Luke 9:47

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424}, perceiving {G1492} the thought {G1261} of their {G846} heart {G2588}, took {G1949} a child {G3813}, and set {G2476} him {G846} by {G3844} him {G1438},

But Yeshua, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, took a child, stood him beside himself,

But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.

But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, he took a little child, and set him by his side,

Luke 9:47 presents a profound moment where Jesus, with divine insight, addresses the hidden ambitions of His disciples. This verse sets the stage for a crucial lesson on true greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, the disciples had been engaged in a private dispute about who among them would be the greatest (Luke 9:46). Though they might have kept their thoughts to themselves, Jesus, possessing supernatural discernment, was fully aware of their internal debate and the prideful intentions of their hearts. His action in this verse is a direct, tangible response to their unspoken question, using a humble object lesson.

Key Themes

  • Divine Perception: Jesus' ability to "perceive the thought of their heart" powerfully demonstrates His omniscience and divine nature. He doesn't need to be told; He knows the inner workings of human minds and hearts (John 2:25). This highlights His authority and spiritual insight.
  • Humility as True Greatness: By taking a child and setting him by Him, Jesus immediately turns the disciples' worldly concept of greatness on its head. Children in that culture had little status, power, or influence. They were dependent and vulnerable, embodying the opposite of the ambition the disciples sought. This act introduces the radical idea that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and dependence, not in power or position.
  • The Value of the "Least": Jesus elevates the status of the child, implicitly teaching His followers to value and even emulate those who are considered insignificant by worldly standards. This foreshadows His later teaching about welcoming such a child (Luke 9:48) and serving the 'least of these'.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "perceiving the thought of their heart" is significant. The Greek word for "perceiving" (eidon, from eido) signifies a deep, intuitive knowledge, not just observation. "Heart" (Greek: kardia) in biblical usage refers to the core of a person's being – their mind, will, emotions, and moral character. Thus, Jesus didn't just understand their words or actions; He knew their innermost desires and motives, revealing a profound level of spiritual discernment.

Practical Application

Luke 9:47 challenges believers today to examine their own hearts and motives. Are we seeking personal recognition or genuine service? The passage reminds us that:

  • God sees beyond appearances: Our true spiritual condition is known to God, even our hidden thoughts and intentions.
  • Humility is paramount: To truly follow Jesus and experience greatness in His kingdom, we must embrace humility, dependence, and a willingness to serve rather than be served, much like the simple trust of a child.
  • Value the vulnerable: We are called to cherish and uplift those whom society often overlooks, recognizing their inherent worth in God's eyes.
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.

  • Psalms 139:23

    Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

  • John 16:30

    Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

  • Psalms 139:2

    Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

  • Matthew 19:13

    ¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

  • Matthew 19:15

    And he laid [his] hands on them, and departed thence.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Luke 5:22

    But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

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