Luke 8:9

KJV

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} his {G846} disciples {G3101} asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} might {G1498} this {G3778} parable {G3850} be {G1498}?

Complete Jewish Bible

His talmidim asked him what this parable might mean,

Berean Standard Bible

Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant.

American Standard Version

And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:9 captures a pivotal moment of inquiry by Jesus' disciples immediately following His recounting of the Parable of the Sower. This verse highlights their earnest desire for deeper understanding, prompting Jesus to reveal the purpose behind His use of parables and subsequently to provide the profound interpretation of the parable itself, distinguishing the spiritual receptivity of His inner circle from the broader crowd.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial hinge in the narrative of [Luke 8](/luke/8 "Luke Chapter 8 - Parables and Miracles"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus has just concluded the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-8 "Luke 8:4-8 - The Parable of the Sower"), a foundational teaching that describes various responses to the "seed" of the word of God. The parable itself, while seemingly simple, presents a spiritual riddle. The disciples' question in [Luke 8:9](/luke/8-9 "Luke 8:9 - Disciples Ask About the Parable") directly sets the stage for Jesus' explanation of why He speaks in parables ([Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "Luke 8:10 - The Purpose of Parables")) and His subsequent detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Sower ([Luke 8:11-15](/luke/8-11-15 "Luke 8:11-15 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower")). This sequence underscores the disciples' privileged position as recipients of further revelation, contrasting with the general crowd who heard the parable but did not receive its explanation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish context, parables (Hebrew: *mashal*) were a common teaching method, often employed by rabbis to illustrate moral or spiritual truths. However, these parables could sometimes be enigmatic, designed to provoke thought and require interpretation. Jesus' use of parables aligns with this tradition, yet He often imbued them with unique depth and eschatological significance. The setting of Jesus teaching "by the lake" ([Luke 8:4](/luke/8-4 "Luke 8:4 - Jesus Teaches by the Lake")) to a "great multitude" speaks to His public ministry, while the disciples' private inquiry highlights the distinction between public proclamation and private instruction for those committed to Him. This reflects a common pedagogical approach where an initial public teaching was followed by more intimate, detailed instruction for dedicated students.

* **Key Themes:** The disciples' question in [Luke 8:9](/luke/8-9 "Luke 8:9 - Disciples Ask About the Parable") contributes to several significant themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **desire for spiritual understanding**; the disciples were not content with superficial hearing but actively sought deeper meaning, demonstrating a teachable spirit crucial for spiritual growth, as seen in [Proverbs 2:3-5](/proverbs/2-3-5 "Proverbs 2:3-5 - Seeking Wisdom"). Secondly, it highlights the **nature and purpose of parables**; Jesus often used parables to reveal truth to those with "ears to hear" while simultaneously veiling it from those whose hearts were hardened or who were not genuinely seeking, a concept explicitly stated in [Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "Luke 8:10 - The Purpose of Parables"). Thirdly, this interaction underscores the theme of **divine revelation**; true understanding of spiritual mysteries often comes not merely from human intellect but through direct, gracious revelation from God, often in response to sincere seeking and humble inquiry, echoing the principle found in [Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - Secrets of the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From *manthanō* (to learn), this term signifies a "learner" or "pupil." In the New Testament, it denotes those who committed themselves to Jesus' teaching and way of life, not merely casual listeners. Their identity as "disciples" here underscores their unique position and earnest commitment to understanding Jesus' message beyond the surface level.
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** Derived from *epi* (upon) and *erōtaō* (to ask), this word means "to ask for," "inquire," or "seek." It implies a targeted and often persistent questioning, going beyond a simple query to a more earnest desire for clarification or information. This choice of word emphasizes the disciples' deliberate and focused pursuit of understanding.
* **parable (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From *paraballō* (to throw alongside, compare), this term refers to a "similitude" or a "comparison." It describes a fictitious narrative drawn from common life, designed to convey a moral or spiritual truth. The disciples' question about "this parable" indicates their recognition that it was more than a simple story; it was a symbolic narrative requiring interpretation to unlock its hidden meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his disciples asked him, saying":** This phrase establishes the immediate context of the inquiry. The conjunction "And" (G1161, *dé*) connects this action directly to Jesus' preceding teaching of the Parable of the Sower. The "disciples" (G3101, *mathētḗs*), as distinct from the larger crowd, demonstrate their unique access and willingness to engage Jesus more intimately. Their act of "asking" (G1905, *eperōtáō*) signifies a deliberate and earnest desire for clarification, not a casual curiosity, setting the stage for Jesus' deeper revelation.
* **"What might this parable be?":** This is the core of their inquiry. The interrogative "What" (G5101, *tís*) seeks the nature or meaning of the parable. The use of "might be" (G1498, *eíēn*), an optative mood, conveys a sense of humble request or a desire for the potential, deeper meaning, rather than a demanding tone. They recognized the story as a "parable" (G3850, *parabolḗ*), understanding it was a symbolic narrative, but its spiritual significance remained veiled to them, prompting their sincere appeal for interpretation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:9 employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Inquiry**, as the verse presents a direct question from the disciples to Jesus, driving the narrative forward and setting up the subsequent explanation. This inquiry functions as a **Plot Device**, creating a moment of suspense and anticipation before the revelation of the parable's meaning. Furthermore, the dialogue itself highlights **Character Distinction** between the disciples, who seek deeper understanding, and the general crowd, who are left with the uninterpreted parable. The disciples' question also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound spiritual truths that Jesus is about to unveil, truths that are reserved for those with "ears to hear" and hearts willing to seek.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:9 underscores the profound theological truth that understanding spiritual revelation often requires active seeking and divine illumination. The disciples' question is not a sign of dullness, but of spiritual hunger and a recognition that Jesus' teachings contained layers of meaning beyond the obvious. This pursuit of understanding is a hallmark of true discipleship, distinguishing those who merely hear the word from those who truly embrace and comprehend it. It highlights God's gracious provision of truth to those who earnestly desire it, often through the Person of Christ Himself, who is the ultimate revealer of God's mysteries.

