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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Luke 9:43–50. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We may observe here, I. The impression which Christ's miracles made upon all that beheld them (Luk 9:43): They were all amazed at the mighty power of God, which they could not but see in all the miracles Christ wrought. Note, The works of God's almighty power are amazing, especially those that are wrought by the hand of the Lord Jesus; for he is the power of God, and his name is Wonderful. Their wonder was universal: they wondered every one. The causes of it were universal: they wondered at all things which Jesus did; all his actions had something uncommon and surprising in them.
II.The notice Christ gave to his disciples of his approaching sufferings:
The Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men, wicked men, men of the worst character; they shall be permitted to abuse him at their pleasure. That is here implied which is expressed by the other evangelists: They shall kill him. But that which is peculiar here is,
1.The connection of this with what goes next before, of the admiration with which the people were struck at beholding Christ's miracles (Luk 9:43): While they all wondered at all things which Jesus did, he said this to his disciples. They had a fond conceit of his temporal kingdom, and that he should reign, and they with him, in secular pomp and power; and now they thought that this mighty power of his would easily effect the thing, and his interest gained by his miracles in the people would contribute to it; and therefore Christ, who knew what was in their hearts, takes this occasion to tell them again, what he had told them before, that he was so far from having men delivered into his hands that he must be delivered into the hands of men, so far from living in honour that he must die in disgrace; and all his miracles, and the interest he has by them gained in the hearts of the people, will not be able to prevent it.
2.The solemn preface with which it is introduced: "Let these sayings sink down into your ears; take special notice of what I say, and mix faith with it; let not the notions you have of the temporal kingdom of the Messiah stop your ears against it, nor make you unwilling to believe it. Admit what I say, and submit to it." Let it sink down into your hearts; so the Syriac and Arabic read it. The word of Christ does us no good, unless we let it sink down into our heads and hearts.
3.The unaccountable stupidity of the disciples, with reference to this prediction of Christ's sufferings. It was said in Mark, They understood not that saying. It was plain enough, but they would not understand it in the literal sense, because it agreed not with their notions; and they could not understand it in any other, and were afraid to ask him lest they should be undeceived and awaked out of their pleasing dream. But it is here added that it was hidden from them, that they perceived it not, through the weakness of faith and the power of prejudice. We cannot think that it was in mercy hidden from them, lest they should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow at the prospect of it; but that it was a paradox, because they made it so to themselves.
III.The rebuke Christ gave to his disciples for their disputing among themselves which should be greatest, Luk 9:46-48.
This passage we had before, and, the more is the pity, we shall meet with the like again. Observe here,
1.Ambition of honour, and strife for superiority and precedency, are sins that most easily beset the disciples of our Lord Jesus, for which they deserve to be severely rebuked; they flow from corruptions which they are highly concerned to subdue and mortify, Luk 9:46. They that expect to be great in this world commonly aim high, and nothing will serve them short of being greatest; this exposes them to a great deal of temptation and trouble, which they are safe from that are content to be little, to be least, to be less than the least.
2.Jesus Christ is perfectly acquainted with the thoughts and intents of our hearts: He perceived their thoughts, Luk 9:47. Thoughts are words to him, and whispers are loud cries. It is a good reason why we should keep up a strict government of our thoughts because Christ takes a strict cognizance of them.
3.Christ will have his disciples to aim at that honour which is to be obtained by a quiet and condescending humility, and not at that which is to be obtained by a restless and aspiring ambition. Christ took a child, and set him by him, Luk 9:47 (for he always expressed a tenderness and kindness for little children), and he proposed this child to them for an example.
(1.)Let them be of the temper of this child, humble and quiet, and easy to itself; let them not affect worldly pomp, or grandeur, or high titles, but be as dead to them as this child; let them bear no more malice to their rivals and competitors than this child did. Let them be willing to be the least, if that would contribute any thing to their usefulness, to stoop to the meanest office whereby they might do good.
