Luke 24:7

KJV

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004},{G3754} The Son {G5207} of man {G444} must {G1163} be delivered {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of sinful {G268} men {G444}, and {G2532} be crucified {G4717}, and {G2532} the third {G5154} day {G2250} rise again {G450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be executed on a stake as a criminal, but on the third day be raised again’?”

Berean Standard Bible

‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”

American Standard Version

saying that the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:7 captures the pivotal message delivered by two angels to the women at Jesus' empty tomb, serving as a divine reminder and confirmation of Jesus' own prophetic words. The verse reiterates that the Son of Man, Jesus Himself, "must" be betrayed and handed over to sinful humanity, subjected to crucifixion, and then, triumphantly, rise again on the third day. This declaration underscores the divine necessity and purposeful fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ's suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, which the disciples, in their grief, had momentarily forgotten.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic and pivotal resurrection narrative of Luke's Gospel, specifically in the account of the women's visit to the tomb. Earlier in the chapter, [Luke 24:1-3](/luke/24-1-3 "Luke 24:1-3 - The Women at the Empty Tomb") describes how Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women arrived at the tomb early on the first day of the week, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body. Their expectation was to find a corpse, not an empty tomb. Upon discovering the stone rolled away and the tomb vacant, they were deeply perplexed. Suddenly, two men in dazzling clothes, identified as angels, appeared beside them, causing the women to be terrified and bow their faces to the ground ([Luke 24:4-5](/luke/24-4-5 "Luke 24:4-5 - Angels Appear at the Tomb")). The angels then challenged their misconception with the profound question, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!" ([Luke 24:5-6](/luke/24-5-6 "Luke 24:5-6 - The Angels' Declaration")). It is immediately following this declaration that the angels utter the words of [Luke 24:7](/luke/24-7 "Luke 24:7 - The Angels' Reminder of Jesus' Words"), explicitly reminding the women of Jesus' own prior prophecies concerning His passion and resurrection, which He had spoken while still with them in Galilee (e.g., [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering") and [Luke 18:31-33](/luke/18-31-33 "Luke 18:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Passion Again")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cultural context of Jewish burial practices is crucial here; it was customary to anoint a body after death, which explains the women's purpose in coming to the tomb. Their actions reveal their understanding that Jesus was dead and needed proper burial rites, indicating they had not fully grasped or remembered His prophecies of resurrection. The "third day" holds significant biblical resonance, appearing in various Old Testament contexts (e.g., [Hosea 6:2](/hosea/6-2 "Hosea 6:2 - Resurrection on the Third Day")). Roman crucifixion was a brutal, public form of execution reserved for criminals and rebels, designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation. The fact that Jesus "must be delivered into the hands of sinful men" speaks to the historical reality of His trial and condemnation by both Jewish religious authorities and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The disciples' initial despair and the women's surprise at the empty tomb highlight the profound cultural and theological shock of a resurrection, which was not a common expectation for an individual, even among those who believed in a general resurrection at the end of time.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 24:7](/luke/24-7 "Luke 24:7 - The Angels' Reminder of Jesus' Words") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prophecy and Fulfillment**, emphasizing that Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental tragedies but the precise fulfillment of His own repeated predictions and God's predetermined plan. The angels' words serve as a direct callback to Jesus' teachings, particularly those found in [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering") and [Luke 18:31-33](/luke/18-31-33 "Luke 18:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Passion Again"). Secondly, the phrase "must be delivered" (Greek: `deî`) highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** at play; despite the human agency of betrayal and malice, God's overarching purpose for salvation was being meticulously executed. This was not a defeat but a purposeful act of redemption orchestrated by God. Thirdly, the triumphant declaration "and the third day rise again" establishes the **Centrality of the Resurrection** as the cornerstone of Christian faith. It is the ultimate validation of Jesus' claims, securing victory over sin and death, and offering the hope of eternal life to all who believe. Finally, Jesus' self-designation as "The Son of man" emphasizes both His **Full Humanity and His Unique Messianic Identity**, connecting Him to the prophetic figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receiving Dominion"), destined for suffering, death, and ultimate glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies divine necessity or obligation. It conveys that Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection were not merely probable or advisable, but absolutely essential and predetermined by God's sovereign will. It indicates a divine imperative, a non-negotiable part of God's redemptive plan that had to occur.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to intrust," or "to transmit." In this context, it carries the heavy connotation of betrayal and being handed over to an enemy or to judgment. It refers to Jesus being betrayed by Judas, handed over by the Jewish authorities to Pilate, and ultimately, by God the Father, for the purpose of atonement.
* **rise again (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to raise up (again)." It unequivocally denotes a literal, physical rising from the dead, not a spiritual awakening, metaphorical revival, or mere remembrance. It confirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus, which is foundational to the Christian gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men":** This clause begins the angelic reminder by identifying Jesus with His preferred self-designation, "the Son of Man," which speaks to both His humanity and His divine, messianic role (as seen in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes")). The crucial word "must" (Greek: `deî`) underscores the divine necessity of the events that followed. Jesus' delivery "into the hands of sinful men" refers to His betrayal by Judas, His arrest, and His subsequent condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman authorities. It highlights the human agency in His suffering, driven by sin, yet simultaneously points to God's sovereign plan in allowing these events to unfold.
* **"and be crucified":** This part of the prophecy explicitly names the method of Jesus' death. Crucifixion was a brutal, agonizing, and humiliating form of execution used by the Romans, designed to make a public spectacle of the condemned. For Jesus, it was the means by which He bore the sins of the world, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). This detail emphasizes the reality and severity of His atoning sacrifice.
* **"and the third day rise again":** This final and triumphant clause is the climax of the prophecy. The "third day" is a specific and divinely appointed timing, emphasizing the definitive nature of the event. "Rise again" refers to Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead, which is the ultimate validation of His identity, His claims, and His victory over sin and death. This was the event that transformed the disciples' despair into hope and became the central message of the early church.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the angels' words are a direct recall of Jesus' own prior predictions of His passion and resurrection, which the women had forgotten. This repetition serves to reinforce the divine pre-ordination of these events. There is a profound **Irony** in the statement that the Son of Man "must be delivered into the hands of sinful men"; while it speaks of human malice and betrayal, it simultaneously highlights that even this evil act serves God's ultimate redemptive purpose. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between human sinfulness and divine sovereignty. The structure of the verse also presents a clear **Climax**, moving from suffering and death ("delivered," "crucified") to the glorious triumph of resurrection ("rise again"), emphasizing the ultimate victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:7 is a theological cornerstone, revealing the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan. It asserts that Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental but divinely orchestrated necessities, fulfilling ancient prophecies and Jesus' own predictions. This divine "must" (`deî`) underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history and human actions, even the most heinous ones, turning the ultimate act of human sin (the crucifixion of God's Son) into the ultimate act of divine love and salvation. The resurrection on the "third day" is the linchpin, validating Jesus' identity as the Son of God, confirming His victory over sin and death, and providing the basis for the hope of eternal life for all believers. It transforms a perceived defeat into the greatest triumph, demonstrating God's power to bring life out of death.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message of Christ's Death and Resurrection")
* [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Acts 2:23-24 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Death and Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 24:7 offers profound reassurance and a powerful call to remembrance for believers today. Just as the angels reminded the women of Jesus' words, we are called to constantly recall and meditate on the truths of God's Word, especially in times of confusion, sorrow, or doubt. This verse teaches us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to our expectations. The "must" of Jesus' suffering and resurrection reminds us that God is always working His purposes, even through human sin and suffering. The reality of Christ's physical resurrection provides the ultimate hope and foundation for our faith, transforming despair into joy and fear into unwavering confidence. It assures us that death is not the end, and that through Christ, we too can experience new life and victory over sin. This truth should empower us to live with courage, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to overcome life's challenges and live for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "must" of Jesus' suffering and resurrection shape your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to intentionally remember God's promises, rather than succumbing to doubt or despair?**
* **How does the reality of Christ's physical resurrection impact your hope for the future and your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "must" be delivered into the hands of sinful men and crucified?**

