New Testament
Luke 18:34
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, we see that the disciples were confused about what Jesus was saying regarding his future suffering, death, and resurrection.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The disciples didn't understand any of this. The meaning was hidden from them, and they couldn't grasp what he was talking about.
And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see that the disciples were confused about what Jesus was saying regarding his future suffering, death, and resurrection. Despite being close to him and hearing his teachings, they could not comprehend the significance of his words. This lack of understanding highlights a common theme in the Gospels where spiritual truths are often hidden from those who are not ready to receive them. The disciples' inability to grasp the message shows that sometimes, even those who are closest to Jesus may struggle to understand his mission and purpose. This moment serves as a reminder that spiritual insight often requires openness and readiness to accept deeper truths, which can be obscured by preconceived notions or expectations. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and the role of divine revelation in understanding God's plans. Explore related discernment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 18:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek deeper understanding in our spiritual lives. Just as the disciples struggled to grasp Jesus' message, we too may face confusion about our faith. It reminds us to pray for clarity and to remain open to learning, trusting that God will reveal his truths to us in time.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:34 mean?
Luke 18:34 shows that the disciples did not understand Jesus' predictions about his suffering, death, and resurrection. This highlights their confusion and the idea that spiritual truths can be hidden from those who are not ready to comprehend them.
Why couldn't the disciples understand Jesus in Luke 18:34?
The disciples' inability to understand Jesus in Luke 18:34 suggests that they were not prepared to grasp the significance of his message. Their preconceived notions and expectations may have obscured their ability to see the deeper truths he was revealing.
What is the significance of the hidden meaning in Luke 18:34?
The hidden meaning in Luke 18:34 emphasizes that spiritual insight often requires openness and readiness. It illustrates that even those closest to Jesus can struggle to understand his mission, reminding us of the need for divine revelation in our understanding.
What does the phrase 'hid from them' mean in Luke 18:34?
The phrase 'hid from them' in Luke 18:34 indicates that the true meaning of Jesus' words was not revealed to the disciples at that time. It suggests that their lack of understanding was part of a larger divine plan, where certain truths are disclosed only when individuals are ready to receive them.

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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