Luke 9:44

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Let these {G5128} sayings {G3056} sink down {G5087} into {G1519} your {G5210}{G5216} ears {G3775}: for {G1063} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} shall be {G3195} delivered {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Listen very carefully to what I’m going to say. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration"), where His divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John, and the subsequent [healing of a demon-possessed boy](/luke/9-37-43 "Luke 9:37-43 - Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy") that left the crowds "astonished at the mighty power of God" ([Luke 9:43](/luke/9-43 "Luke 9:43 - Crowds Astonished")). 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](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - First Prediction of Suffering"), 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](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). 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](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - 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
* **sayings (Greek, _lógos'_):** (G3056) 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.
* **sink down (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** (G5087) 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.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** (G3860) 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](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man in Daniel"). 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.

* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")
* [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")

### 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
* **What "sayings" or truths from God's Word do I find most challenging to "sink down into my ears" and fully accept?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' suffering and His path to glory impact my own expectations for my life and faith journey?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to filter or dismiss difficult truths from Scripture, similar to the disciples' initial misunderstanding?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more receptive posture toward God's Word, allowing it to truly transform my heart and mind?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus tell them to "let these sayings sink down into your ears"?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: "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](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receiving Dominion"), 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?**

Answer: 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](/luke/22-47-48 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas's Betrayal")); 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](/luke/22-66-71 "Luke 22:66-71 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")); and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and his soldiers, who ultimately condemned Him and carried out the execution ([Luke 23:23-25](/luke/23-23-25 "Luke 23:23-25 - Pilate Delivers Jesus")). 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](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")).

### 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). 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](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")). 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](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")).

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

Luke 9:22

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.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Hebrews 2:1

¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.

Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

Matthew 21:38

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

Matthew 21:39

And they caught him, and cast [him] out of the vineyard, and slew [him].

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,