Answer: The Greek word `deî` (G1163), translated as "must," signifies a divine necessity. Jesus' delivery and crucifixion were not accidental but were part of God's predetermined, sovereign plan for the redemption of humanity. This was the only way for atonement to be made for sin, as "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness")). It fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), and Jesus Himself had repeatedly foretold these events (e.g., [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering")). His death was a willing sacrifice, demonstrating God's profound love for a fallen world.

**What is the significance of Jesus rising "the third day"?**

Answer: The "third day" is a crucial detail that appears consistently in the biblical accounts of the resurrection. Its significance is multifaceted: it fulfills Jesus' own prophecies (e.g., [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "Matthew 12:40 - The Sign of Jonah"), where Jesus refers to Jonah being in the fish for three days and three nights), and it marks the definitive triumph over death. The timing was precise and public enough to be verified, yet not so delayed that His body would have decomposed, preventing claims of a mere spiritual resurrection. The "third day" serves as a divine marker, confirming the truth of the resurrection and validating Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the victor over sin and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:7 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very core of the Gospel. The "Son of Man" (a title Jesus frequently used, linking Himself to the divine figure in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes")) "must be delivered into the hands of sinful men" and "be crucified." This speaks directly to Christ's atoning work: He, the sinless Son of God, was willingly "delivered" by God's plan and by human betrayal ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon on God's Plan")) to bear the full weight of humanity's sin on the cross. His crucifixion, the ultimate act of human malice, became the ultimate expression of God's love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). But the story does not end in death; the triumphant declaration, "and the third day rise again," is the glorious fulfillment. Christ's physical resurrection on the third day is the ultimate proof of His victory over sin, death, and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). It validates His deity, justifies all who believe in Him ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification")), and guarantees the future resurrection and eternal life for His followers ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). Thus, Luke 24:7 encapsulates the entire redemptive narrative, pointing to Christ as the one whose suffering and triumph secure salvation for all.

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

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.