New Testament
Luke 19:48
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And they could not figure out what to do, because all the people were very eager to hear him.
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And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
What Luke 19:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders and authorities are in a difficult position. They want to silence Jesus and stop his influence, but they are unable to do so because the crowd is captivated by his teachings. The people are eager to listen to him, which puts pressure on the leaders. Their inability to act shows the power of Jesus' message and the strong connection he has with the people. This situation highlights the tension between the established religious order and the new teachings that Jesus brings. The leaders are concerned about losing their authority and control, while the people are hungry for spiritual truth and guidance. This verse illustrates the challenge of confronting new ideas and the struggle for power in religious contexts, as well as the importance of being open to new insights that resonate with the heart of the community.
How to apply Luke 19:48 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider how we respond to new ideas and teachings in our lives. Are we open to listening and learning, or do we resist change out of fear? Embracing new perspectives can lead to growth and deeper understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Clearing the Temple (Luke 19:45–48)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 19:48 mean?
Luke 19:48 describes the struggle of religious leaders who want to silence Jesus but find it impossible because the crowd is captivated by his teachings. This highlights the tension between established authority and the new influence Jesus has over the people.
What is the significance of the crowd's eagerness in Luke 19:48?
The crowd's eagerness to hear Jesus in Luke 19:48 signifies their hunger for spiritual truth and guidance. It shows the impact of Jesus' message and the challenge it poses to the existing religious leaders.
What does the phrase 'very attentive to hear him' mean in Luke 19:48?
The phrase 'very attentive to hear him' in Luke 19:48 indicates that the people are fully engaged and interested in what Jesus has to say. This reflects their desire for understanding and connection with his teachings.
How does Luke 19:48 illustrate the conflict between Jesus and religious leaders?
Luke 19:48 illustrates the conflict by showing that the religious leaders are unable to act against Jesus due to the crowd's support. Their inability to silence him reveals their fear of losing authority and control.
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