Luke 24:50

¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

And {G1161} he led {G1806} them {G846} out {G1854} as far as {G2193} to {G1519} Bethany {G963}, and {G2532} he lifted up {G1869} his {G846} hands {G5495}, and blessed {G2127} them {G846}.

He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them;

When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.

And he led them out untilthey were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Commentary

Luke 24:50 describes a poignant moment in the post-resurrection narrative: Jesus leading His disciples out to Bethany for His final earthly act of blessing before His ascension. This verse sets the scene for the dramatic conclusion of Luke's Gospel and the beginning of the Book of Acts.

Historical and Cultural Context

The setting for this event is Bethany, a village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just two miles from Jerusalem. This location holds significant spiritual resonance, as it was a place Jesus often visited, notably the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (see John 11:1-44). By leading them to Bethany, Jesus chose a familiar and intimate place, connecting His earthly ministry with His departure. This act of leading them out was deliberate, signifying a transition from His physical presence to a new era of the Holy Spirit's empowerment (as promised in Acts 1:8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Farewell Blessing: Jesus' final act before ascending is a powerful blessing. This underscores His loving care for His disciples and His desire to impart spiritual strength and favor upon them as they prepared for their global mission. It signifies an empowering benediction.
  • Divine Authority: By "lifting up His hands," Jesus performed a gesture traditionally associated with priestly blessing (as seen with Aaron in Leviticus 9:22) or prophetic pronouncements. This action highlights His unique authority as both High Priest and King, bestowing divine favor upon His followers.
  • Preparation for Mission: The blessing was not merely a farewell but an equipping for the disciples' future work. It was a tangible expression of His promise to be with them always, even as He physically departed, setting the stage for the Great Commission and the spread of the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lifted up his hands" translates the Greek eparas tas cheiras (ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας). This is a common posture for prayer and blessing in the ancient world, signifying a solemn and authoritative act of invoking divine favor. The word "blessed them" comes from the Greek eulogēsen autous (εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς), which means "to speak well of" or "to confer benefit upon." In this context, it implies a divinely effective blessing, imparting grace, peace, and spiritual endowment to His chosen witnesses.

Practical Application

Luke 24:50 reminds believers today that Jesus' final act was one of blessing and empowerment. This blessing extends to all who follow Him, providing the spiritual resources needed to live out His calling. Just as He prepared His first disciples for their mission, He continues to equip us for our own witness in the world. His departure was not abandonment, but a transition to a new, spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit (as discussed in John 14:16). We are recipients of His enduring grace and are called to be channels of His blessing to others, demonstrating His love and truth in our daily lives.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 1:12

    ¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

  • Genesis 49:28

    ¶ All these [are] the twelve tribes of Israel: and this [is it] that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

  • Numbers 6:23

    Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

  • Numbers 6:27

    And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

  • Matthew 21:17

    And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

  • Genesis 48:9

    And Joseph said unto his father, They [are] my sons, whom God hath given me in this [place]. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

  • Mark 10:16

    And he took them up in his arms, put [his] hands upon them, and blessed them.
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