New Testament
Luke 9:27
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I'm telling you the truth: some of you standing here right now will not taste death before you see the kingdom of God."
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But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
What Luke 9:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and making a profound statement about the coming of God's kingdom. He assures them that some of those present will experience a significant event before they die. This can be interpreted as a reference to the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals his divine glory, or to the establishment of the kingdom through his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The phrase 'taste death' emphasizes the certainty of death, but Jesus offers hope that they will witness something extraordinary that signifies God's reign. This statement encourages believers to look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the transformative power of his kingdom in their lives.
How to apply Luke 9:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to live with the expectation of God's kingdom in our lives. We should remain faithful and open to witnessing God's work around us. It reminds us that our faith can lead to transformative experiences, even before our physical death, as we engage with God's presence daily.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Luke 9:22–27)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 9:27
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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 9:27 mean?
In Luke 9:27, Jesus tells his disciples that some of them will not die before witnessing the kingdom of God. This statement highlights the imminent arrival of God's reign and the transformative events that will occur through Jesus' ministry.
What is the significance of 'taste death' in Luke 9:27?
The phrase 'taste death' in Luke 9:27 emphasizes the certainty of death, but it also conveys hope. Jesus assures his followers that they will experience a significant revelation of God's kingdom before they die.
What event might Luke 9:27 be referring to?
Luke 9:27 may refer to the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals his divine glory to some of his disciples. It can also be interpreted as pointing to the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, marking the establishment of God's kingdom.
How does Luke 9:27 apply to believers today?
Luke 9:27 encourages believers to live with an expectation of witnessing God's kingdom in their lives. It reminds us to remain faithful and open to experiencing God's transformative work, even before physical death.
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