Luke 24:37

KJV

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} they were terrified {G4422} and {G2532} affrighted {G1719}{G1096}, and supposed {G1380} that they had seen {G2334} a spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost.

Berean Standard Bible

But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

American Standard Version

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:37 vividly captures the disciples' immediate, visceral reaction to Jesus' sudden post-resurrection appearance among them. Overwhelmed by astonishment and fear, they mistakenly concluded they were witnessing a disembodied spirit rather than the physically resurrected Christ, highlighting the profound challenge of comprehending such an extraordinary divine reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in Luke's Gospel, immediately following the transformative encounter of two disciples with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Having returned to Jerusalem, these disciples were sharing their incredible testimony with the assembled eleven and their companions when Jesus Himself suddenly appeared in their midst, uttering a greeting of peace ([Luke 24:36](/luke/24-36 "Luke 24:36 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")). The disciples' reaction in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") is the direct, unvarnished response to this unexpected and overwhelming manifestation, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent actions to prove the physical reality of His resurrection, such as inviting them to touch Him and eating food in His presence ([Luke 24:39-43](/luke/24-39-43 "Luke 24:39-43 - Jesus Proves His Resurrection")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish thought, the concept of a bodily resurrection was not widely understood or expected, especially for an individual within history. While some Jewish groups, like the Pharisees, believed in a future general resurrection, the idea of a single person rising physically from the dead and appearing was virtually unprecedented and highly unsettling. Belief in spirits, ghosts, or disembodied souls was common, and apparitions were often associated with fear or ill omens. Thus, the disciples' immediate assumption that they had seen "a spirit" was a culturally conditioned response to an event that defied their current understanding of reality and the natural order, reflecting their struggle to reconcile the reports of resurrection with their deeply ingrained perceptions of death.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **human disbelief and the challenge of faith** in the face of the miraculous. Despite having heard prophecies, witnessed Jesus' miracles, and even received reports of His resurrection, the disciples' initial reaction is one of terror and skepticism, illustrating the profound difficulty of accepting a truth that transcends human experience. This verse also powerfully underscores the **reality and physicality of Jesus' resurrection**, as their mistaken assumption of a spirit provides the perfect foil for Jesus to offer irrefutable proof of His bodily return, a foundational truth of Christian theology. Furthermore, it highlights **Jesus' patience and grace** in dealing with His disciples' fear and doubt, as He does not rebuke them but compassionately provides evidence and explanation to transform their apprehension into understanding and joy, a process that culminates in their commission to proclaim the gospel ([Luke 24:44-49](/luke/24-44-49 "Luke 24:44-49 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **terrified (Greek, _ptoéō'_):** From G4422, meaning "to scare" or "frighten." This word conveys a sudden, intense fright, suggesting that the disciples were struck with a profound sense of alarm and shock. It describes an immediate, overwhelming emotional response that causes one to recoil or be startled.
* **affrighted (Greek, _émphobos'_):** From G1719, meaning "in fear" or "alarmed." Used in conjunction with `gínomai` (G1096, "to become"), it indicates that they "became afraid" or "were put into fear." This term emphasizes a state of being overwhelmed by fear, suggesting a deep-seated apprehension that permeated their entire being, going beyond mere surprise to a state of profound dread.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, referring to "a current of air, i.e., breath," and by analogy or figuratively, "a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul," or "an angel, demon." In this context, it clearly refers to a disembodied entity or ghost. The disciples' use of this word reveals their immediate assumption that what they saw was not a physical, resurrected body, but a spectral apparition, consistent with ancient beliefs about the deceased.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they were terrified and affrighted":** This clause immediately conveys the disciples' overwhelming emotional state. The conjunction "But" (G1161, `dé`) signifies a contrast to the preceding narrative, where the Emmaus disciples were joyfully sharing their experience. The combined force of "terrified" and "affrighted" emphasizes the profound and sudden nature of their fear, indicating a reaction of intense shock and panic upon Jesus' unexpected appearance. It suggests they were utterly disoriented and seized by an instinctive dread.
* **"and supposed that they had seen a spirit":** This clause explains the *reason* for their terror. Their immediate conclusion, based on their cultural understanding and the sheer impossibility of a bodily resurrection in their minds, was that they were encountering a disembodied ghost or apparition. This supposition highlights their initial disbelief in the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection, setting the stage for Jesus to provide undeniable proof of His bodily presence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise description in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") employs several literary devices to heighten the dramatic impact and underscore the theological significance of the moment. The use of **Intensification** is evident in the pairing of two strong, near-synonymous verbs, "terrified" (`ptoéō`) and "affrighted" (`émphobos`), to describe the disciples' reaction. This double emphasis vividly portrays their extreme emotional state, conveying a sense of profound panic and dread that goes beyond simple surprise. This intense fear also serves as a narrative **Contrast** to the peace and joy that Jesus offers, and ultimately, to the reality of His triumphant resurrection. Their misinterpretation of Jesus' physical presence as a "spirit" creates dramatic **Irony**, as they are face-to-face with the very embodiment of life and victory over death, yet they perceive Him as a manifestation of the dead. This misperception also functions as a **Plot Device**, setting up Jesus' subsequent actions in [Luke 24:38-43](/luke/24-38-43 "Luke 24:38-43 - Jesus' Proofs of Resurrection") to provide tangible, undeniable proof of His physical resurrection, thereby moving the narrative towards their eventual understanding and commissioning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' initial reaction in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") offers profound theological insights into the nature of human faith and the reality of divine revelation. Their terror and assumption of a spirit underscore the radical, unprecedented nature of the bodily resurrection. It reveals that even those closest to Jesus struggled to comprehend a truth that defied their natural understanding and cultural expectations. This moment highlights the human tendency to resort to familiar explanations (like ghosts) when confronted with the truly miraculous, rather than embracing a new, challenging reality. Theologically, it emphasizes that the resurrection is not merely a spiritual event but a physical, historical one, crucial for the foundation of Christian hope and the defeat of death. Jesus' subsequent patient demonstration of His physical body is an act of divine pedagogy, guiding His fearful and doubting disciples towards a robust, embodied faith.

