Luke 9:61

KJV

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} another {G2087} also {G2532} said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, I will follow {G190} thee {G4671}; but {G1161} let {G2010} me {G3427} first {G4412} go bid them farewell {G657}, which are at home at {G1519} my {G3450} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me say good-by to the people at home.”

Berean Standard Bible

Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”

American Standard Version

And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord; but first suffer me to bid farewell to them that are at my house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:61 presents the third of three encounters where potential disciples approach Jesus with a stated desire to follow Him, yet each presents a condition or hesitation that reveals a deeper challenge to their commitment. In this instance, an individual declares willingness to follow but requests permission to first bid farewell to their family at home, a seemingly reasonable social custom that Jesus' subsequent response (Luke 9:62) exposes as a potential hindrance to the absolute and immediate demands of Kingdom discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a concise and powerful pericope in Luke's Gospel (Luke 9:57-62) that immediately follows Jesus' resolute decision to "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")). This turning point signals a heightened intensity in Jesus' ministry and a clarification of the radical nature of discipleship. The three encounters, presented as short, sharp dialogues, collectively illustrate the profound cost of following Jesus. The first individual is challenged regarding the lack of earthly security ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), and the second is confronted with the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom over familial obligations, even those as sacred as burying a parent ([Luke 9:60](/luke/9-60 "Luke 9:60 - Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead")). The third, in [Luke 9:61](/luke/9-61 "Luke 9:61 - The Conditional Disciple"), presents a seemingly more benign request to say goodbye to family, yet Jesus' uncompromising response in [Luke 9:62](/luke/9-62 "Luke 9:62 - No One Who Puts His Hand to the Plow and Looks Back") underscores the singular focus required for Kingdom work, linking back to the theme of absolute priority established in the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, family ties were paramount, forming the bedrock of social, economic, and religious life. The concept of "bidding farewell" (especially a prolonged or formal one) was not merely a polite custom but often involved extensive rituals, settling affairs, and ensuring the family's well-being or seeking their blessing for a significant departure. This deep-seated cultural value meant that leaving one's family, even for a noble pursuit, was an immense step. Jesus' call to discipleship often challenged these deeply ingrained social norms, demanding a reorientation of primary allegiance from earthly family to the family of God and the Kingdom. His itinerant ministry also meant that followers would need to leave behind settled lives and traditional means of support, a radical departure from societal expectations that required profound trust and commitment.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 9:61](/luke/9-61 "Luke 9:61 - The Conditional Disciple") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Conditional Discipleship** versus **Radical Commitment**. The individual's desire to follow is genuine, but the attached condition reveals a hesitation to fully surrender control or to prioritize Jesus above all else. This contrasts sharply with the **Urgency of the Kingdom** message that permeates Jesus' teaching, emphasizing that the work of God's Kingdom demands immediate and undivided attention, allowing no room for delay or divided loyalties. Furthermore, the passage underscores the theme of **Undivided Devotion**, where even legitimate and good earthly relationships or responsibilities must not supersede one's primary allegiance to Christ and His mission. Jesus' teaching here, and elsewhere (e.g., [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship")), challenges followers to count the cost and ensure that nothing, not even family, becomes an idol or a hindrance to wholehearted obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **another (Greek, _héteros'_):** (G2087) This word signifies "another of a different kind." In the context of Luke 9:57-62, it emphasizes that this individual is distinct from the previous two, presenting a new, yet equally challenging, condition for discipleship. It highlights the varied nature of human hesitations when confronted with Jesus' radical call.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** (G190) Properly, "to be in the same way with," meaning to accompany, especially as a disciple. This word denotes more than mere physical proximity; it implies adherence to the teachings and lifestyle of the one being followed. The individual's stated desire to "follow" Jesus suggests an initial recognition of His authority and an aspiration to be His disciple, setting up the tension with the subsequent condition.
* **bid them farewell (Greek, _apotássomai'_):** (G657) This verb, in the middle voice, literally means "to say adieu (by departing or dismissing)" or figuratively, "to renounce." While it can simply mean a polite goodbye, in this context, coupled with Jesus' strong response in the subsequent verse, it carries the implication of a formal separation or settling of affairs that could signify a lingering attachment to one's former life or a desire to maintain control over one's personal circumstances before fully committing to the unknown path of discipleship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee":** This opening clause introduces a third individual who, like the previous two, expresses a clear and seemingly earnest desire to become a disciple of Jesus. The address "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) indicates respect and recognition of Jesus' authority, suggesting a genuine, albeit conditional, intent to submit to Him and join His itinerant ministry.
* **"but let me first go bid them farewell":** Here lies the crucial condition. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) immediately introduces a qualification to the stated desire. The phrase "let me first go" (G2010, _epitrépō_, "allow me") reveals a desire for personal control over the timing and circumstances of their commitment. The act of "bidding farewell" (G657, _apotássomai_) implies a need to conclude prior obligations and ties before fully embarking on the path of discipleship, a seemingly reasonable request that Jesus will challenge.
* **"which are at home at my house":** This specifies the object of the farewell: the individual's family and household. In a culture where family ties were paramount, this request highlights the profound social and emotional bonds that could potentially compete with the absolute demands of following Jesus. It underscores the personal cost involved in radical discipleship, requiring a reorientation of one's primary loyalties.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device, juxtaposing the expressed desire to follow Jesus with the immediate imposition of a condition. This highlights the tension between genuine aspiration and lingering earthly attachments. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the individual's request; what appears to be a polite and culturally appropriate act of saying goodbye is, in Jesus' eyes, a demonstration of divided loyalty that hinders true discipleship. The series of three encounters ([Luke 9:57-62](/luke/9-57-62 "Luke 9:57-62 - The Cost of Discipleship")) functions as a **Didactic Progression**, where each interaction builds upon the last, escalating the challenge to potential followers and revealing the increasingly radical nature of Jesus' call. This progression serves to underscore the absolute priority and urgency of the Kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly illuminates the radical nature of discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus demands an absolute and undivided commitment that transcends even the most sacred human relationships and cultural norms. The individual's request, while seemingly innocuous, reveals a heart not yet fully surrendered to the immediate and all-consuming call of the Kingdom. Jesus' response, though not explicitly stated in this verse, implies that any earthly tie, no matter how legitimate or cherished, must not take precedence over the divine summons. This teaching challenges believers to examine their own priorities, recognizing that true allegiance to Christ requires a willingness to forsake all hindrances, whether material possessions, social standing, or even familial comfort, for the sake of the Gospel. It underscores the biblical principle that God demands our first and best, not our leftover time or conditional obedience.

