Luke 8:9

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

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

His talmidim asked him what this parable might mean,

Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant.

And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.

Commentary

Luke 8:9 finds Jesus' disciples seeking clarity immediately after He has recounted the Parable of the Sower. This verse captures a pivotal moment of inquiry that leads directly to Jesus' profound explanations.

Context

This verse is a direct response to the Parable of the Sower, which Jesus had just finished telling to a large crowd. The parable describes a sower scattering seed, with different outcomes depending on the ground it falls upon (Luke 8:5-8). While the story itself is simple, its spiritual meaning was not immediately obvious to everyone. The disciples, recognizing the deeper significance often hidden within Jesus' teachings, took the initiative to ask for an explanation. Their question here sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the purpose of parables and then to provide the detailed interpretation of the parable itself, found in Luke 8:11-15.

Key Themes

  • Desire for Understanding: The disciples' question highlights their earnest desire to grasp Jesus' teachings beyond the superficial. They were not content with merely hearing the story but sought its deeper, spiritual truth. This demonstrates a teachable spirit essential for spiritual growth.
  • The Nature of Parables: Jesus often used parables to reveal truth to those with "ears to hear" while simultaneously veiling it from those who were not genuinely seeking. The disciples' inquiry underscores that parables often required further illumination for full comprehension.
  • Divine Revelation: This question prompts Jesus to provide divine insight, demonstrating that true understanding of spiritual matters often comes through direct revelation from God, often in response to sincere seeking.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "parable" is parabolē (παραβολή), which means "a placing alongside" or "a comparison." It refers to an earthly story used to illustrate a heavenly or spiritual truth. The disciples' question, "What might this parable be?", indicates they understood it was more than just a story; it was a riddle or a profound comparison that needed unpacking. Their use of "might" (τίς αὕτη εἴη ἡ παραβολή) suggests a humble request for the hidden meaning, not a demand.

Practical Application

Luke 8:9 serves as an important reminder for all believers. It encourages us to:

  • Seek Deeper Meaning: Don't be content with a surface-level reading of Scripture. Like the disciples, we should earnestly seek to understand the spiritual truths embedded within God's Word.
  • Be Teachable: A willingness to ask questions and admit when we don't understand is a sign of humility and a prerequisite for learning. God often reveals more to those who are hungry for His truth.
  • Value Explanation: Just as Jesus explained the parable to His disciples, we benefit from sound teaching and commentary that helps illuminate difficult passages and apply them to our lives.
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

  • 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.
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