* [John 20:19-20](/john/20-19-20 "John 20:19-20 - Jesus Appears to Disciples, Shows Wounds")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")
* [Matthew 28:17](/matthew/28-17 "Matthew 28:17 - Disciples Worship, Some Doubt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' fear and misinterpretation in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") serve as a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journeys. Like them, we often encounter truths about God or His work that challenge our preconceived notions, comfort zones, or logical frameworks. Our natural human inclination can be to react with skepticism, fear, or an attempt to rationalize the divine into something more manageable or less intimidating. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts: Do we allow fear or doubt to blind us to the full reality of God's power and presence? Are we open to the unexpected ways God might reveal Himself, even if it defies our expectations? Jesus' patient and compassionate response to His disciples' terror—not condemning them, but offering tangible proof and gentle explanation—provides a model for how God deals with our limitations. It reminds us that faith is often a journey from initial apprehension to confident belief, nurtured by God's grace and His willingness to meet us where we are, transforming our fear into profound joy and understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when confronted with truths that challenge my preconceived notions or understanding of God?**
* **In what areas of my faith might I be prone to skepticism or fear, rather than embracing the full reality of God's power?**
* **How does Jesus' patient response to His disciples' fear encourage me in my own journey of faith and doubt?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples "terrified and affrighted" if they had already heard about the resurrection?**

Answer: The disciples' reaction stemmed from the sheer shock and unexpectedness of Jesus' sudden, physical appearance, even after hearing reports. While Mary Magdalene and others had reported seeing the risen Lord, and the Emmaus disciples had just recounted their encounter, seeing Jesus physically stand among them ([Luke 24:36](/luke/24-36 "Luke 24:36 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")) was an entirely different experience. Their terror was a visceral, immediate response to what their senses perceived as an impossible event. In their cultural context, a bodily resurrection was not a common expectation, so their minds immediately defaulted to the more familiar concept of a disembodied spirit or ghost, which would naturally evoke fear. Their fear was not necessarily a rejection of the resurrection reports, but a profound human reaction to a reality that utterly transcended their understanding.

**What does their belief that they saw "a spirit" reveal about their understanding of the resurrection?**

Answer: Their assumption that they had seen "a spirit" (Greek: `pneûma`) reveals a significant misunderstanding of the *nature* of Jesus' resurrection. It indicates that they initially conceived of resurrection, if they considered it at all, as a non-physical, spiritual continuation of life, rather than a bodily restoration. This belief highlights their struggle to grasp the radical truth that Jesus had risen *physically* from the dead, with a tangible body, albeit glorified. This misperception is precisely what Jesus addresses in the subsequent verses ([Luke 24:38-43](/luke/24-38-43 "Luke 24:38-43 - Jesus' Proofs of Resurrection")), where He invites them to touch Him, shows them His hands and feet, and even eats in their presence, providing undeniable proof that He was not a spirit but truly resurrected in body.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The disciples' terror and misidentification of the resurrected Jesus as a mere "spirit" in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear") profoundly underscores the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Their fear of a disembodied ghost, a symbol of death's lingering power, is immediately confronted by the living, embodied Christ, who has definitively conquered death. Jesus' physical resurrection, which they initially struggled to comprehend, is the very cornerstone of the gospel message, proving His victory over sin and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). He is not a spectral figure but the Lamb of God whose sacrifice was real and whose triumph is tangible. His patient demonstration of His physical body—bearing the marks of the cross yet alive—transforms their fear into faith and joy, mirroring the spiritual journey of all believers. Through His resurrection, Christ disarms the power of death and the fear it instills ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Frees from Fear of Death")), offering not a ghostly presence, but the promise of new, eternal, embodied life for all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")).

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

1 Samuel 28:13

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

Job 4:14

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

Job 4:16

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image [was] before mine eyes, [there was] silence, and I heard a voice, [saying],

Matthew 14:26

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Matthew 14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:49

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

Mark 6:50

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.