(2.)Let them assure themselves that this was the way to preferment; for this would recommend them to the esteem of their brethren: they that loved Christ would therefore receive them in his name, because they did most resemble him, and they would likewise recommend themselves to his favour, for Christ would take the kindnesses done to them as done to himself: Whosoever shall receive one such child, a preacher of the gospel that is of such a disposition as this, he placeth his respect aright, and receiveth me; and whosoever receiveth me, in such a minister, receiveth him that sent me; and what greater honour can any man attain to in this world than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ, and to have God and Christ own themselves received and welcomed in him? This honour have all the humble disciples of Jesus Christ, and thus they shall be truly great that are least among them.
IV.The rebuke Christ gave to his disciples for discouraging one that honoured him and served him, but was not of their communion, not only not one of the twelve, nor one of the seventy, but not one of those that ever associated with them, or attended on them, but, upon occasional hearing of Christ, believed in him, and made use of his name with faith and prayer in a serious manner, for the casting out of devils. Now,
1.This man they rebuked and restrained; they would not let him pray and preach, though it was to the honour of Christ, though it did good to men and weakened Satan's kingdom, because he did not follow Christ with them; he separated from their church, was not ordained as they were, paid them no respect, nor gave them the right hand of fellowship. Now, if ever any society of Christians in this world had reason to silence those that were not of their communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; and yet,
2.Jesus Christ chid them for what they did, and warned them not to do the like again, nor any that profess to be successors of the apostles: "Forbid him not (Luk 9:50), but rather encourage him, for he is carrying on the same design that you are, though, for reasons best known to himself, he does not follow with you; and he will meet you in the same end, though he does not accompany you in the same way. You do well to do as you do, but it does not therefore follow that he does ill to do as he does, and that you do well to put him under an interdict, for he that is not against us is for us, and therefore ought to be countenanced by us." We need not lose any of our friends, while we have so few, and so many enemies. Those may be found faithful followers of Christ, and, as such, may be accepted of him, though they do not follow with us. See Mar 9:38, Mar 9:39. O what a great deal of mischief to the church, even from those that boast of relation to Christ, and pretend to envy for his sake, would be prevented, if this passage of story were but duly considered!
Historical interpretation
Nine Centuries of Reception
8 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(in Matt. tom. 13.) But it is not clearly expressed by whom He is to be delivered, for one says, that He is to be delivered up by Judas, another by the devil; but Paul says, that God the Father delivered Him up for us all; (Rom. 8:32.) but Judas, as he delivered Him up for money, did it traitorously, the Father for His mercies' sake.
While all thus were wondering at the miracles, He foretels His passion. For miracles do not save, but the cross conveys the benefit. Hence he adds, For the Son of man shall he delivered into the hands of men.
(non occ.) Every thing that Jesus did claimed admiration from all men for a peculiar and divine light reflected upon each of His works, according to the Psalms, honour and majesty wilt thou lay upon him. (Ps. 21:5.) Although all indeed marvelled at those things which He did, He however addresses what follows, not to all, but to His disciples; as it is said, But while they wondered every one, &c. He had shown His glory on the mount to His disciples, and after this delivered a man from an evil spirit, but it was necessary for Him to undergo His passion for our salvation. Now His disciples might have been perplexed, saying, "Have we then been deceived in that we thought him to be God?" That they might know then what was to happen to Him, He bids them lay up in their minds as a certain deposit the mystery of His passion, saying, Let these sayings sink down in your hearts. By the word your, He distinguishes them from others. For the multitude were not to know that He was about to suffer, but were rather to be assured that the dead would rise again, destroying death, lest they should be offended.
Now some one perhaps will say, How were the disciples ignorant of the mystery of the cross, seeing that it was touched upon in several places by the shadows of the Law? But as Paul relates, Even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their hearts. (2 Cor. 3:15.) It becomes then those who approach Christ, to say, Open thou my eyes, that I may behold the wonderful things out of thy law. (Ps. 119:18.)
