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.
-
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.
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
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:
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).