New Testament
Luke 17:25
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 is speaking about the necessity of his suffering and rejection before the fulfillment of his mission.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the necessity of his suffering and rejection before the fulfillment of his mission. He emphasizes that before he can bring about the kingdom of God, he must endure significant hardships and be rejected by the people of his time. This foreshadows the trials he will face, including betrayal, suffering, and ultimately, crucifixion. The phrase 'this generation' indicates that the people living during Jesus' ministry would not accept him, highlighting the challenge of his message. This rejection is a crucial part of the narrative, as it sets the stage for the redemptive work he will accomplish through his suffering. Understanding this helps us grasp the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the seriousness of the mission he undertook for humanity's salvation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 17:25 to your life
This verse reminds us that following Jesus may involve challenges and rejection. We should be prepared to face difficulties in our faith journey, just as Jesus did. Embracing our struggles can deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our resolve to share His love with others, despite opposition.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 17:25 mean?
Luke 17:25 means that Jesus must endure suffering and rejection before he can fulfill his mission. This highlights the hardships he will face, including betrayal and crucifixion, before bringing about the kingdom of God.
What is the significance of suffering in Luke 17:25?
The significance of suffering in Luke 17:25 is that it underscores the necessity of Jesus' trials as part of his mission. His suffering is essential for the redemption of humanity, showing that challenges are often part of a greater purpose.
What does 'this generation' refer to in Luke 17:25?
In Luke 17:25, 'this generation' refers to the people living during Jesus' ministry who would reject him. It emphasizes the struggle he faced in delivering his message and the lack of acceptance from those around him.
How does Luke 17:25 relate to Jesus' mission?
Luke 17:25 relates to Jesus' mission by illustrating that his suffering and rejection are prerequisites for the fulfillment of his purpose. It sets the stage for the redemptive work he will accomplish through his trials.

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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