New Testament
Luke 9:21
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, Jesus is instructing his disciples not to share information about his true identity as the Messiah.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Jesus strictly warned them not to tell anyone this.
And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is instructing his disciples not to share information about his true identity as the Messiah. This command reflects his desire to control the timing and manner of his revelation to the public. At this point in his ministry, Jesus is focused on teaching and preparing his disciples for what is to come, rather than seeking fame or popularity. By keeping his identity a secret, he aims to avoid misunderstandings about his mission and to fulfill God's plan in his own time. This moment highlights the importance of discretion and timing in sharing significant truths, especially in a world where misunderstandings can lead to misinterpretations of one's purpose. Jesus' warning serves as a reminder that sometimes, the truth must be revealed gradually and thoughtfully, rather than all at once, to ensure it is understood correctly. Explore related divine.
How to apply Luke 9:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of when and how we share important truths. Sometimes, it is wise to wait for the right moment to reveal information, especially if it could be misunderstood. We should seek guidance in our communication, ensuring that our words align with God's timing and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did Jesus tell his disciples not to reveal his identity?
Jesus instructed his disciples not to share his identity as the Messiah to control the timing and manner of his public revelation. He wanted to avoid misunderstandings about his mission and to fulfill God's plan in his own time. This command reflects the importance of discretion in sharing significant truths.
What does Luke 9:21 teach us about timing in communication?
Luke 9:21 emphasizes the importance of timing when sharing important information. Just as Jesus chose to reveal his identity gradually, we too should consider the right moment to disclose truths, especially if they could be misunderstood. This verse encourages us to seek guidance in our communication.
How does this verse relate to the theme of preparation in Jesus' ministry?
This verse highlights Jesus' focus on preparing his disciples for future challenges rather than seeking immediate fame. By keeping his identity a secret, he aimed to equip them with the understanding needed for their mission ahead, illustrating the significance of preparation in fulfilling one's purpose.
What can we learn about discretion from Luke 9:21?
Luke 9:21 teaches us that discretion is crucial when sharing sensitive information. Jesus' command to his disciples serves as a reminder that sometimes, withholding information until the right time can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the truth is communicated effectively.

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.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.