Luke 9:55

KJV

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he turned {G4762}, and rebuked {G2008} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Ye know {G1492} not {G3756} what manner {G3634} of spirit {G4151} ye {G5210} are of {G2075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he turned and rebuked them.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

American Standard Version

But he turned, and rebuked them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:55 captures a profound moment of divine correction where Jesus rebukes His disciples James and John for their desire to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Him. This pivotal verse reveals Jesus's true mission of salvation, not destruction, and challenges His followers to examine the underlying spirit of their reactions, emphasizing that the nature of their zeal must align with the compassionate and patient character of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial turning point in Luke's Gospel, immediately following Jesus's resolute decision to begin His final journey to Jerusalem, as stated in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"). As Jesus and His disciples pass through a Samaritan village, the inhabitants refuse to receive Him, likely due to the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans, particularly regarding Jerusalem as the rightful place of worship versus Mount Gerizim. In response to this rejection, James and John, known as "Sons of Thunder" ([Mark 3:17](/mark/3-17 "Mark 3:17 - James and John, Sons of Thunder")), impulsively suggest calling down fire from heaven to consume the villagers, echoing the actions of the prophet Elijah in [2 Kings 1:10-12](/2_kings/1-10-12 "2 Kings 1:10-12 - Elijah Calls Down Fire"). Jesus's sharp rebuke in [Luke 9:55](/luke/9-55 "Luke 9:55 - Jesus Rebukes His Disciples") directly counters their vengeful impulse, setting the tone for the nature of His kingdom and the spirit of His disciples.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical tension between Jews and Samaritans was profound, stemming from ancient religious and ethnic divisions. Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest, leading to a distinct religious practice centered on Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem. Jews generally viewed Samaritans as heretics and half-breeds, avoiding contact with them. Jesus's decision to travel through Samaria, and His subsequent interactions with Samaritans (e.g., the woman at the well in [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), challenged these deeply ingrained prejudices. James and John's proposal to call down fire reflects a common Old Testament understanding of divine judgment against enemies, particularly drawing on the precedent of Elijah, a highly revered prophet. Their zeal, while perhaps rooted in a desire to defend Jesus's honor, was misdirected and failed to grasp the new covenant's emphasis on grace and a different kind of divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 9:55](/luke/9-55 "Luke 9:55 - Jesus Rebukes His Disciples") contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Nature of Christ's Mission**, clarifying that His purpose is one of salvation and reconciliation, not immediate judgment or destruction ([Luke 9:56](/luke/9-56 "Luke 9:56 - The Son of Man Came to Save")). This contrasts sharply with the Old Testament prophetic tradition of judgment. Secondly, the passage highlights **Misunderstanding Discipleship**, demonstrating that even close disciples struggled to align their understanding of God's kingdom with Jesus's teachings. Their desire for retribution reveals a spirit contrary to the love and patience Jesus embodied, emphasizing that true discipleship involves adopting Christ's character, not merely wielding divine power. Finally, it addresses the theme of **Discernment of Motives**, as Jesus's statement, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of," compels the disciples—and by extension, all believers—to critically examine the underlying motivations and spiritual disposition behind their actions and reactions, especially in the face of rejection or opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō_):** This verb signifies a strong censure, admonition, or even a prohibition. Jesus's "rebuke" here is not merely a gentle correction but a firm, authoritative condemnation of their attitude and suggestion. It highlights the seriousness with which Jesus viewed their misguided zeal and the profound disconnect between their spirit and His mission.
* **know (Greek, _eídō_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense, it means "to know" or "to understand." Jesus's statement, "Ye know not," indicates a profound lack of spiritual perception or understanding on the disciples' part. They failed to grasp the true nature of God's redemptive purpose in Christ, mistaking a spirit of vengeance for righteous zeal.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma_):** In this context, "spirit" refers to the inner disposition, attitude, or animating principle that drives a person's actions and character. Jesus is not merely addressing their words but the very essence of their internal motivation. He implies that their desire for destruction stemmed from an ungodly spirit, one that was contrary to the Holy Spirit and His own compassionate nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he turned, and rebuked them,"**: This clause emphasizes Jesus's deliberate and decisive action. The act of "turning" suggests a focused attention and a clear intention to address the disciples directly and firmly. The "rebuke" itself signifies Jesus's authority and His intolerance for a spirit of vengeance, even when His own honor or mission might seem to be at stake. It demonstrates His immediate and strong opposition to their violent impulse.
* **"and said, 'Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.'"**: This is the core of Jesus's correction, revealing the depth of the disciples' misunderstanding. Jesus points to their internal disposition, indicating that their desire for retribution stemmed from a spirit that was not aligned with God's character or the purpose of His kingdom. It's a profound statement about the source of their misguided zeal, implying a lack of discernment regarding the true nature of their own hearts and the Spirit of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:55 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Rebuke**, where Jesus directly and authoritatively corrects His disciples' misguided zeal. This serves to highlight the stark contrast between the disciples' vengeful spirit and Christ's mission of salvation. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** established between the Old Testament precedent of Elijah calling down fire and Jesus's New Covenant approach of grace and patience. The phrase "what manner of spirit ye are of" functions as a form of **Indirect Statement** or a challenging revelation, rather than a direct question, forcing the disciples to confront their own internal motivations. The word "spirit" itself operates as **Symbolism** or **Metaphor**, representing not just a general attitude but the animating principle or disposition of their hearts, which Jesus identifies as being contrary to His own. This verse therefore serves as a critical teaching moment, using direct confrontation to reveal deeper theological truths about the nature of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:55 profoundly shapes our understanding of the character of God as revealed in Christ. It underscores that the divine power Jesus possesses is primarily for salvation and restoration, not for immediate judgment or vengeance against those who reject Him. This moment serves as a crucial theological pivot, distinguishing the new covenant's emphasis on grace, love, and patience from a more immediate, retributive justice often seen in the Old Testament. It teaches that true spiritual power is manifested in self-control, compassion, and a desire for reconciliation, even in the face of hostility. The disciples' misguided zeal reveals a common human tendency to equate righteousness with punitive action, a notion Jesus decisively corrects by revealing the true "spirit" that should animate His followers: one of redemptive love.

