New Testament
Luke 11:49
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"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.'
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Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
What Luke 11:49 means
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.
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
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Plain Meaning
Jesus quotes 'the wisdom of God' as saying it will send prophets and apostles to this people. God sends them knowing what will happen: some will be killed, others chased and harassed. God acts with full knowledge that His messengers will be rejected and harmed.
Read It in Context
Jesus has just told the lawyers that their fathers killed the prophets. He says they are partners in that same sin. Verse 49 follows that charge. It shows what God said He would do — and what the people would do back.
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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 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.
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