Luke 9:18

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} he was {G1511} alone {G2651} praying {G4336}, his {G846} disciples {G3101} were with {G4895} him {G846}: and {G2532} he asked {G1905} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Whom {G5101} say {G3004} the people {G3793} that I {G3165} am {G1511}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Once when Yeshua was praying in private, his talmidim were with him; and he asked them, “Who are the crowds saying I am?”

Berean Standard Bible

One day as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: “Who do the crowds say I am?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:18 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, capturing Him in His characteristic posture of prayer, withdrawing from the crowds to commune with God. While His disciples are physically present, the emphasis is on His solitude in prayer, immediately preceding a profound inquiry into His identity. This question, first posed concerning popular opinion and then directly to His disciples, serves as a crucial theological turning point, setting the stage for Peter's confession and Jesus' subsequent revelation of His suffering and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's Gospel, following the miraculous [feeding of the five thousand](/luke/9-10-17 "Luke 9:10-17 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), an event that dramatically increased Jesus' public profile and demonstrated His divine power. The narrative flow immediately transitions from this public display to a private, intimate moment of prayer, a recurring motif throughout Luke that highlights Jesus' dependence on the Father. This prayerful interlude directly precedes the crucial discussion about Jesus' identity, culminating in [Peter's confession](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession of Christ") and Jesus' subsequent [first prediction of His passion](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering"). Thus, the prayer in [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity") serves as a spiritual anchor for these momentous revelations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact location of this prayer is not specified in [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity"), the subsequent events in [Luke 9:20-21](/luke/9-20-21 "Luke 9:20-21 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Command") suggest the general vicinity of Caesarea Philippi, a region rich in pagan worship and Roman imperial presence. This setting would have provided a stark contrast to Jesus' divine claims. In Jewish society, prophets and teachers were highly revered, and there were diverse expectations regarding the coming Messiah—some anticipated a political liberator, others a spiritual leader. The public's varied opinions, ranging from John the Baptist to Elijah or one of the prophets, reflect the common categories through which people understood powerful religious figures of their time, yet none fully grasped the unique, divine nature of Jesus as the Christ.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity") contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. First, **The Practice of Prayer** is consistently emphasized, portraying Jesus as a model of deep communion with God, especially before significant events or teachings, as seen in [Luke 3:21](/luke/3-21 "Luke 3:21 - Jesus' Baptism and Prayer") and [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays Before Choosing Disciples"). Second, **The Question of Jesus' Identity** is central, moving from popular speculation to the disciples' personal conviction, highlighting the critical distinction between superficial understanding and true faith. This theme is foundational to the entire Gospel, leading to the revelation of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Third, **Discipleship and Understanding** is explored as the disciples are present, yet Jesus' question challenges them to move beyond mere physical proximity to a profound, personal grasp of who He is, distinguishing their faith from the fleeting opinions of the crowd.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **alone (Greek, _katamónas'_):** This adverb, derived from `κατά` (according to) and `μόνος` (alone), signifies a state of being "separately" or "by oneself." In the context of [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity"), it emphasizes Jesus' solitary devotion in prayer, even though His disciples were nearby. It highlights the intimate and personal nature of His communion with God, distinct from any communal activity.
* **praying (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** This verb, a compound of `πρός` (towards) and `εὔχομαι` (to pray), specifically means "to pray to God," "to supplicate," or "to worship." It denotes a purposeful act of communication and petition directed towards the divine. Luke frequently portrays Jesus in this posture, underscoring prayer as a vital and consistent aspect of His life and ministry, especially before significant moments.
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** Referring to "a throng," "multitude," or "crowd," this term denotes the general populace or common people. In [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity"), it distinguishes the broad, often superficial, public opinion about Jesus from the deeper, more personal understanding expected of His disciples. The term often carries a sense of an undifferentiated mass, whose understanding may be swayed by popular sentiment rather than divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, as he was alone praying":** This opening clause establishes the setting and Jesus' primary activity. The phrase "it came to pass" (Greek: _kai egeneto_) is a common Lukan transitional phrase, signaling a new development. The emphasis on Jesus being "alone praying" (Greek: _katamonas proseuchomenon_) is crucial. It does not mean He was physically isolated from His disciples, but rather that He was deeply engaged in personal, solitary communion with God, even in their presence. This highlights His spiritual focus and dependence on the Father.
* **"his disciples were with him":** This phrase immediately follows, creating a subtle but significant juxtaposition. While Jesus was "alone praying" in spirit, His closest followers were physically "with him." This indicates their proximity and the intimate nature of their discipleship, allowing them to observe His spiritual disciplines, even if they did not fully participate in the solitude of His prayer. Their presence sets the stage for the subsequent dialogue, as they are the direct recipients of His profound question.
* **"and he asked them, saying, 'Whom say the people that I am?'":** This is the climactic part of the verse. After His time of prayer, Jesus initiates a direct inquiry. The question is posed in two stages: first, concerning the general public's perception ("Whom say the people that I am?"), and then, as revealed in the subsequent verses, concerning the disciples' personal conviction. This initial question serves to gauge the prevailing opinions and to mentally prepare the disciples for the more profound, personal challenge that will follow, forcing them to consider the gap between popular belief and divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, specifically between Jesus being "alone praying" and "his disciples were with him." This highlights the paradox of Jesus' spiritual solitude amidst physical companionship, underscoring the deeply personal nature of His communion with God. The question itself, "Whom say the people that I am?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question** in its immediate context, designed not merely to elicit information but to provoke thought and set up a deeper, more personal inquiry. It also serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the monumental confession of Peter that immediately follows, which reveals the true identity of Jesus as the Christ. Furthermore, Luke's consistent portrayal of Jesus in prayer throughout his Gospel, exemplified here, functions as a **Thematic Motif**, emphasizing Jesus' dependence on the Father and modeling spiritual discipline for His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:18 is a theological cornerstone, emphasizing the indispensable role of prayer in discerning divine truth and preparing for significant spiritual revelations. Jesus' consistent withdrawal for prayer, even in the presence of His disciples, models a profound dependence on the Father that is foundational to His messianic mission. This moment of communion precedes the critical question of His identity, highlighting that true understanding of Christ emerges not from popular opinion or intellectual speculation alone, but from a spiritual encounter rooted in God's revelation. The disciples' journey from observing Jesus' prayer to grappling with His identity underscores that authentic discipleship involves both proximity to the Master and a personal, Spirit-led conviction about who He truly is. This passage thus links prayer, revelation, and discipleship as inseparable elements of the Christian walk.

