Luke 9:45
But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Luke 9:45 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus spoke to his disciples about his impending death and resurrection, they did not understand his words. The meaning of his saying was hidden from them, and they were unable to grasp its significance. They were afraid to ask Jesus for clarification, perhaps because they were afraid of what his answer might entail. This verse serves as a reminder of the disciples' human limitations and their struggle to comprehend the divine plan unfolding before them. It also highlights the importance of seeking understanding and wisdom, even when faced with difficult or challenging concepts. As readers, we are encouraged to approach the scriptures with humility and a willingness to seek clarity, knowing that some truths may be hidden from us until we are ready to receive them.
Theological Overview
This verse from the gospel of Luke highlights an important aspect of Jesus' ministry - the concept of hidden truths that were not easily understood by his disciples. The phrase "it was hid from them" suggests that there was a deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus' words that his disciples were not yet ready to comprehend. This ties into the theological interpretation of Jesus as a teacher who often spoke in parables and used symbolic language to convey profound truths about the kingdom of God. The disciples' fear to ask Jesus about the meaning of his saying also speaks to their hesitation to fully engage with the mysterious and challenging aspects of Jesus' teachings. This verse reminds us that spiritual understanding is not always easily attained, and requires humility, openness, and a willingness to delve deeper into the mysteries of faith.
Luke 9:45 in other translations
American Standard Version
But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
World English Bible
But they didn’t understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Douay-Rheims
But they understood not this word: and it was hid from them, so that they perceived it not. And they were afraid to ask him concerning this word.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But they vnderstood not that word: for it was hid from them, so that they could not perceiue it: and they feared to aske him of that worde.