Luke 19 39

Luke 19:39 kjv

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Luke 19:39 nkjv

And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

Luke 19:39 niv

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

Luke 19:39 esv

And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."

Luke 19:39 nlt

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, "Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!"

Luke 19 verses

Luke 19 39 Meaning

Luke 19:39 records an attempt by some Pharisees to silence the joyful acclamation of Jesus' disciples during His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. They command Jesus, whom they call "Teacher," to "rebuke" or silence His followers for their proclamations of Him as King, thereby seeking to suppress the messianic recognition and its implications, which they viewed as blasphemous or politically dangerous. The verse highlights the growing opposition Jesus faced, even as He was publicly honored.

Luke 19 39 Context

Luke 19:39 is set immediately following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-38), days before His crucifixion. Jesus is riding on a young donkey, a clear fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Zech 9:9). As He descends the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem, His disciples begin to joyfully praise God with loud voices, declaring, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" This public acclamation directly links Jesus to the promised Messiah-King, explicitly articulating His kingship and divine authority, something the Jewish religious authorities like the Pharisees largely rejected. Their demand in verse 39 reflects their immediate opposition to this overt messianic claim and the disruption of order they perceived it caused. The verse anticipates the broader rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders in the following days.

Luke 19 39 Word analysis

• Some: (Greek: Tines) – This indicates that not all Pharisees were present or held this exact opinion, but rather a significant, representative number among them spoke up. It highlights their internal divisions and variations in opposition.
• of the Pharisees: (Greek: ton Pharisaion) – The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law, their emphasis on oral traditions, and their spiritual separation (Pharisaioi comes from a root meaning "separated ones"). They often challenged Jesus' authority, teaching, and practices throughout the Gospels, fearing His popularity and the implications of His claims, which they often viewed as a threat to their own authority and traditions, and potentially to their relationship with Rome.
• in the crowd: (Greek: ek tou ochlou) – Suggests they were embedded among the general populace who were largely supportive of Jesus' entry, allowing them to witness the scene firsthand and observe the public enthusiasm for Jesus. It also places them in a public setting, making their rebuke a direct and open challenge.
• said to him: (Greek: eipon pros auton) – A direct address to Jesus, indicating their intention to confront Him directly.
• Teacher: (Greek: Didaskale) – A title commonly used for Jesus, acknowledging His role as an instructor. However, coming from the Pharisees in this context, it is likely used with a veiled challenge or as a means of appearing respectful while subtly asserting their right to instruct Him on proper behavior. It contrasts with the disciples' acclamation of Him as "King."
• rebuke: (Greek: epitēmson) – This is a strong imperative verb, meaning to admonish sternly, to censure, to charge strictly, or to silence. This word is frequently used elsewhere in the Gospels for Jesus Himself rebuking demons (e.g., Mk 1:25, Lk 4:35) or elements (e.g., Mk 4:39). Here, the Pharisees demand Jesus exercise this authority, not against evil or chaos, but against the divinely inspired praise of His disciples. They seek to silence truth.
• your disciples: (Greek: tous mathētas sou) – Refers to Jesus' followers, those who are loudly proclaiming His identity and role. The Pharisees view them as disruptive and blame Jesus for their actions, holding Him responsible for controlling them. They acknowledge the close bond and influence Jesus has over them.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,": This phrase establishes the specific group initiating the demand—not all, but some influential members of the religious establishment, deeply intertwined with the public. It sets up an immediate conflict between religious authority and messianic affirmation. Their approach is direct, revealing their opposition to the unfolding event.
• "'Teacher, rebuke your disciples!'": This command represents the core of the Pharisaic objection.
  • Using "Teacher" is an ironic address. While outwardly respectful, it functions as an assertion of their authority to dictate what a "Teacher" should do, particularly regarding controlling His students. They effectively tell Jesus how to manage what they perceive as His "class."
  • "rebuke your disciples" directly expresses their desire to silence the messianic fervor. They perceive the disciples' shouts of praise as politically dangerous, potentially inciting Roman intervention, or as theological blasphemy because it recognized Jesus as Messiah, a claim they disputed. Their demand for a "rebuke" reflects a deep-seated antagonism toward Jesus' public claims of authority and divine connection, especially during an event that openly declared His kingship. They believe this praise is inappropriate and requires immediate suppression. This group wants Jesus to act against the Spirit of God which inspired the disciples' praise.

Luke 19 39 Bonus section

The Pharisees' insistence that Jesus silence His disciples reflects a recurring pattern in the Gospels where established religious authorities seek to control or suppress spiritual movements they do not originate or fully comprehend (cf. John 12:19, John 11:48). They saw the jubilant outburst of the disciples not as fulfillment of prophecy but as a disruptive challenge to the status quo and their interpretive framework of messianic expectation, which emphasized the Law and their traditions, not spontaneous praise from uneducated followers. Their demand implicitly suggests they viewed Jesus' influence as potentially unruly, aligning with Roman concerns about public unrest and claims to kingship. They were essentially asking Jesus to deny His true identity and mission, which He could not do, for the praise was for God, and for Him as the Christ, the anointed King.

Luke 19 39 Commentary

Luke 19:39 presents a critical juncture where the religious leadership's entrenched opposition to Jesus erupts in response to overt messianic worship. The Pharisees' demand, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!", underscores their fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and mission, or perhaps, their intentional refusal to acknowledge it. They perceive the joyous, spontaneous praise of the disciples not as divine recognition, but as an unruly, possibly blasphemous, and politically perilous demonstration.

Their call for Jesus to "rebuke" His followers is laden with irony. The word epitimao is strongly associated with Jesus' own divine authority to command and silence chaotic forces like demons and nature. Here, the Pharisees ironically demand He use this very authority to silence divine truth being spoken through His disciples. Their intention is to suppress the truth, stemming from either their fear of Roman retaliation for perceived sedition or their theological inability/unwillingness to accept a Messiah who did not fit their expectations, especially one who would challenge their religious authority.

Jesus' subsequent response in Luke 19:40, that "if these were silent, the stones would cry out," highlights the divine necessity and inevitability of His praise and revelation. The praise for Jesus as King was not merely an impulsive act by His followers but was ordained by God; to silence it would be to suppress a foundational truth that even inanimate creation would eventually bear witness to. This verse sets the stage for the escalating conflict that ultimately leads to the Passion of Christ, illustrating how the truth of Jesus' messiahship would continually confront and challenge the existing religious order. It serves as a stark reminder that God's plan cannot be ultimately thwarted by human opposition, regardless of status or perceived authority.