* [Proverbs 2:1-6](/proverbs/2-1-6 "Proverbs 2:1-6 - The Value of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")
* [John 16:12-13](/john/16-12-13 "John 16:12-13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' humble yet earnest question in Luke 8:9 provides a powerful model for our own engagement with Scripture and spiritual truth. It reminds us that God's Word, while accessible, often contains depths that require diligent seeking, thoughtful inquiry, and a teachable spirit. We should not be content with a superficial reading or a casual hearing of biblical truths, but rather cultivate a genuine hunger to understand the heart and mind of God. This involves not only personal study and meditation but also a willingness to ask questions, to admit when we don't understand, and to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and from mature believers who can help illuminate difficult passages. Just as Jesus patiently explained the parable to His disciples, God is eager to reveal His truth to those who humbly and persistently seek Him, transforming our understanding and deepening our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I truly seeking to understand God's Word, or am I content with a superficial reading?**
* **What specific questions do I have about a particular biblical passage, and how am I pursuing answers?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more teachable spirit in my spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples need to ask for an explanation of the parable? Weren't they supposed to understand Jesus' teachings?**

Answer: The disciples, while privileged to be close to Jesus, were still learning and growing in their understanding. Jesus' parables often contained veiled truths that were not immediately obvious to everyone, including His closest followers. Their question in [Luke 8:9](/luke/8-9 "Luke 8:9 - Disciples Ask About the Parable") demonstrates their teachable spirit and their earnest desire to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning, distinguishing them from the crowds who heard but did not seek further clarity. Jesus' subsequent explanation in [Luke 8:10-15](/luke/8-10-15 "Luke 8:10-15 - Jesus Explains the Parable") confirms that these parables were indeed designed to reveal truth to some while concealing it from others, depending on their spiritual receptivity. Their asking was a sign of healthy spiritual curiosity, not a lack of intelligence.

**What is the significance of Jesus speaking in parables?**

Answer: Jesus used parables for multiple reasons, as explained in [Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "Luke 8:10 - The Purpose of Parables") and [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"). Primarily, parables served to both reveal and conceal truth. For those with receptive hearts and "ears to hear," the parables unveiled spiritual realities in memorable ways, often drawing on common life experiences. For those whose hearts were hardened or who were unwilling to believe, the parables remained enigmatic, preventing them from understanding and therefore from rejecting the truth more culpably. They also challenged listeners to engage actively with the message, prompting inquiry and reflection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:9, with the disciples' earnest inquiry, subtly points to Christ as the ultimate source and revealer of divine truth. Just as the disciples turned to Jesus for the meaning of the parable, so too is Christ the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom")). He is not merely a teacher of parables but the very embodiment of the truth they convey. The Old Testament often spoke in types, shadows, and prophecies that, like parables, required divine interpretation. Christ, being the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), fully unpacks these mysteries. He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one who has "explained" God to humanity because "no one has ever seen God" except the "only God, who is at the Father's side" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). The disciples' question in [Luke 8:9](/luke/8-9 "Luke 8:9 - Disciples Ask About the Parable") thus foreshadows the ongoing need for humanity to turn to Jesus, the Great Interpreter, to truly comprehend the profound truths of God's kingdom and the ultimate purpose of His saving plan.

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

Mark 4:10

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Matthew 13:18

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Matthew 13:10

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Mark 7:17

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

Mark 7:18

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.