Luke 9:23

KJV

And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G3004} to {G4314} them all {G3956}, If any man {G1536} will {G2309} come {G2064} after {G3694} me {G3450}, let him deny {G533} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} take up {G142} his {G846} cross {G4716} daily {G2250}{G2596}, and {G2532} follow {G190} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then to everyone he said, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him say ‘No’ to himself, take up his execution-stake daily and keep following me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

American Standard Version

And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:23 encapsulates Jesus's radical call to discipleship, presenting a non-negotiable pathway for all who desire to follow Him. It demands a complete reorientation of life, characterized by a decisive rejection of self-centered ambition, a willing embrace of suffering and identification with Christ's mission, and a continuous, active pursuit of His example and teachings. This verse underscores that authentic Christian commitment is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, daily commitment to Christ's lordship, even unto death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration by Jesus follows two pivotal moments in Luke's narrative: Peter's bold confession of Jesus as "the Christ of God" in [Luke 9:20](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession") and Jesus's subsequent, stark prediction of His own suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection in [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering"). The call to "take up his cross daily" is thus directly linked to Jesus's own path of suffering and glorification. By addressing "them all," Jesus clarifies that the demanding nature of discipleship is not reserved for the Twelve, but is a universal summons to every person who would identify with Him. This teaching is also found in the parallel accounts of [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - The Call to Discipleship") and [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Cost of Following Jesus"), highlighting its foundational importance in the Synoptic tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Roman-occupied world of first-century Palestine, the cross (Latin: _crux_) was not a religious symbol but a brutal instrument of capital punishment reserved for the most heinous criminals and rebels. To "take up one's cross" was a literal and terrifying reality for those condemned to crucifixion; it meant carrying the heavy wooden beam to the place of execution, a public spectacle of shame, agony, and impending death. This imagery would have evoked immediate and visceral understanding among Jesus's hearers, signifying a complete renunciation of life, social standing, and personal aspirations. The addition of "daily" by Luke underscores that this commitment is not a singular event but a continuous, moment-by-moment embracing of the cost of discipleship, reflecting the ongoing challenges and sacrifices inherent in following Christ in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:23 is central to the theme of **discipleship** throughout the Gospels, particularly in Luke's emphasis on the cost of following Jesus (e.g., [Luke 14:25-33](/luke/14-25-33 "Luke 14:25-33 - The Cost of Discipleship")). It introduces the profound theme of **self-denial**, challenging the natural human inclination towards self-preservation and self-exaltation. This is not merely about giving up bad habits but a radical dethroning of "self" as the ultimate authority in one's life, echoing the broader biblical call to die to self and live for God (e.g., [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")). The concept of **cross-bearing** foreshadows the suffering that believers will inevitably face in a world opposed to Christ, linking their experience directly to Jesus's own passion. Finally, the imperative to **"follow me"** encapsulates the essence of discipleship: active obedience, imitation of Christ's selfless life, and participation in His mission, which culminates in the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deny (Greek, _aparnéomai'_):** This word (G533) means "to deny utterly," "disown," or "abstain." It is a strong verb implying a complete and decisive renunciation. In this context, to deny oneself means to utterly disown one's own desires, will, and ambitions, effectively saying "no" to the self as the controlling center of one's life. It signifies a radical shift in allegiance from self to Christ.
* **take up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb (G142) means "to lift up," "to take up or away." In the context of the cross, it refers to physically bearing the instrument of execution. Figuratively, it denotes a willing acceptance and carrying of the burdens, sufferings, and even potential death that come with identifying with Christ. It's an active, deliberate choice to embrace the path of self-sacrifice.
* **cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** This term (G4716) refers to "a stake or post," specifically "a pole or cross as an instrument of capital punishment." While literally referring to the Roman execution device, Jesus uses it figuratively to represent the ultimate form of self-denial, public shame, suffering, and death for His sake. It implies a complete surrender of one's life and a willingness to face the world's rejection as Christ did.
* **daily (Greek, _kath' hēméran'_):** This phrase combines _katá_ (G2596, "according to," "every") and _hēméra_ (G2250, "day"). It literally means "according to the day" or "every day." Luke's inclusion of "daily" emphasizes the continuous, ongoing, and habitual nature of this commitment. It is not a one-time decision but a moment-by-moment, lifelong posture of self-denial and cross-bearing, underscoring the persistent demands of true discipleship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said to them all":** This opening clause is crucial, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus's demand. It is not an exclusive call for the apostles or a select few, but a foundational requirement for every individual who genuinely desires to be His disciple. It underscores that the path of costly commitment is the standard for all followers.
* **"If any man will come after me":** This sets the condition for discipleship. "To come after me" (Greek: _opísō moû érchomai_) signifies a desire to follow Jesus as a master, to align oneself with His teachings, and to adopt His way of life. It implies a conscious, volitional decision to enter into a relationship of learning and obedience.
* **"let him deny himself":** This is the first and foundational requirement. To "deny himself" (Greek: _aparnéomai heautoû_) means to utterly disown one's own ego, desires, ambitions, and will, surrendering them completely to Christ's authority. It is a radical dethroning of the self as the ultimate authority and a re-centering of one's life on God's will. It's not about self-improvement but self-renunciation.
* **"and take up his cross daily":** This is the second, deeply challenging requirement. As discussed, "taking up his cross" (Greek: _aírō staurós_) in the first century meant embracing a path leading to suffering, shame, and death. The addition of "daily" (Greek: _kath' hēméran_) transforms this from a singular, dramatic event into a continuous, moment-by-moment commitment. It signifies a willingness to endure ongoing hardship, persecution, and personal sacrifice for Christ's sake, aligning one's life with His suffering and purpose.
* **"and follow me":** This is the ultimate objective and outcome of the preceding two commands. To "follow me" (Greek: _akolouthéō moí_) means to imitate Jesus's life, which was characterized by selfless service, unwavering obedience to the Father, and ultimate sacrifice. It implies active, consistent obedience to His commands, living in accordance with His teachings, and walking in His footsteps, demonstrating true and active Christian commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:23 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "cross" is not merely a literal instrument of execution but a powerful **Metaphor** for the ultimate cost of discipleship, representing suffering, shame, and death to self. The phrase "take up his cross" functions as a **Metonymy**, where the instrument of death stands for the entire process of self-sacrifice and identification with Christ's suffering. The inclusion of "daily" serves as an **Emphasis**, transforming a potentially singular, heroic act into a continuous, habitual posture of life, highlighting the ongoing nature of discipleship. The structure of the verse, with its clear conditional clause ("If any man will come after me") followed by three imperative actions ("let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me"), creates a powerful and memorable **Chiasm** or **Parallelism** of commitment, where the desire to follow is met with specific, demanding actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:23 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that authentic discipleship is inherently costly. It challenges the common misconception that following Christ is merely an additive to one's existing life; instead, it demands a radical reorientation, a death to self, and a new life lived in complete surrender to God's will. This verse connects deeply with the biblical themes of suffering for righteousness, the necessity of spiritual transformation, and the call to imitate Christ. It underscores that true spiritual growth often occurs through trials and self-sacrifice, aligning the believer's journey with the path of their Savior. The call to deny oneself and take up the cross daily is a constant reminder that the Christian life is a pilgrimage of faith, marked by deliberate choices to prioritize God's kingdom above personal comfort or worldly gain.

* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ")
* [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example of Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:23 is not an abstract theological statement but a direct, personal challenge to every believer. For modern disciples, "taking up your cross daily" means consciously choosing God's will over personal comfort, popularity, or convenience in every sphere of life. This involves a continuous process of crucifying the desires of the flesh, resisting the allure of worldly values, and embracing the often counter-cultural demands of the Gospel. It calls for sacrificing personal desires for the sake of Christ's mission and the well-being of others, enduring hardship, criticism, or ridicule for one's faith, and prioritizing the advancement of God's kingdom above personal success or material gain. Ultimately, it means living a life of active obedience and selfless service, mirroring Jesus's own life, recognizing that true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-giving for Christ's glory. This verse is a foundational truth for authentic Christian living, reminding us that while discipleship is costly, it is the only path to genuine life and eternal reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life do I need to "deny myself" in order to more fully follow Christ?**
* **In what practical ways can I "take up my cross daily" in my current circumstances, embracing discomfort or sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am actively "following Jesus" rather than merely admiring Him?**
* **What worldly comforts or ambitions might be hindering my willingness to fully embrace the call of Luke 9:23?**

### FAQ

**What does it truly mean to "deny himself"?**

Answer: To "deny himself" (Greek: _aparnéomai heautoû_) means far more than simply giving up bad habits or making minor sacrifices. It signifies a radical dethroning of the "self" as the ultimate authority and source of one's desires, will, and ambitions. It's an active, continuous rejection of self-centeredness and a complete surrender of one's entire being—thoughts, emotions, desires, and plans—to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It implies a fundamental shift from living for self to living for God, allowing Christ's will to supersede one's own in every aspect of life. This concept is foundational to Christian transformation, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice").

**Is "taking up his cross" a literal or figurative command?**

Answer: While the cross was a literal instrument of execution in Jesus's time, His command to "take up his cross daily" is primarily figurative, representing a willingness to embrace suffering, shame, and even death for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. It is a metaphor for complete self-denial and identification with Jesus's suffering and mission. It means being prepared to face rejection, persecution, hardship, and the loss of personal comfort or reputation because of one's commitment to Christ. However, it's important to remember that for many Christians throughout history and in various parts of the world today, this command can indeed involve literal persecution and martyrdom, making the figurative meaning deeply rooted in a potential literal reality.

**Why does Luke add "daily" when Matthew and Mark do not?**

Answer: Luke's unique inclusion of "daily" (Greek: _kath' hēméran_) emphasizes the continuous, ongoing, and habitual nature of the commitment to self-denial and cross-bearing. While Matthew and Mark convey the radical, once-for-all decision to follow Christ, Luke highlights that this decision must be lived out moment by moment, day after day. It underscores that discipleship is not a singular event or a heroic act performed once, but a persistent, lifelong posture of surrender and sacrifice. It implies that the challenges and demands of following Jesus are not confined to extraordinary circumstances but are part of the everyday walk of faith, requiring constant vigilance and renewed commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the preeminent disciple who perfectly embodied the very commands He issued. Jesus "denied himself" by consistently setting aside His divine prerogatives and personal comfort to fulfill the Father's will, famously praying in Gethsemane, "not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). He "took up his cross daily" by enduring constant opposition, misunderstanding, and the burden of humanity's sin, culminating in His literal crucifixion on Calvary. His entire earthly life was a journey of self-emptying (Greek: _kenosis_), as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"), where He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Finally, Jesus perfectly "followed" the Father, living a life of perfect obedience and trust, ultimately laying down His life as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Therefore, when Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross, He is not asking us to do something He Himself did not do. Rather, He is inviting us to participate in His redemptive work, to share in His sufferings ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and ultimately, to share in His resurrection life and glory ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). His perfect obedience and sacrifice empower us to live out this demanding call, for it is only through His strength that we can truly die to self and live for Him.

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 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:39

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Mark 8:34

And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:38

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.