New Testament
Luke 24:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. On top of all that, today is the 3rd day since it happened.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 24:21 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 24:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 24:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.