In order that those who were going to teach the whole world might know exactly his mystery, he usefully and necessarily explains it clearly to them beforehand. He says, “Lay these words to your hearts; for the Son of man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” The reason that led Christ to speak this is, I think, a subject both useful and necessary for our consideration. He had then led Peter, James and John up into the mountain. He was transfigured before them, and his countenance shone as the sun. He showed them the glory, with which in due time he will arise upon the world. He will come, not in humiliation such as ours or in the lowliness of the human condition as such, but in the majesty and splendor of the Godhead, and in transcendent glory. Again, when he came down from the mountain, he delivered a man from a wicked and violent spirit. He certainly was ready to bear for our sakes his saving passion and endure the wickedness of the Jews. As the minister of his mysteries, he by the grace of God “tasted death for every man.” When this happened, there is nothing unlikely in supposing that the disciples would be troubled. Perhaps in their secret thoughts even they would say, “How is One so glorious, who raised the dead by his godlike power, rebuked the seas and winds, and by a word crushed Satan, now seized as a prisoner and caught in these murderers’ traps? Were we mistaken in thinking that he is God? Have we fallen from the true opinion regarding him?” Those who did not know the mystery that our Lord Jesus Christ would endure the cross and death would find therein an occasion of stumbling.
The mystery of the passion may be seen also in another instance. According to the Mosaic law, two goats were offered. They were not different in any way from one another, but they were alike in size and appearance. Of these, one was called “the lord,” and the other was called “sent-away.” When the lot was cast for the one called “lord,” it was sacrificed. The other one was sent away from the sacrifice, and therefore had the name of “sent-away.” Who was signified by this? The Word, though he was God, was in our likeness and took the form of us sinners, as far as the nature of the flesh was concerned. The male or female goat was sacrificed for sins. Death was our desert, for we had fallen under the divine curse because of sin. When the Savior of all undertook the responsibility, he transferred to himself what was due to us and laid down his life, that we might be sent away from death and destruction.
And all were marveling at all that he did, he said to his disciples: Let these words sink into your ears. For the Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men. Among the great works of divine power, he often impresses and reiterates the abasement of his human suffering, so that his sudden coming would not cause terror, but be endurable by a mind prepared in advance. Surely, what he said: “Let these words sink into your ears,” should be read with emphasis and greater force, addressed to you, who more familiarly adhere to my discipleship and to whom the hidden and uncertain elements of my wisdom I have more plainly revealed (Ps. L), while others only marvel at the divine deeds, you should deeply ponder the event of the precious blood, by which the world is to be redeemed.
This ignorance of the disciples proceeds not so much from slowness of understanding as from affection, for since they were yet carnal and ignorant of the mystery of the cross, they could not believe that He whom they thought to be really God would suffer death. And because they were often accustomed to hear Him speak by figure, they thought that He meant figuratively something else, by what He said of His betrayal.
Now our Lord in condescension to their infirmities and governing them with a kind of economy, did not permit them to understand what was said of the cross; as it follows, But they understood not.
Mark also the reverence of the disciples in what follows, And they feared to ask him of that saying. For fear is the first step to reverence.
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Summary
Luke 9:44 presents a profound and urgent declaration from Jesus to His disciples, commanding them to deeply internalize the truth of His impending suffering. Despite recent displays of His divine power and glory, Jesus redirects their focus to the sober reality that the Son of Man will be "delivered into the hands of men," a stark prophecy of His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion, highlighting the central and necessary role of His passion in God's redemptive plan.
Context
Literary Context
This solemn pronouncement by Jesus immediately follows two pivotal events in His ministry: the Transfiguration on the mountain, where His divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John, and the subsequent healing of a demon-possessed boy that left the crowds "astonished at the mighty power of God" (Luke 9:43). Despite these overwhelming demonstrations of His divine authority and power, Jesus deliberately shifts the narrative to His impending suffering and death. This is His second explicit passion prediction in Luke's Gospel, echoing His earlier declaration in Luke 9:22, underscoring the disciples' persistent difficulty in grasping this counter-intuitive truth. The imperative "Let these sayings sink down into your ears" highlights the critical importance of this message, which challenged their messianic expectations.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus' ministry unfolded within a complex historical and cultural landscape. First-century Judaism was largely characterized by the fervent expectation of a conquering Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression and establish an earthly kingdom. This expectation was deeply ingrained in the popular imagination, making the concept of a suffering and "delivered" Messiah profoundly difficult, if not offensive, for many to accept. The idea of the Son of Man being "delivered into the hands of men" would have conjured images of betrayal, arrest, and execution, a stark contrast to the triumphant figure they anticipated. Furthermore, the political tensions under Roman occupation meant that any figure claiming messianic authority, especially one who spoke of being "delivered," could be perceived as a threat to both Roman and Jewish religious authorities, setting the stage for the very events Jesus foretold.