* [Mark 8:27-29](/mark/8-27-29 "Mark 8:27-29 - Peter's Confession in Mark")
* [Matthew 16:13-16](/matthew/16-13-16 "Matthew 16:13-16 - Peter's Confession in Matthew")
* [Luke 11:1](/luke/11-1 "Luke 11:1 - Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:18 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of our own spiritual lives and our understanding of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, consistently prioritized solitary prayer, demonstrating that even for Him, communion with the Father was essential for strength, guidance, and clarity, especially before pivotal moments. This challenges us to examine our own prayer habits: do we genuinely seek "alone time" with God, or is our spiritual life primarily communal or reactive? Furthermore, Jesus' question about His identity forces us to move beyond popular opinions or inherited beliefs about Him. It compels us to cultivate a deep, personal conviction of who He is to us—not merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or a prophet, but the living Lord, Savior, and Son of God. True discipleship is not just about being physically "with" Jesus, but about intimately knowing Him and aligning our lives with His divine identity and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' consistent practice of solitary prayer challenge my own approach to spiritual discipline and communion with God?**
* **In what ways might my understanding of Jesus be influenced more by popular opinion or cultural narratives than by a personal, Spirit-led revelation?**
* **What does it mean for me to move beyond merely being "with" Jesus to truly knowing and confessing His identity in my daily life?**
* **Before making significant decisions or entering challenging seasons, do I prioritize seeking God's guidance through focused prayer, as Jesus did?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus "alone praying" if His disciples were "with him"?**

Answer: The text in [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity") highlights a crucial distinction between physical proximity and spiritual solitude. While the disciples were physically present in the general vicinity, perhaps resting or observing from a respectful distance, Jesus was deeply engaged in a personal, intimate communion with God that was uniquely His own. This "alone praying" emphasizes the internal, spiritual focus of His prayer, rather than absolute physical isolation. It underscores that even in the presence of others, one can enter into profound, solitary devotion with God, a model for believers seeking deep spiritual connection.

**What is the significance of Jesus asking about His identity immediately after prayer?**

Answer: The timing is highly significant. Luke consistently portrays Jesus praying before major events or decisions (e.g., [Luke 3:21](/luke/3-21 "Luke 3:21 - Jesus' Baptism"), [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays Before Choosing Disciples")). Here, His prayer precedes a pivotal moment of revelation concerning His divine identity and the subsequent teaching on His suffering and resurrection. This suggests that Jesus' clarity, wisdom, and readiness to reveal these profound truths were directly linked to His communion with the Father. It illustrates that divine revelation and understanding often emerge from a posture of prayer and dependence on God.

**Why did Jesus ask about the public's opinion before asking the disciples directly?**

Answer: Jesus' two-stage inquiry serves a pedagogical purpose. By first asking about the public's perception ("Whom say the people that I am?"), Jesus prompts His disciples to consider the prevailing, often limited, views of Him. This sets a baseline and allows them to articulate what they know and what they perceive to be the common understanding. It creates a contrast between popular opinion and the deeper, more personal conviction He seeks from them, preparing them to articulate their own faith, as Peter does in [Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession of Christ"). This method encourages self-reflection and distinguishes true discipleship from mere popular sentiment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:18, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' question, "Whom say the people that I am?", is the central inquiry of the Gospels, driving towards the ultimate revelation of His divine identity. It is not merely a historical survey but a theological probe designed to elicit the confession that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, as Peter articulates in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession"). This moment of questioning, emerging from Jesus' prayerful communion with the Father, underscores that His identity as Messiah is not a human construct or popular vote, but a divine reality, revealed by God Himself ([Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Matthew 16:17 - Jesus' Blessing of Peter")). The subsequent teachings on His suffering and resurrection ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering")) directly flow from this revelation of His messianic identity, demonstrating that His purpose as the Christ was to be the sacrificial Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who would ultimately conquer sin and death through His atoning work ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, [Luke 9:18](/luke/9-18 "Luke 9:18 - Jesus' Question of Identity") sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies, the very Son of God sent to redeem humanity, and the central figure of salvation history ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Christ Alone")).

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 16:13

¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Mark 8:27

¶ And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

Mark 8:30

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

Matthew 26:36

¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Luke 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Luke 22:39

¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.