* [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Do Not Take Revenge")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ Did Not Retaliate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:55 offers a timeless and piercing challenge for all who claim to follow Christ. It compels us to deeply examine the wellsprings of our own reactions, especially when faced with opposition, rejection, or perceived injustice. Are our responses truly rooted in the Spirit of Christ—a spirit of love, patience, and a desire for the salvation of others—or are they driven by a "spirit" of anger, self-righteousness, or vengeance? This verse reminds us that genuine discipleship is not merely about professing faith, but about embodying the very character of Jesus, who came not to destroy but to save. It calls us to temper our zeal with discernment, ensuring that our passion for God's truth is always expressed through His love and mercy. In a world often characterized by division and quick condemnation, Jesus's rebuke to James and John serves as a vital call to cultivate a spirit that seeks to build up, reconcile, and extend grace, even to those who oppose us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "spirit" do I exhibit when I feel rejected, misunderstood, or personally offended?**
* **How does my zeal for God's truth align with His character of love, patience, and mercy?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "call down fire" on others, either literally or figuratively, rather than seeking their redemption?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart and mind that reflects the saving, rather than condemning, spirit of Jesus?**

### FAQ
**What was the "spirit" James and John were exhibiting that Jesus rebuked?**

Answer: The "spirit" James and John exhibited was one of misguided zeal, vengeance, and a desire for immediate, destructive judgment. Their impulse to call down fire on the Samaritan village stemmed from anger and intolerance due to the rejection of Jesus. Jesus's rebuke in [Luke 9:55](/luke/9-55 "Luke 9:55 - Jesus Rebukes His Disciples") implies that their reaction was not from the Holy Spirit, which is characterized by love, patience, and a desire for salvation, but rather from a human, perhaps even demonic, spirit of retribution. Their actions were contrary to Christ's mission, which was "not to destroy men's lives, but to save them" ([Luke 9:56](/luke/9-56 "Luke 9:56 - The Son of Man Came to Save")).

**Why did Jesus not want to call down fire, even though Elijah did in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Jesus's refusal to call down fire, despite Elijah's precedent ([2 Kings 1:10-12](/2_kings/1-10-12 "2 Kings 1:10-12 - Elijah Calls Down Fire")), highlights a fundamental shift in God's redemptive plan. While Elijah acted under the Old Covenant, where divine judgment was often immediate and visible, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, characterized by grace, mercy, and a focus on spiritual transformation rather than physical destruction. Jesus explicitly states His mission: "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people's lives but to save them" ([Luke 9:56](/luke/9-56 "Luke 9:56 - The Son of Man Came to Save")). His first advent was for salvation, not judgment ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn")). This demonstrates the patient and long-suffering nature of God, who desires all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God Is Patient")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:55 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's consistent demonstration of a Spirit entirely opposite to that of His disciples. While James and John desired immediate destruction for those who rejected Him, Jesus steadfastly pursued a mission of salvation, even unto death. His journey to Jerusalem, which began in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"), culminates not in calling down fire upon His enemies, but in offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for them. On the cross, instead of summoning legions of angels to avenge Himself, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). This embodies the very "spirit" He calls His followers to possess: a spirit of self-sacrificial love, forgiveness, and a relentless pursuit of reconciliation, even for those who reject Him. Jesus, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), came to take away the sin of the world, not to condemn it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn")). His rebuke in [Luke 9:55](/luke/9-55 "Luke 9:55 - Jesus Rebukes His Disciples") foreshadows the new covenant's emphasis on grace, mercy, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to love their enemies and bless those who curse them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")).

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

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Job 31:29

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

Job 31:31

If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Job 2:10

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job 26:4

To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?

Numbers 20:10

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?