Key Themes
Luke 9:44 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and God's Redemptive Plan, emphasizing that Jesus' suffering was not an accident but a predetermined and necessary part of God's design for salvation, despite the human agency involved (Acts 2:23). The verse also highlights Jesus' Foreknowledge and Willing Obedience, showing that He faced His destiny with full awareness and resolve, demonstrating His perfect submission to the Father's will. Crucially, it underscores the theme of the Suffering Messiah, challenging the popular Jewish expectation of a conquering political leader and consistently presenting Jesus as the Suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah, whose victory would come through self-sacrifice rather than worldly power. Finally, the disciples' need to "let these sayings sink down into your ears" points to the pervasive theme of the Disciples' Misunderstanding of Jesus' true mission and the nature of His kingdom, a recurring motif throughout the Gospels as they grappled with the spiritual realities of His ministry.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From legō, meaning "something said," "discourse," or "word." Here, lógos refers not just to a casual utterance but to a significant, weighty message—the core truth of Jesus' impending passion. It implies a communication of profound importance that demands serious attention and comprehension, distinguishing it from mere talk or rumor.
A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to place" or "to set." In this context, it is used metaphorically to convey the idea of something being deeply impressed upon the mind or heart, not merely heard superficially. It suggests an active process of internalizing and understanding, as if the words are being laid down or deposited securely within one's inner being, ensuring they are not forgotten or dismissed.
From para (alongside) and didōmi (to give), meaning "to hand over," "to surrender," or "to betray." This is a loaded term that carries the weight of Judas's betrayal, the Jewish authorities handing Jesus over to Pilate, and Pilate's subsequent surrender of Jesus to be crucified. It emphasizes the active agency of others in bringing about Jesus' suffering, yet within the overarching framework of God's sovereign plan.
Verse Breakdown
"Let these sayings sink down into your ears"
This opening clause is a powerful imperative, a direct command from Jesus. It signifies that the message about to be delivered is not to be taken lightly or heard superficially. The phrase "sink down into your ears" is a vivid idiom, urging the disciples to move beyond mere auditory reception to deep intellectual and spiritual assimilation. It implies a need for the truth to penetrate their understanding, challenging their preconceived notions and becoming a foundational truth within their hearts and minds.
"for the Son of man shall be delivered"
The conjunction "for" (Greek, gar) introduces the critical reason for the preceding imperative: the profound and difficult truth that necessitates such deep listening. "The Son of Man" is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, emphasizing both His humanity and His messianic identity, often linking to the divine, authoritative figure in Daniel 7:13-14. The phrase "shall be delivered" (Greek, mellō paradidomi) indicates a certain, impending event. It speaks to a divine necessity and a preordained destiny, not a mere possibility or accident.
"into the hands of men."
This final phrase specifies the agents of His delivery. While ultimately part of God's sovereign plan, the immediate instruments of Jesus' suffering and death would be human beings. This highlights the paradox of divine purpose working through human sin and agency. It foreshadows the betrayal by Judas, the arrest by the temple guards, the trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, and ultimately, the crucifixion by Roman soldiers, all at the behest of human authorities.
Literary Devices
Luke 9:44 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The opening phrase, "Let these sayings sink down into your ears," is a powerful use of Imperative Mood, underscoring the gravity and non-negotiable nature of the command. It is also a Metaphor or Idiom, where the physical act of "sinking into ears" represents the deep, internal assimilation of truth into one's understanding and heart, moving beyond mere superficial hearing. The entire verse functions as a clear example of Foreshadowing, as Jesus explicitly predicts His future suffering and betrayal, preparing His disciples (and the reader) for the events of the passion narrative. There is also a subtle Irony present: the Son of Man, the divine and powerful Messiah, will be "delivered into the hands of men"—humanity, whom He came to save, will be the instruments of His suffering. This highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a central paradox of the Gospel narrative.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Luke 9:44 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the necessity of Christ's suffering and the nature of God's redemptive plan. It powerfully asserts that Jesus' passion was not an unforeseen tragedy but a divinely orchestrated event, essential for the salvation of humanity. This truth challenges human expectations of glory and power, redirecting focus to the profound mystery of God's love demonstrated through self-sacrifice. The verse underscores God's sovereignty, where even the darkest acts of human betrayal and injustice serve His ultimate purposes. It also highlights the cost of discipleship, reminding believers that following Christ often entails embracing difficult truths and a path that mirrors His own journey of suffering before glory.
