New Testament
Luke 10:24
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I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you're seeing but never saw it, and to hear what you're hearing but never heard it."
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For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
What Luke 10:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the unique privilege of His followers to witness and hear the truths of God's kingdom. He points out that many great figures from the past, including prophets and kings, yearned to experience what His disciples were experiencing. They longed for the revelation of God's plan and the coming of the Messiah, but they lived in a time before these events unfolded. This statement highlights the significance of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of God's promises. It serves as a reminder that those who follow Christ are part of a special moment in history, where divine truths are being revealed. The longing of past figures underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the spiritual insights and experiences available to believers today. It encourages us to appreciate the blessings of faith and the teachings of Jesus, which were anticipated by many before us.
How to apply Luke 10:24 to your life
As believers, we should cherish the insights and teachings of Jesus, recognizing the privilege we have to understand God's truth. This verse encourages us to actively engage with Scripture and seek a deeper relationship with God, appreciating the revelations that were longed for by those before us.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out More Disciples (Luke 10:1–24)
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Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 10:24
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:24 mean?
Luke 10:24 highlights the unique opportunity that Jesus' followers have to witness and hear the truths of God's kingdom, which many prophets and kings longed for but never experienced.
What is the significance of prophets and kings in Luke 10:24?
In Luke 10:24, prophets and kings represent those who sought God's revelation throughout history, emphasizing the special privilege of Jesus' disciples to experience the fulfillment of God's promises.
How does Luke 10:24 relate to the teachings of Jesus?
Luke 10:24 relates to Jesus' teachings by underscoring the importance of recognizing and valuing the spiritual insights available to believers today, as they are part of a significant moment in God's plan.
What can we learn from Luke 10:24?
From Luke 10:24, we learn to appreciate the insights and teachings of Jesus, recognizing the privilege we have to understand God's truth and engage with Scripture.
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