New Testament
Luke 24:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to them, "How foolish you are! How slow your hearts are to believe everything the prophets spoke about!
Compare translations
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
What Luke 24:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses two of his followers who are struggling to understand the events surrounding his death and resurrection. He calls them 'foolish' and points out their lack of faith in the messages delivered by the prophets throughout history. This highlights a common human tendency to doubt or overlook the teachings and prophecies that have been given. Jesus emphasizes the importance of believing in God's word and the prophecies that foretold his coming and the events that have just occurred. By doing so, he encourages them to open their hearts and minds to the truth that has been revealed to them. This moment serves as a reminder that understanding spiritual truths often requires faith and a willingness to accept what has been foretold, even when it is difficult to comprehend.
How to apply Luke 24:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own beliefs and openness to God's word. We should strive to deepen our understanding of scripture and the messages it contains. When faced with doubt, we can seek guidance through prayer and study, allowing our hearts to be more receptive to faith.
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 24:25
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 24:25
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 24:25 mean?
In Luke 24:25, Jesus rebukes his followers for their lack of faith and understanding regarding the prophecies about him. He emphasizes that they are slow to believe the messages that have been shared by the prophets throughout history.
What is the significance of Jesus calling them 'fools' in Luke 24:25?
By calling them 'fools,' Jesus highlights their failure to grasp the truth of the prophecies concerning him. This term underscores the seriousness of their doubt and the importance of believing in God's word.
What does 'slow of heart' refer to in Luke 24:25?
The phrase 'slow of heart' refers to a lack of readiness or willingness to believe and understand the teachings of the prophets. It suggests that their hearts were not open to accepting the truth of Jesus' resurrection.
How can I apply Luke 24:25 to my life?
You can apply Luke 24:25 by reflecting on your own beliefs and being open to God's word. When you encounter doubt, seek understanding through prayer and study to strengthen your faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.