Luke 9:27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

But {G1161} I tell {G3004} you {G5213} of a truth {G230}, there be {G1526} some {G5100} standing {G2476} here {G5602}, which {G3739} shall {G1089} not {G3364} taste {G1089} of death {G2288}, till {G2193}{G302} they see {G1492} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

I tell you the truth, there are some people standing here who will not experience death until they see the Kingdom of God.”

But I tell you truthfully, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:27 records a profound and often-discussed statement made by Jesus Christ to His disciples and the surrounding crowd. Following His challenging words about the cost of discipleship, Jesus offers a surprising promise about the imminent manifestation of God's Kingdom.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching on what it means to be His follower, including the call to deny oneself, take up one's cross daily, and follow Him. He had just warned that those who are ashamed of Him would be rejected when He comes in His glory (Luke 9:26). Thus, Luke 9:27 serves as an encouragement and a glimpse into the glorious reality of the Kingdom that awaits faithful disciples, assuring them that a powerful demonstration of God's reign was near.

Key Themes

  • The Imminent Manifestation of God's Kingdom: The core promise is that some standing there would not die before seeing "the kingdom of God." This phrase, "kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou), is central to Jesus' preaching, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present and future.
  • Fulfillment in the Transfiguration: The most widely accepted interpretation connects this promise directly to the Transfiguration, which occurs just six days later in Luke's narrative (Luke 9:28-36). In this miraculous event, Peter, James, and John—three of the disciples present—witnessed Jesus' divine glory revealed, accompanied by Moses and Elijah (Luke 9:29-36). This served as a powerful preview of the Kingdom coming in power and glory, validating Jesus' claims and strengthening His inner circle for the trials ahead.
  • Other Interpretations: Some scholars also consider the promise fulfilled in Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension, and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which marked the spiritual inauguration of the Church as a manifestation of God's kingdom on earth. While these events also represent powerful displays of God's reign, the immediate textual proximity strongly favors the Transfiguration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "taste of death" (Greek: geusontai thanatou) is a common biblical idiom meaning to experience death. It emphasizes that certain individuals among those present would literally not die before this significant event related to the Kingdom of God unfolded. This reinforces the idea that the fulfillment was to be experienced by living individuals, rather than a distant, future event for all humanity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 9:27 offers several profound implications:

  • Assurance of God's Power: Just as the disciples were given a glimpse of Christ's glory, we are assured that God's Kingdom is real, powerful, and will ultimately prevail. The Transfiguration was a demonstration of Christ's divine authority and the reality of His Kingdom, even before His crucifixion.
  • Encouragement in Discipleship: Jesus' promise comes directly after speaking of the hardships of following Him. It reminds us that the present sacrifices of discipleship are temporary, and they lead to a glorious future rooted in God's eternal reign. We endure knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
  • The Kingdom is Here: While its full consummation awaits Christ's return, the Kingdom of God is also a present reality through the Holy Spirit's work and in the lives of believers (Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17). We are called to live as citizens of this Kingdom now, reflecting its values and anticipating its complete triumph.

Luke 9:27 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' foreknowledge and the certainty of God's plan, providing hope and a glimpse into the divine glory that awaits those who faithfully follow Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:28

    Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

  • Mark 9:1

    ¶ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

  • John 21:22

    Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.

  • John 21:23

    Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?

  • Luke 22:18

    For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

  • John 8:51

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

  • John 8:52

    Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

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