Reflection and Application
Luke 9:44 serves as a profound call to deep, transformative listening to God's Word, especially when the truths presented are challenging or counter-intuitive to our desires. Just as the disciples struggled to grasp the reality of Jesus' suffering and the nature of His kingdom, we too are often tempted to filter God's message through our own preferences for comfort, success, or worldly power. This verse compels us to move beyond superficial hearing to a genuine internalization of divine truth, allowing it to "sink down" into the very core of our being. It reminds us that the path of faith is not always one of ease or immediate triumph, but often involves embracing hardship, sacrifice, and a willingness to follow Christ even through suffering. By truly hearing and accepting the full counsel of God, including the difficult aspects, we prepare our hearts to navigate life's trials with faith, understanding that God's sovereign plan unfolds in ways that may initially defy our comprehension, ultimately leading to His glory and our good. This passage encourages a posture of humility and open-hearted reception to all that God reveals, shaping our character and strengthening our resolve to walk in obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus tell them to "let these sayings sink down into your ears"?
Jesus used this strong imperative because the truth He was about to declare—His impending betrayal and suffering—was profoundly difficult for His disciples to accept and understand. They, like many Jews of their time, held firm expectations of a conquering, political Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom and liberate Israel from Roman rule. The idea of a suffering and dying Messiah was antithetical to their worldview and hopes. By commanding them to "let these sayings sink down into your ears," Jesus was urging them to move beyond superficial hearing to deep intellectual and spiritual assimilation. He wanted them to truly internalize this crucial truth, despite how much it contradicted their preconceived notions, because it was central to His mission and God's redemptive plan. This was not a casual statement but a vital prophetic warning they needed to grasp for their future understanding and faith.
What is the significance of Jesus referring to Himself as "the Son of Man" in this context?
"Son of Man" (Greek: huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. Its significance is multifaceted. On one hand, it emphasizes His genuine humanity, His solidarity with mankind, and His humble earthly existence. On the other hand, it is a messianic title with profound theological weight, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is a divine, authoritative figure who receives everlasting dominion and glory from God. In the context of Luke 9:44, Jesus uses this title to underscore the paradox of His mission: the one who is destined for ultimate glory and universal dominion will first undergo profound suffering and be "delivered into the hands of men." This highlights that His path to exaltation goes through humiliation and sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant while simultaneously asserting His divine authority and ultimate destiny.
Who are the "men" into whose hands the Son of Man would be delivered?
The "men" into whose hands the Son of Man would be delivered refer to the human agents who would orchestrate and carry out Jesus' betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This includes Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him (Luke 22:47-48); the Jewish religious leaders (the chief priests and scribes) who sought His death and handed Him over to the Roman authorities (Luke 22:66-71); and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and his soldiers, who ultimately condemned Him and carried out the execution (Luke 23:23-25). While these human agents were responsible for their actions, the New Testament consistently teaches that their actions were, paradoxically, part of God's predetermined plan for salvation (Acts 2:23).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Luke 9:44 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is indeed the Son of Man delivered into the hands of men. This prophecy, spoken by Jesus Himself, foreshadows the very core of the Gospel message: His substitutionary atonement. The "delivery" mentioned here culminates in His betrayal, arrest, unjust trials, and ultimately, His crucifixion, where He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His suffering was not a random act of violence but a necessary component of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating God's immense love for humanity (Romans 5:8). Through His being "delivered" and subsequently dying on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for our sins, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22). His resurrection three days later, though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, is the triumphant vindication of His suffering, proving His divine authority and securing eternal life for all who believe. Thus, Luke 9:44 points directly to the cross and empty tomb, the bedrock of Christian faith, where the Son of Man's suffering becomes the source of humanity's salvation and reconciliation with God (1 Peter 2:24).