New Testament
Luke 13:34
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Jerusalem, Jerusalem — you murder the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How many times I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you refused!
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O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
What Luke 13:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses deep sorrow over Jerusalem, a city that has repeatedly rejected God's messengers, the prophets. He uses the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks to illustrate His desire to protect and nurture the people of Jerusalem. Despite His longing to care for them, they have chosen to ignore and even harm those sent to guide them. This reflects a broader theme of rejection of divine guidance and the consequences that come from turning away from God. Jesus' lament highlights His compassion and the pain of unreciprocated love, emphasizing the importance of accepting divine help and guidance.
How to apply Luke 13:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to guidance and correction in our lives. Just as Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem's children, we should seek to embrace the wisdom and support offered by those who care for us. Recognizing and accepting help can lead to growth and healing.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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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 13:34 mean?
Luke 13:34 expresses Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's repeated rejection of God's prophets. He uses the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks to show His desire to protect and nurture the people, highlighting the pain of unreciprocated love.
What is the significance of the hen metaphor in Luke 13:34?
The hen metaphor in Luke 13:34 illustrates Jesus' longing to care for and protect the people of Jerusalem. It emphasizes His compassion and desire for reconciliation, contrasting with their refusal to accept His guidance.
How does Luke 13:34 relate to the theme of rejection?
Luke 13:34 highlights the theme of rejection by showing how Jerusalem has consistently harmed those sent to guide them. Jesus' lament underscores the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
What can we learn from Luke 13:34?
From Luke 13:34, we learn the importance of being open to guidance and support from those who care for us. Accepting help can lead to personal growth and healing, as illustrated by Jesus' desire to gather and protect.
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