New Testament
Luke 24:21
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, two disciples express their disappointment and confusion after the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. On top of all that, today is the 3rd day since it happened.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, two disciples express their disappointment and confusion after the crucifixion of Jesus. They had believed that Jesus was the Messiah who would save Israel from oppression. The mention of the "third day" indicates their awareness of Jesus' prophecy about rising from the dead, which adds to their despair. They are grappling with the reality of his death and the shattered hopes they had placed in him. This moment captures the struggle between faith and doubt, as they reflect on their expectations versus the current situation. Their words reveal a deep sense of loss and a longing for redemption that they feel has not come to pass. This verse highlights the emotional turmoil of the disciples and sets the stage for the revelation of the resurrection, which will transform their understanding and restore their hope.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 24:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to confront our own disappointments and unmet expectations. Just as the disciples struggled with their faith, we too can find ourselves questioning our beliefs during difficult times. It reminds us to hold on to hope, even when circumstances seem bleak, and to be open to unexpected outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 24:21 mean about the disciples' hope?
In Luke 24:21, the disciples express their deep disappointment after Jesus' crucifixion, revealing that they had hoped He was the Messiah who would redeem Israel. This highlights their struggle with shattered expectations and the emotional turmoil they faced as they grappled with the reality of His death. Their hope for redemption was tied to their understanding of Jesus' role as the Savior, making His death particularly devastating for them.
Why is the 'third day' significant in Luke 24:21?
The mention of the 'third day' in Luke 24:21 is significant because it reflects the disciples' awareness of Jesus' prophecy regarding His resurrection. Jesus had foretold that He would rise on the third day after His death, which adds to the disciples' confusion and despair. This detail foreshadows the upcoming revelation of the resurrection, which will ultimately restore their hope and faith.
How can Luke 24:21 apply to our lives today?
Luke 24:21 encourages us to confront our own disappointments and unmet expectations. Just as the disciples struggled with their faith after Jesus' death, we too may question our beliefs during challenging times. This verse reminds us to hold on to hope, even when circumstances seem dire, and to remain open to unexpected outcomes that may lead to renewal and restoration in our lives.
What themes are present in Luke 24:21?
Luke 24:21 encompasses several key themes, including disappointment, hope, redemption, faith, and loss. The disciples' expression of their shattered hopes illustrates the struggle between faith and doubt. Additionally, the anticipation of resurrection introduces the theme of unexpected outcomes, emphasizing that even in moments of despair, there is potential for renewal and transformation.

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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