Luke 9:57

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, as they {G846} went {G4198} in {G1722} the way {G3598}, a certain {G5100} man said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, I will follow {G190} thee {G4671} whithersoever {G3699}{G302} thou goest {G565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were traveling on the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Berean Standard Bible

As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.”

American Standard Version

And as they went on the way, a certain man said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:57 introduces the first of three distinct encounters Jesus has with individuals expressing interest in following Him, immediately following His resolute decision to journey towards Jerusalem. This verse captures the seemingly eager declaration of a man who pledges absolute allegiance to Jesus, stating, "Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." While appearing to be a profound expression of devotion, this statement sets the stage for Jesus to unveil the challenging and often costly realities of true discipleship, prompting a deeper examination of commitment beyond initial enthusiasm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's narrative immediately after Jesus "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" (/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"), marking a pivotal shift in His ministry focus towards His ultimate Passion. The preceding verses (/luke/9-52-56 "Luke 9:52-56 - Samaritan Rejection and Disciples' Zeal") recount the rejection Jesus faced in a Samaritan village and His disciples' misguided desire for retribution, which Jesus rebukes. This incident underscores the misunderstanding even among His closest followers regarding the nature of His kingdom and mission. Luke 9:57-62 then forms a distinct pericope, presenting three different individuals who express a desire to follow Jesus, each receiving a challenging response that highlights the radical demands of discipleship, contrasting superficial enthusiasm with the true cost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As Jesus and His disciples "went in the way," they were engaged in an itinerant ministry, moving from village to village, often without a fixed abode. This was a common practice for rabbinic teachers of the time, though Jesus' teachings and lifestyle were far more radical than typical. The setting, likely rural Galilee or Samaritan territory, emphasizes the transient nature of their existence. In Jewish culture, following a rabbi (becoming a "talmid") involved intense devotion, living with the teacher, and adopting their lifestyle. The man's declaration in Luke 9:57, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest," would have been understood as a profound commitment to such a life, yet Jesus' subsequent response in /luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head" immediately confronts the romanticized notion of this commitment, revealing the harsh realities of homelessness and sacrifice inherent in following the Son of Man.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:57 introduces the overarching theme of the **Cost of Discipleship**, which is central to this section of Luke's Gospel. The man's spontaneous declaration highlights **Initial Enthusiasm vs. Enduring Commitment**, a recurring tension for those drawn to Jesus. While the man expresses an **Unconditional Vow** ("whithersoever thou goest"), Jesus' response in the subsequent verses reveals that true discipleship requires a deeper understanding of sacrifice and priorities than this initial zeal might suggest. This passage also subtly touches upon the **Nature of Jesus' Kingdom**, which is not one of earthly comfort or power, but one that demands self-denial and a willingness to embrace hardship, echoing earlier teachings about taking up one's cross (/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb signifies "to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove, die, live, etc.)." In this context, it describes Jesus and His disciples physically "going" or "journeying" on their way. The active, ongoing nature of this travel underscores the itinerant lifestyle of Jesus' ministry, which forms the backdrop for the man's declaration and Jesus' subsequent challenging response regarding the lack of a fixed home.
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." It denotes a direct verbal utterance. The use of this word emphasizes the man's direct, personal address to Jesus, making a clear and unambiguous statement of intent. It highlights the spoken nature of his pledge, which, while seemingly earnest, is then put to the test by Jesus' words.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a road," this verb properly means "to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." It encapsulates the core concept of discipleship – walking alongside, learning from, and imitating a teacher. The man's use of this word signifies his desire to become a close adherent, a "talmid," to Jesus, adopting His path and lifestyle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way":** This introductory clause sets the scene, indicating a transitional moment during Jesus' ongoing journey. The phrase "in the way" emphasizes the itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry, highlighting the lack of a fixed location and the constant movement that characterized His life, which is crucial for understanding His response to the man.
* **"a certain [man] said unto him":** This introduces the individual who initiates the conversation. The indefinite "certain man" suggests he is not one of the Twelve or a previously identified follower, but someone from the general crowd, indicating a spontaneous, perhaps impulsive, declaration.
* **"Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest":** This is the man's direct and seemingly unqualified pledge of allegiance. "Lord" (Kýrios) is a respectful address, acknowledging Jesus' authority. The phrase "whithersoever thou goest" (Greek: _hópou án apérchomai_) expresses an absolute, unconditional commitment to accompany Jesus to any place, no matter how remote or challenging. On the surface, it appears to be a perfect statement of devotion, yet it is precisely this sweeping promise that Jesus will immediately challenge.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:57 employs several literary devices to set the stage for Jesus' deeper teaching. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the man's enthusiastic, yet unexamined, declaration immediately foreshadows Jesus' subsequent responses to this and the following two potential disciples in /luke/9-58-62 "Luke 9:58-62 - The Cost of Discipleship". The seemingly noble vow of "whithersoever thou goest" creates a subtle **Irony**, as the man's stated willingness to go anywhere contrasts sharply with the reality that Jesus, the Son of Man, literally has "no where to lay his head" (/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus' Homelessness"). This sets up a **Contrast** between the man's perceived understanding of discipleship and its actual demanding nature. The brief, direct dialogue also uses **Juxtaposition**, placing the man's eager declaration right before Jesus' stark and challenging reply, highlighting the immediate tension between human enthusiasm and divine expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:57 initiates a crucial theological discussion about the nature of true commitment to Christ. The man's declaration, while seemingly pious, represents a common human tendency to embrace the idea of following Jesus without fully grasping the radical implications for one's life, comfort, and security. It highlights that genuine discipleship is not merely a verbal assent or an emotional response, but a transformative journey that demands a reordering of priorities, a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort, and an unwavering focus on Christ above all else. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that the call to follow Jesus is a call to self-denial and cross-bearing, inviting believers to count the cost before embarking on the journey.

