9:21 9:21

Luke 9:22

9:23 9:23

Bible Versions

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Saying {G2036},{G3754} The Son {G5207} of man {G444} must {G1163} suffer {G3958} many things {G4183}, and {G2532} be rejected {G593} of {G575} the elders {G4245} and {G2532} chief priests {G749} and {G2532} scribes {G1122}, and {G2532} be slain {G615}, and {G2532} be raised {G1453} the third {G5154} day {G2250}.
adding, “The Son of Man has to endure much suffering and be rejected by the elders, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers; and he has to be put to death; but on the third day, he has to be raised to life.”
“The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

Luke 9:22 records Jesus' first clear and comprehensive prediction of His impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection to His disciples. This pivotal statement unveils the core of His messianic mission and the divine necessity of His sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

Context

This prophecy immediately follows a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry: Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. While the disciples were beginning to grasp His identity, Jesus reveals that His path to glory would not be through earthly power, but through suffering and death. This statement served to correct any popular misconceptions about a conquering Messiah who would immediately establish an earthly kingdom, preparing them for the true nature of His mission.

Key Themes

  • The Son of Man's Suffering: Jesus refers to Himself as "the Son of man," a title He frequently used, which carries connotations of both His humanity and His divine authority as seen in Daniel 7:13-14. He clearly states that He "must suffer many things," indicating that His suffering was not accidental but a necessary part of God's predetermined plan.
  • Rejection by Religious Authorities: Jesus specifically foretells that He would be "rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes." These groups represented the religious and legal establishment of Israel, highlighting that His rejection would come from those who should have recognized Him as the Messiah. This detail underscores the profound irony and tragedy of His mission.
  • Death and Resurrection: The prophecy culminates in two stark realities: He would "be slain" (referring to His crucifixion) and then "be raised the third day." This pairing is crucial. Jesus' death was not the end; it was immediately followed by the promise of His glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and hope. The resurrection validates His claims and secures victory over sin and death, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "must suffer" translates the Greek word dei (δεῖ), which conveys a sense of divine necessity, obligation, or a predetermined plan. It indicates that these events were not random occurrences but were part of God's sovereign will for the redemption of humanity. This divine imperative is also seen in other prophecies about Christ's passion, reinforcing the idea that His suffering was not an unforeseen tragedy but a purposeful act of salvation.

Practical Application

Luke 9:22 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us of the immense cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. It also prepares us for the reality that following Jesus, as described in the very next verse, may involve suffering and rejection, but always with the assurance of ultimate victory and resurrection hope. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves hardship, knowing that His purpose will prevail.

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.

  • Isaiah 53:1

    ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Luke 24:7

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

  • Luke 18:31

    ¶ Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

  • Luke 18:34

    And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

  • Luke 9:44

    Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

  • Acts 4:25

    Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
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