into joy and their confusion into understanding (Luke 24:31).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 2 Kings 4:8

    ¶ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
  • Genesis 19:3

    And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Luke 14:23

    And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.
  • Acts 16:14

    And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

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