Luke 9:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:27 records one of Jesus' most profound and debated statements, made immediately after His teaching on the radical demands of discipleship. He declares to His followers that some among them would not experience physical death before witnessing a powerful manifestation of the Kingdom of God, a promise widely understood to find its primary fulfillment in the subsequent event of the Transfiguration, where His divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John. This verse serves as both an assurance of God's imminent reign and a glimpse into the glorious reality that awaits those who faithfully follow Christ, even amidst suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' challenging discourse on the cost of discipleship. In [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing"), Jesus calls His followers to "deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." He then warns that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, while those who lose their lives for His sake will save them ([Luke 9:24](/luke/9-24 "Luke 9:24 - Losing and Saving Life")). The preceding verse, [Luke 9:26](/luke/9-26 "Luke 9:26 - Ashamed of Jesus and His Words"), issues a stark warning: "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Thus, [Luke 9:27](/luke/9-27 "Luke 9:27 - Seeing the Kingdom of God") serves as a powerful counterpoint and encouragement, offering a glimpse of the glorious reality of God's Kingdom to those who embrace the costly path of discipleship, assuring them that a tangible demonstration of God's reign was near. The immediate narrative flow continues with the Transfiguration account in [Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), which is widely regarded as the fulfillment of this very promise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' proclamation of the "kingdom of God" resonated deeply with Jewish expectations of a Messiah who would establish God's sovereign rule. However, their primary expectation was often a political and earthly kingdom that would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's national glory. Jesus consistently redefined this expectation, emphasizing a spiritual kingdom that was both present and future, inaugurated through His person and work. The disciples, like many Jews of their time, likely struggled to reconcile their preconceived notions of a conquering king with Jesus' teachings on suffering, self-denial, and a kingdom that was "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Jesus' statement in [Luke 9:27](/luke/9-27 "Luke 9:27 - The Kingdom Revealed") would have been particularly intriguing and perhaps perplexing, given their understanding of a future, cataclysmic arrival of the Kingdom. The promise of "seeing the kingdom of God" within their lifetime, without tasting death, would have hinted at a unique and powerful revelation, distinct from the popular political aspirations.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Luke 9:27](/luke/9-27 "Luke 9:27 - The Kingdom's Imminent Manifestation") is the **Imminent Manifestation of God's Kingdom**. Jesus' entire ministry revolved around the announcement and inauguration of this Kingdom, a concept referring to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present in the person of Christ and future in its full consummation. This verse highlights the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of the Kingdom. Another key theme is the **Revelation of Divine Glory**. The promise of "seeing the kingdom of God" points towards a visual, experiential encounter with God's power and majesty, which is vividly portrayed in the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine nature is unveiled before His chosen disciples ([Luke 9:29](/luke/9-29 "Luke 9:29 - Jesus' Appearance During the Transfiguration")). This revelation serves to **Validate Jesus' Identity and Mission**, confirming His claims of being the Son of God and the bringer of God's reign, thereby strengthening the faith of His disciples for the trials and ultimate suffering that lay ahead, particularly His crucifixion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taste (Greek, _geúomai'_):** This primary verb means to "taste" or, by implication, "to eat." Figuratively, it means "to experience" something, whether good or ill. In this context, "taste of death" is a common idiom meaning to experience death. Jesus is stating that certain individuals will not undergo the experience of death before the promised event.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to die," this noun refers to physical death, the separation of body and soul. In a broader sense, it can also refer to spiritual death or the power of death. Here, it specifically denotes the physical cessation of life, emphasizing the temporal nature of the promise.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From the word for "king," this noun properly signifies "royalty" or "rule," and concretely, "a realm." In the New Testament, "the kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign reign, His active rule over creation and humanity. It is both a present reality, inaugurated by Christ, and a future hope, to be fully realized at His return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I tell you of a truth":** This emphatic introductory phrase, "But I tell you of a truth" (ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν), underscores the absolute certainty and solemnity of Jesus' following statement. It signals that what He is about to say is not a mere opinion or possibility, but a divine declaration of undeniable truth, demanding the full attention and belief of His audience.
* **"there be some standing here":** Jesus indicates that the fulfillment of His prophecy will occur within the lifetime of at least some of His immediate audience. This narrows the scope of the promise, suggesting a specific, observable event that certain individuals present would witness, rather than a universal or distant eschatological event for all humanity.
* **"which shall not taste of death":** This is a biblical idiom meaning "they shall not experience death." It explicitly states that these individuals will remain alive to witness the promised event. This further emphasizes the imminence and the tangible nature of the coming manifestation of God's Kingdom for those particular witnesses.
* **"till they see the kingdom of God":** The climax of the promise. The phrase "the kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule and reign. "See" (eídō) here implies not just a physical perception but an experiential understanding or recognition of its arrival or manifestation. The most immediate and widely accepted fulfillment of this promise is the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John witnessed a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine glory, a foretaste of His coming in power and the glory of His Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:27 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "shall not **taste of death**" is a powerful **Idiom**, a common biblical expression meaning to experience death. This vivid imagery personalizes the concept of dying, making it more immediate and impactful. The statement itself serves as a profound **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a future event of immense significance that will dramatically reveal the nature of God's Kingdom. Given its immediate proximity to the Transfiguration, it acts as a direct prophetic setup for that miraculous event. Furthermore, the "kingdom of God" functions as a central **Theological Concept** throughout Jesus' teachings, representing God's active, sovereign rule. In this verse, its "seeing" points to a tangible manifestation of this spiritual reality, bridging the gap between abstract theological truth and concrete, observable experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:27 profoundly connects the costly call to discipleship with the glorious reality of God's Kingdom. It assures those who embrace self-denial and cross-bearing that their commitment is not in vain, for they will witness the power and glory of the very reign for which they suffer. The promise of "seeing the kingdom of God" is not merely about a future event but about a present, powerful manifestation of God's sovereign rule, primarily fulfilled in the Transfiguration. This event revealed Jesus' divine identity and the nature of His Kingdom as one of glory and power, providing a necessary encouragement and validation to the disciples before the ultimate suffering of the cross. It teaches us that God's Kingdom is both a spiritual reality to be entered into now and a future consummation to be fully revealed, with glimpses of its glory provided along the way to sustain faith.

