Luke 24 15

Luke 24:15 kjv

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

Luke 24:15 nkjv

So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.

Luke 24:15 niv

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;

Luke 24:15 esv

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.

Luke 24:15 nlt

As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.

Luke 24 verses

Luke 24 15 Meaning

Luke 24:15 describes the pivotal moment when the resurrected Jesus joins two disheartened disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they engage in earnest conversation and intellectual debate about the recent events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, an unrecognized Jesus approaches them, initiating companionship and an active participation in their journey, both physical and spiritual. This verse highlights Jesus' active presence in the midst of spiritual inquiry and shared distress, even when his identity remains concealed.

Luke 24 15 Context

Luke 24 describes the monumental events of Resurrection Day. The women discover the empty tomb, report to the apostles, who largely dismiss their account as "an idle tale." Peter investigates, finds the empty tomb, but does not fully comprehend. This specific verse takes place later on the same day. Two disciples, not among the original twelve (though possibly part of the wider seventy), are journeying a significant distance from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a village about seven miles away. They are visibly saddened and deeply troubled, actively discussing the recent, perplexing occurrences surrounding Jesus' death and the subsequent reports of His resurrection. This conversation reflects their struggle with faith, understanding, and immense disappointment, forming the backdrop for Jesus' appearance.

Luke 24 15 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (Καὶ ἐγένετο - Kai egeneto): A common Lukan literary device, similar to the Old Testament Hebrew "waw conjunction + imperfect," serving to transition narratives smoothly and often emphasizing the divine purpose in the unfolding event. It points to a divinely ordained happening.
• as they talked (ἐν τῷ λαλεῖν αὐτοὺς - en tō lalein autous): The verb laleō means to speak, talk, or declare. It implies general conversation, an exchange of words about the topic at hand – Jesus' crucifixion and the empty tomb. It describes an ongoing action, a persistent dialogue.
• and reasoned (καὶ συζητεῖν - kai syzētein): This verb suggests a more intense form of discussion or deliberation than laleō. It means "to seek or inquire together," "to debate," "to dispute." It indicates that the disciples were not just casually talking but were earnestly discussing, questioning, and trying to make sense of their shared grief and confusion.
• Jesus himself (Ἰησοῦς αὐτὸς - Iēsous autos): The emphasis on autos ("himself") highlights the direct, personal, and active agency of Jesus. It underscores that it was not an angel, a messenger, or a vision, but Jesus in his very person who took the initiative.
• drew near (ἐγγίσας - engisas): An aorist participle, indicating a completed action that occurred at a specific point, as a precursor to the next action. It signifies a movement towards, an approach in physical proximity.
• and went with them (συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς - syneporeueto autois): The verb syneporeuomai means "to travel or journey with," "to accompany." The imperfect tense here indicates continuous action – Jesus did not just briefly appear, but walked alongside them for a significant portion of their journey, establishing sustained companionship.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "as they talked and reasoned": This phrase highlights the mental and emotional state of the disciples. Their deep discussion was a genuine, albeit despairing, search for understanding amidst great loss. It suggests an openness and engagement, making them receptive to the stranger who joins them. Jesus often engages with those who are actively wrestling with truth and spiritual questions.
• "Jesus himself drew near and went with them": This demonstrates Jesus' initiative and grace. He doesn't wait to be summoned but actively approaches those in need. His presence, initially unrecognized, is one of humble companionship. This highlights the post-resurrection reality of Jesus actively seeking out and ministering to his bewildered followers, often appearing in ordinary human circumstances.

Luke 24 15 Bonus section

The active approach of Jesus here sets a pattern for how he engages with his followers. He often initiates the encounter, meeting people in their existing circumstances, whether they are in despair, confusion, or doubt. The use of the continuous action "went with them" implies a period of sustained interaction and deep engagement, not just a fleeting appearance. This foreshadows the subsequent dialogue and the comprehensive scriptural exposition Jesus would provide, ultimately leading to their understanding and joy. The Emmaus Road experience often serves as a metaphor for spiritual journeys where Christ accompanies us, opening our understanding, before we fully realize His presence.

Luke 24 15 Commentary

Luke 24:15 marks the commencement of one of the most tender and significant post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. It unfolds as a demonstration of divine empathy and purposeful engagement. The disciples' profound dialogue, marked by sorrow and intense inquiry (talked and reasoned), creates a spiritual receptivity that Jesus meets with immediate presence. He actively approaches them (drew near) and humbly integrates himself into their journey (went with them). This initiative by Jesus underscores His commitment to comforting and clarifying the truth for His perplexed followers. Even though His identity is veiled (eyes were kept from recognizing him, v. 16), His active companionship sets the stage for a transformative encounter where He would unveil Himself through the scriptures and the breaking of bread. The verse illustrates that Jesus is present with believers in their moments of shared struggle and earnest spiritual seeking, even when He is not yet fully recognized.