Luke 24:52

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

And {G2532} they {G846} worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, and returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} with {G3326} great {G3173} joy {G5479}:

They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy.

And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Commentary

Luke 24:52 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, capturing the disciples' immediate response to witnessing Jesus' ascension into heaven. This concise verse beautifully encapsulates their transformed understanding and faith.

Context

This verse concludes Luke's Gospel, immediately following the ascension of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days appearing to His disciples, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and preparing them for the mission ahead (as detailed further in Acts 1:3). The disciples had just received His final blessing and witnessed His physical departure from earth. Despite the apparent separation, their reaction is not one of sorrow or confusion, but rather profound worship and joy, coupled with obedience to His command to return to Jerusalem and await the Holy Spirit (as mentioned in Luke 24:49).

Key Themes

  • Worship of the Exalted Christ: The disciples' act of worship signifies their full acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature and His triumph over death. It is a recognition of His rightful place as Lord, even after His physical departure. This worship is the appropriate response to the revelation of God's power and plan through Christ.
  • Supernatural Joy: Instead of sadness at Jesus' physical absence, the disciples were filled with "great joy." This joy was not based on earthly circumstances but on a spiritual understanding of Jesus' victory, the promise of His return, and the impending gift of the Holy Spirit. It's a testament to the transformative power of faith and hope in Christ's finished work.
  • Obedient Anticipation: Their return to Jerusalem was a direct act of obedience to Jesus' instruction. This obedience demonstrates their faith and readiness to receive the power from on high necessary for their future ministry, bridging the narrative to the book of Acts where the Church is established and empowered. Their joy empowered their obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "they worshipped him" translates the Greek word proskuneō (προσκυνέω), which means "to prostrate oneself before," "to do homage," or "to adore." This term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe worship given to God. Its application here to Jesus unequivocally affirms His deity in the eyes of His disciples. The "great joy" translates chara megas (χαρὰ μεγάλη), signifying a profound, deep-seated gladness that transcends mere happiness. It is a spiritual joy, rooted in their understanding of Christ's triumph and the certainty of His promises.

Practical Application

Luke 24:52 provides a timeless model for the believer's response to Christ. Even though we do not witness Jesus' ascension physically, we are called to similar responses:

  • Worship: Our lives should be characterized by worship of the risen and ascended Christ, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all things. This worship is not just through songs but through every aspect of our lives (Romans 12:1).
  • Joy in the Spirit: True Christian joy is not dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can experience profound joy even amidst trials, knowing that Christ reigns and His promises are true (Philippians 4:4).
  • Obedient Living: Like the disciples, we are called to live in obedience to Christ's commands, trusting in His guidance and anticipating the ongoing work of His Spirit in our lives and through His Church. Our obedience is an expression of our worship and faith.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian walk, though it may involve waiting and challenges, is ultimately marked by adoration of Jesus and an abiding, deep-seated joy in His finished work and future reign.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Matthew 28:9

    And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

  • John 16:22

    And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

  • Psalms 30:11

    Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

  • Matthew 28:17

    And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

  • John 20:28

    And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

  • 1 Peter 1:8

    Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

  • John 14:28

    Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
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