* [Matthew 8:19](/matthew/8-19 "A Scribe's Desire to Follow Jesus")
* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "The Demands of Discipleship")
* [Luke 14:25-33](/luke/14-25-33 "Counting the Cost of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man's eager declaration in Luke 9:57 serves as a powerful mirror for our own initial enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to Christ. It challenges us to move beyond superficial declarations of faith to a deep, abiding understanding of what it truly means to follow Jesus. Are we prepared for the path He leads us on, even when it deviates from our expectations of comfort, security, or worldly success? This verse prompts us to honestly assess our motives: Is our desire to follow Him rooted in a genuine surrender to His Lordship, or is it conditioned by our own expectations of what He can do for us? True discipleship demands a willingness to relinquish control, embrace uncertainty, and prioritize His will above all personal ambitions. It is a call to radical obedience, trusting that wherever He goes, His presence and purpose are sufficient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my initial motivations for following Jesus, and how might they align or diverge from the true cost of discipleship?**
* **Am I truly willing to follow Jesus "whithersoever" He goes, even if it means sacrificing personal comfort, security, or worldly aspirations?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient commitment to Christ that moves beyond mere enthusiasm to enduring obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the man's statement, "Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest"?**

Answer: The man's statement in /luke/9-57 "Luke 9:57 - The First Potential Follower" signifies a seemingly absolute and unconditional pledge of allegiance to Jesus. In the context of ancient Jewish discipleship, it would have been understood as a profound commitment to become a close follower, adopting the teacher's lifestyle and teachings. However, Jesus' subsequent response in /luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus' Challenging Reply" reveals that the man likely did not fully comprehend the radical implications of his vow, particularly the hardships and self-denial involved in following the Son of Man who had no fixed home. It highlights the distinction between initial enthusiasm and the true, demanding nature of discipleship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:57, with its seemingly eager but ultimately unexamined pledge of allegiance, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not in the man's declaration, but in the person of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied the "whithersoever thou goest" principle. While the man's offer was tested, Christ's own journey was one of unwavering obedience to the Father's will, leading Him to the cross. Jesus, the Son of Man, truly went "whithersoever" the Father led, from the glory of heaven to the humility of human flesh (/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation"), through a life of itinerant ministry with "no where to lay his head" (/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man's Homelessness"), and ultimately to the ultimate sacrifice on Calvary for the redemption of humanity (/john/19-17-18 "John 19:17-18 - Jesus Carries His Cross"). His journey of perfect obedience and self-denial provides the pattern and the power for all who would truly follow Him. We are called not merely to declare our willingness, but to trust and participate in the path of the One who perfectly fulfilled the call to go wherever the Father leads, securing our salvation and demonstrating the true nature of costly love (/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example").

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 8:19

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

John 13:37

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Luke 9:57

¶ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Luke 9:60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Exodus 19:8

And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,