New Testament
Luke 11:49
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus refers to the wisdom of God, which is personified as declaring a plan to send prophets and apostles to the people.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
"That's why the wisdom of God declared, 'I will send them prophets and apostles. Some of them they will kill, and others they will persecute.'
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to the wisdom of God, which is personified as declaring a plan to send prophets and apostles to the people. This highlights God's ongoing effort to communicate with humanity and guide them. However, the verse also foreshadows the rejection and violence that these messengers will face. Throughout history, prophets have often been met with hostility, and Jesus is warning that this pattern will continue. The mention of killing and persecution serves as a stark reminder of the cost of following God's call and the resistance that truth often encounters. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting divine messages and the consequences that follow when people turn away from God's guidance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 11:49 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of listening to God's messengers in our lives. It reminds us that following God's guidance may come with challenges and opposition. We should be prepared to stand firm in our faith and support those who speak truth, even when it is difficult.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 11:49 mean?
Luke 11:49 conveys that God, through His wisdom, plans to send prophets and apostles to guide people. However, it also warns that these messengers will face rejection, persecution, and even death, reflecting the ongoing struggle between divine truth and human resistance.
What is the significance of prophets in Luke 11:49?
In Luke 11:49, prophets represent God's chosen messengers who are sent to communicate His will. Their significance lies in their role as guides for humanity, despite the inevitable opposition and suffering they may encounter.
What does the phrase 'wisdom of God' mean in Luke 11:49?
The 'wisdom of God' in Luke 11:49 refers to God's divine understanding and plan for humanity. It highlights His intention to send messengers to help people, emphasizing that this wisdom is often met with resistance.
What does Luke 11:49 say about persecution?
Luke 11:49 indicates that those who are sent by God, like prophets and apostles, will face persecution and even death. This serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with delivering God's message and the cost of discipleship.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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