Luke 17:22

And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see [it].

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} the disciples {G3101}, The days {G2250} will come {G2064}, when {G3753} ye shall desire {G1937} to see {G1492} one {G3391} of the days {G2250} of the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, and {G2532} ye shall {G3700} not {G3756} see {G3700} it.

Then he said to his talmidim, “The time is coming when you will long to see even one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.

Then He said to the disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.

And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

Commentary

Context

In Luke 17, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the coming of the Kingdom of God. Prior to this verse, He clarifies that the Kingdom is not something that can be observed with outward signs, but is "within you" or "among you." This verse acts as a pivot, shifting the focus from the Kingdom's present reality to the anticipation of His future, visible return. Jesus is preparing His followers for a period of waiting after His ascension, a time when His direct, physical presence will be absent.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation and Longing: Jesus predicts a future longing among His disciples for His visible presence and the full establishment of His kingdom. This "desire to see one of the days of the Son of man" speaks to the human yearning for divine intervention and the ultimate resolution of earthly struggles.
  • The Inter-Advent Period: This verse highlights the significant time gap between Christ's first coming (His earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension) and His glorious second coming. It foreshadows a period when believers will live by faith, not by sight, and will not immediately see the fulfillment of their deepest hopes for His manifest rule.
  • The Identity of the "Son of Man": Jesus consistently used the title "Son of Man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) to refer to Himself. This messianic designation, rooted in Daniel 7:13, emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority, especially in His role as future judge and glorious King. The "days of the Son of man" refer to the period of His manifest reign and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" is crucial. In the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel, it denotes a heavenly, authoritative figure who receives an everlasting dominion. Jesus' consistent use of this title for Himself underscored His unique identity, connecting His humble earthly ministry with His future glory and universal authority. It points not just to a human being, but to the divine, messianic figure who will return in power, as described in Matthew 24:30.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober reminder for believers across all generations. It teaches us that:

  • Patience is Required: The Christian life involves a period of waiting for Christ's return and the full realization of His Kingdom. This waiting is not passive but active, characterized by faithful living, evangelism, and perseverance.
  • Longing is Natural: It is natural and godly to long for the glorious "days of the Son of man," when all wrongs will be righted and His perfect will established. This longing fuels our hope and directs our ultimate aspirations.
  • Vigilance is Key: While the immediate, visible presence of the Son of Man is not always apparent, His teachings (like those in the very next verses, Luke 17:24-37) warn against false alarms and emphasize the sudden, unmistakable nature of His ultimate return. We are called to be watchful and prepared.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 5:35 (6 votes)

    But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

  • Matthew 9:15 (6 votes)

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  • John 8:21 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

  • John 8:24 (3 votes)

    I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.

  • John 7:33 (3 votes)

    Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and [then] I go unto him that sent me.

  • John 7:36 (3 votes)

    What [manner of] saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find [me]: and where I am, [thither] ye cannot come?

  • John 16:16 (3 votes)

    A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.