Luke 24 50

Luke 24:50 kjv

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Luke 24:50 nkjv

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.

Luke 24:50 niv

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

Luke 24:50 esv

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

Luke 24:50 nlt

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them.

Luke 24 verses

Luke 24 50 Meaning

Luke 24:50 describes a pivotal moment immediately preceding Jesus' physical departure from His disciples. After His resurrection appearances, Jesus led His disciples out of Jerusalem, as far as Bethany. There, He performed a deeply significant final act: lifting His hands, He bestowed a blessing upon them. This action marked His farewell, conveying divine favor, authority, and empowerment upon His followers, preparing them for the monumental task of continuing His mission in His physical absence. It underscores His ongoing care and the enduring power of His divine blessing over His church.

Luke 24 50 Context

Luke 24 chronicles the crucial events following Jesus' resurrection. It begins with the discovery of the empty tomb and the angelic message (Lk 24:1-12), moves to Jesus' appearance to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing Himself through the Scriptures and breaking bread (Lk 24:13-35), and then His sudden appearance to the gathered apostles in Jerusalem, proving His bodily resurrection (Lk 24:36-43). He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, revealing that His suffering, death, and resurrection were foretold and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Lk 24:44-49). Verse 50 immediately precedes the ascension, serving as Jesus' final, intentional, and public act of bestowing divine favor and commissioning before His departure. This climactic moment bridges His earthly ministry to the inception of the Church's mission, empowered by the promised Holy Spirit.

Luke 24 50 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this significant event directly to the preceding narrative of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and instructions. It indicates a seamless continuation and culmination of His interactions with the disciples.
• He led them out (ἐξήγαγεν αὐτούς - exēgagen autous):
  • Exēgagen is the aorist active indicative of exagō (ἐξάγω), meaning "to lead out, bring out." This verb can signify a purposeful, authoritative act of guiding.
  • This choice of verb echoes God leading Israel out of Egypt (e.g., Ex 3:10, Acts 7:36) or a shepherd leading his sheep. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11), intentionally guides His flock to a specific, significant place for this final act. It highlights His continued active leadership even at the point of His departure.
• as far as Bethany (ἕως Βηθανίαν - heōs Bēthanian):
  • Heōs means "as far as" or "until."
  • Bēthanian refers to Bethany, a small village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just two miles from Jerusalem (Jn 11:18). It was a familiar and favored retreat for Jesus (Lk 10:38-42, Jn 12:1-3), a place of hospitality and profound teaching, associated with the raising of Lazarus.
  • Its location, outside Jerusalem, is significant. While Jerusalem was the center of Judaism and prophecy, the blessing and ascension occur just beyond its official boundaries, subtly foreshadowing the global mission that would extend beyond the confines of Jerusalem. Acts 1:12 places the ascension on the Mount of Olives, which geographically encompasses Bethany, harmonizing the accounts.
• and lifting up his hands (ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας - eparas tas cheiras):
  • Eparas is the aorist participle of epairō (ἐπαίρω), meaning "to lift up, raise."
  • Cheiras (χεῖρας) means "hands."
  • This is a highly significant gesture, laden with biblical precedent. In the Old Testament, priests lifted their hands to bless the people (Lev 9:22, Num 6:23). It was also a common posture for prayer and for bestowing authority or a solemn oath. Jesus' adoption of this posture clearly indicates a formal, public, and divinely sanctioned act of blessing and commissioning, reminiscent of a priestly figure.
• he blessed them (εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς - eulogēsen autous):
  • Eulogēsen is the aorist active indicative of eulogeō (εὐλογέω), meaning "to bless, speak well of, confer favor upon." It is from which the English word "eulogy" derives.
  • This blessing is not merely a good wish but an active imparting of divine favor, power, and authorization from the supreme source of all blessing. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus' blessing carried immense spiritual efficacy, preparing and empowering the disciples for their immense task. It underscores His divine authority, His role as the Great High Priest (Heb 4:14), and His enduring care for His Church.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He led them out as far as Bethany": This phrase emphasizes Jesus' sovereign control and intentionality. He is not passively departing but actively guiding His disciples to a specific place for His final lesson and commission. The location choice (Bethany/Mount of Olives) has Messianic overtones, recalling prophetic imagery of divine presence and departure/return from this very mountain (Zech 14:4).
• "and lifting up his hands he blessed them": This action forms a complete and potent picture. The lifted hands, a gesture of authority and divine mediation, confirm Jesus' priestly role and His position as the one through whom God's favor is channeled. The blessing itself signifies an empowering transfer of grace, peace, and spiritual endowment, enabling the disciples to face the world and fulfill the Great Commission without His physical presence. It encapsulates His love, authority, and commitment to His followers.

Luke 24 50 Bonus section

• The Mount of Olives connection: Although Bethany is specified, it sits on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This location for Jesus' ascension (as also mentioned in Acts 1:12) has deep eschatological significance in Jewish tradition. Zechariah 14:4 prophesies the Messiah's return to the Mount of Olives, thus linking Jesus' departure place with His prophesied place of return, framing His redemptive work with prophetic fulfillment and future hope.
• Contrasting Departure: Unlike Moses, who saw the Promised Land but could not enter, or other prophets whose end was ambiguous, Jesus' departure is witnessed, specific, and full of grace (a blessing, not judgment). This clear and purposeful exit signifies His completed work and glorious enthronement.
• Foundation for the Church: This blessing acts as a divine inauguration for the nascent Church. Jesus provides not only instruction but also the spiritual unction necessary for their formidable task of worldwide evangelism and discipleship. The very next verse details His ascension, immediately followed by the disciples' return to Jerusalem "with great joy" and continuous worship in the temple, highlighting the positive and empowering impact of this divine farewell and blessing.

Luke 24 50 Commentary

Luke 24:50 encapsulates a tender yet powerful moment, signifying the formal culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the launch of the Church's mission. By leading His disciples to Bethany and performing this solemn blessing, Jesus demonstrated that His departure was not an abandonment but an intentional transition. The act of blessing with lifted hands is a profoundly priestly and patriarchal gesture, reminiscent of figures like Aaron (Lev 9:22) or Jacob (Gen 49:28), establishing Jesus as the ultimate source and conduit of divine blessing for His new covenant community. He didn't simply ascend; He bestowed divine grace and authority upon those who would carry His message forward. This blessing empowered them to become His witnesses, instilling peace and confidence amidst the prospect of His physical absence, while pointing to the spiritual presence and power of the coming Holy Spirit. It affirms that His followers are consecrated, favored, and fully equipped by the Lord Himself for their task. Practically, this reminds believers today that all true spiritual blessing and empowerment for ministry flow directly from Christ. His final act confirms His enduring care for His people and the Church's divine commission.