Luke 10:21
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Luke 10:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus expresses joy in his spirit and gives thanks to God, acknowledging Him as the Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus reflects on how God has chosen to reveal His truths to the humble and innocent, rather than to the wise and learned. This suggests that God's wisdom often goes against human understanding and expectations. By hiding the mysteries of the kingdom from the self-righteous and prideful, God shows His preference for those who come to Him with a childlike faith and simplicity. Jesus' gratitude exemplifies humility and emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's truths with a pure and open heart. This verse serves as a reminder to seek spiritual understanding with a humble and open-minded attitude, rather than relying solely on human intellect and wisdom.
Theological Overview
This verse from the Gospel of Luke captures a moment when Jesus expresses gratitude to God for revealing spiritual truths to those who are humble and open-hearted. The phrase "hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" highlights the idea that God's wisdom and truth are not always accessible to those who rely solely on their own intellectual prowess or status. Instead, Jesus acknowledges that God's mysteries are often revealed to those who approach him with childlike faith and simplicity. This message challenges us to approach our spiritual journey with humility and receptiveness, recognizing that true understanding comes not from our own cleverness, but from a willingness to surrender our preconceived notions and open our hearts to the guidance of God.
Luke 10:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.
World English Bible
In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”
Douay-Rheims
In that same hour, he rejoiced in the Holy Ghost and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight.
Geneva Bible (1599)
That same houre reioyced Iesus in the spirit, and said, I confesse vnto thee, Father, Lord of heauen and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and vnderstanding, and hast reueiled them to babes: euen so, Father, because it so pleased thee.