Luke 17:20
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luke 17:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees about when the kingdom of God would come, he responded by stating that the kingdom of God does not come with observation. This indicates that the kingdom of God is not something that can be seen or measured in a physical or tangible way. Instead, the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that transcends human understanding and observation. It is a realm of divine rule and authority that is not bound by earthly limitations. Jesus' response challenges the Pharisees to look beyond their physical expectations of a kingdom and instead focus on the spiritual nature of God's kingdom. By emphasizing that the kingdom of God does not come with observation, Jesus is inviting people to look inward and seek a deeper understanding of God's kingdom through faith and spiritual discernment.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' question about when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus responds by emphasizing that the kingdom of God does not come through outward signs or observable events. The word "observation" in this context implies that the kingdom of God is not something that can be visibly seen or measured in a physical sense. Instead, Jesus is emphasizing that the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that is revealed through faith and inner transformation. This theological interpretation underscores the importance of looking beyond the material world and focusing on the spiritual truths that Jesus came to reveal. By understanding that the kingdom of God is not dependent on outward signs, believers are encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with God and to live out the principles of the kingdom in their daily lives.
Luke 17:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
World English Bible
Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation;
Douay-Rheims
And being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answering them and said: The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when hee was demaunded of the Pharises, when the kingdome of God shoulde come, he answered them, and said, The kingdome of God commeth not with obseruation.