Luke 9:58

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Foxes {G258} have {G2192} holes {G5454}, and {G2532} birds {G4071} of the air {G3772} have nests {G2682}; but {G1161} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} hath {G2192} not {G3756} where {G4226} to lay {G2827} his head {G2776}.

Yeshua answered him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds flying about have nests, but the Son of Man has no home of his own.”

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Commentary

Luke 9:58 presents a profound statement from Jesus about the true nature and cost of following Him. It is a direct response to a potential disciple who eagerly declared, "Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest" (Luke 9:57). Jesus’s reply serves as a stark reality check, challenging superficial enthusiasm with the demanding truth of His itinerant and unrooted life.

Context

This verse is situated within a crucial part of Luke's Gospel, as Jesus "stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), signaling His determined path towards suffering and ultimate atonement. The preceding verses in chapter 9 detail the Transfiguration and discussions about true greatness. Following this, Jesus encounters several individuals expressing a desire to follow Him, each met with a unique and challenging response designed to reveal the depth of commitment required. This particular interaction is paralleled in Matthew 8:20.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus immediately clarifies that following Him does not promise earthly comfort or security. Unlike animals that have natural dwelling places, He, the Son of Man, possessed no permanent home. This serves as a warning that true discipleship may involve personal sacrifice and material instability. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus's teaching on taking up one's cross.
  • Jesus's Humility and Poverty: The verse highlights the radical humility and self-emptying of Jesus. Though the Son of God, He chose a life of voluntary poverty and reliance on God's provision, demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it built on material possessions or earthly power. His life exemplifies the principle of Christ's self-impoverishment for our sake.
  • Spiritual vs. Earthly Priorities: By contrasting His lack of a home with the natural instinct of animals to seek shelter, Jesus underscores the spiritual nature of His mission. His followers are called to prioritize His kingdom above earthly comforts, ambitions, or even basic security.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a significant self-designation Jesus frequently used. It emphasizes both His full humanity and His unique, divine authority, drawing from the prophetic vision in Daniel 7:13 where "one like the Son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven to receive an everlasting dominion. In this context, it starkly contrasts His heavenly origin and ultimate authority with His earthly vulnerability and lack of a dwelling place.

Practical Application

Luke 9:58 challenges believers today to examine their own priorities. Are we willing to embrace the potential discomfort and uncertainty that comes with truly following Christ? This verse calls for a radical detachment from worldly security and a deep commitment to Jesus above all else. It reminds us that our true home and ultimate security are not found in earthly possessions or stability, but in Christ alone and the eternal kingdom He offers.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:20 (7 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

  • Luke 14:26 (6 votes)

    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 14:33 (6 votes)

    So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

  • James 2:5 (4 votes)

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Psalms 84:3 (2 votes)

    Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, [even] thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

  • John 6:60 (2 votes)

    ¶ Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard [this], said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

  • John 6:66 (2 votes)

    From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.