* [Matthew 16:28](/matthew/16-28 "Matthew 16:28 - The Kingdom Coming in Power")
* [Mark 9:1](/mark/9-1 "Mark 9:1 - The Kingdom Coming with Power")
* [2 Peter 1:16-18](/2_peter/1-16-18 "2 Peter 1:16-18 - Eyewitnesses of His Majesty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:27 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating the challenges of discipleship today. Just as Jesus' disciples were given a tangible glimpse of His glory and the reality of His Kingdom, we too are assured that our commitment to Christ, even when it involves self-denial and bearing our cross, is not in vain. This verse reminds us that the present hardships and sacrifices of following Jesus are temporary and lead to an eternal reality rooted in God's glorious reign. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that the "sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us" ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory Compared to Present Suffering")). We are citizens of God's Kingdom now, called to embody its values of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")), even as we eagerly anticipate its full and final triumph at Christ's return. This promise strengthens our faith, grounds our hope, and motivates our perseverance in the face of a world often hostile to Kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' promise in Luke 9:27 encourage you to persevere in your own journey of discipleship, especially when facing challenges or the call to self-denial?**
* **In what ways have you "seen" or experienced the reality of God's Kingdom at work in your life or in the world around you?**
* **How does the Transfiguration, as a fulfillment of this verse, deepen your understanding of Jesus' identity and the nature of His glorious Kingdom?**
* **What does it mean to live as a citizen of God's Kingdom today, anticipating its full consummation while embodying its values in the present?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "taste of death"?**

Answer: The phrase "taste of death" is a common biblical idiom that simply means to experience physical death. Jesus is stating that certain individuals among those present would not die before witnessing a significant manifestation of the Kingdom of God. This emphasizes that the promised event would occur within their lifetime, making it a tangible and observable reality for them.

**When was this prophecy fulfilled?**

Answer: The most widely accepted and textually supported interpretation is that this prophecy was fulfilled just six days later with the Transfiguration, as recorded in [Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"). In this event, Peter, James, and John—three of the disciples present—witnessed Jesus' divine glory revealed, accompanied by Moses and Elijah. 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 suggest fulfillment in Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of 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 as the primary fulfillment.

**Is the "kingdom of God" a present reality or a future event?**

Answer: The "kingdom of God" is both a present reality and a future event. Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom through His first coming, and it is present wherever His sovereign rule is acknowledged and lived out, particularly through the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers ([Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")). Believers are already citizens of this Kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Transferred to the Kingdom of His Beloved Son")) and are called to live according to its values now. However, the Kingdom's full consummation, where God's rule is universally acknowledged and all evil is eradicated, awaits Christ's second coming ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, we live in the "already but not yet" tension of the Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:27 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a future event, but in the very person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The promise to "see the kingdom of God" is primarily realized in the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory was unveiled before His inner circle ([Luke 9:28-36](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")). This was a direct, tangible manifestation of the Kingdom's King in His radiant majesty, a foretaste of His ultimate reign. The Kingdom of God, which Jesus constantly preached, is intrinsically linked to His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. His incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), His atoning death on the cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")), His victorious resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")), and His ascension to the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the Right Hand of God")) are all essential stages in the establishment and demonstration of God's sovereign rule through Him. The "seeing" of the Kingdom, therefore, is ultimately seeing Christ in His glory, recognizing His authority, and experiencing the transformative power of His reign. Through Christ, believers are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into His glorious Kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Transferred to the Kingdom of His Beloved Son")), living as citizens of His eternal dominion even now, eagerly awaiting His glorious return when His Kingdom will be fully and finally consummated.

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 16:28

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.