* [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Jesus' Demands on Discipleship")
* [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:61 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the common human tendency to desire spiritual commitment while simultaneously clinging to earthly comforts, relationships, or perceived obligations. The individual's request to "bid farewell" is a powerful metaphor for the "buts" and "ifs" we often insert into our walk with Christ. It challenges us to honestly assess what holds us back from full, immediate, and unreserved obedience to God's call. Are there legitimate, even good, things in our lives—family, career, hobbies, security—that we prioritize over the urgent demands of the Kingdom? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, reminding us that true discipleship is not about adding Jesus to our existing life, but about allowing Him to redefine and transform our entire existence. It compels us to ask if we are truly willing to put our hand to the plow without looking back, trusting that God's plan for us is always superior to our own carefully constructed comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "farewells" or conditions do I still cling to that might hinder my full and immediate obedience to God's call?**
* **How does my desire for comfort, security, or approval from others compete with my desire to follow Jesus without reservation?**
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to procrastination or delaying full commitment, even to seemingly good things, when God is calling for immediate action?**
* **What would it look like for me to prioritize the Kingdom of God above all other earthly ties and obligations in a practical way this week?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus forbid saying goodbye to family?**

Answer: No, Jesus does not forbid saying goodbye to family in a general sense, nor does He advocate for neglecting familial responsibilities. The issue in [Luke 9:61](/luke/9-61 "Luke 9:61 - The Conditional Disciple") is not the act of bidding farewell itself, which was a common and culturally appropriate custom, but rather the *condition* it placed on following Jesus. The request to "first go bid them farewell" suggests a desire to settle affairs, maintain control, or perhaps even a lingering attachment that would hinder the immediate and absolute commitment Jesus demanded of His disciples. His teaching here, and elsewhere (e.g., [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Jesus' Demands on Discipleship")), emphasizes that loyalty to Him and the Kingdom must supersede all other loyalties, even those to one's closest family members. It's a matter of ultimate priority and undivided devotion, not a blanket prohibition on family interaction.

**How does this request differ from the previous two in Luke 9?**

Answer: The three encounters in [Luke 9:57-62](/luke/9-57-62 "Luke 9:57-62 - The Cost of Discipleship") present a progression of challenges to potential disciples. The first individual expresses a desire to follow but is met with Jesus' statement about having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), highlighting the lack of earthly security in discipleship. The second is called to follow, but wishes to "go and bury his father" ([Luke 9:59](/luke/9-59 "Bury My Father First")), to which Jesus responds with the radical command to "let the dead bury their own dead" ([Luke 9:60](/luke/9-60 "Luke 9:60 - Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead")), emphasizing the urgency of the Kingdom over even sacred filial duties. The third individual in [Luke 9:61](/luke/9-61 "Luke 9:61 - The Conditional Disciple") presents a seemingly less drastic request—to "bid them farewell." While burying a parent was an immediate and pressing duty, bidding farewell could imply a more prolonged process of settling affairs or a desire for a comfortable transition. All three, however, share a common thread: they represent a condition or a delay placed upon an otherwise stated willingness to follow, revealing a heart not yet fully committed to the immediate and radical demands of Christ's call.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:61, with its portrayal of a conditional commitment, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in Jesus' demanding call but in His own perfect and unreserved obedience to the Father's will. Jesus Himself, the Son of God, left the glory of heaven, "emptying himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), demonstrating the ultimate "farewell" to divine prerogatives for the sake of His mission. He perfectly embodied the disciple who put His hand to the plow and never looked back, even to the point of enduring the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). His life and sacrificial death did not just *demand* radical discipleship; they *enabled* it. Through His atoning work, we are freed from the bondage of earthly attachments and the fear of loss, empowered by the Holy Spirit to say "yes" to His call without reservation ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")). The new life we receive in Christ means that our true home is now in Him, and our ultimate family is the body of Christ, making any earthly "farewells" a step towards a greater, eternal reality found in Him alone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the challenge of Luke 9:61 is not a burden but an invitation to participate in the liberating, all-consuming, and eternally rewarding life of following the Christ who gave His all for us.

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

1 Kings 19:20

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:18

And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Luke 14:20

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.