New Testament
Luke 9:34
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While he was still speaking, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
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While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
What Luke 9:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples when a cloud suddenly appears and envelops them. This cloud symbolizes the presence of God, similar to how clouds represented divine presence in the Old Testament. The disciples feel fear as they enter the cloud, indicating their awareness of being in the presence of something holy and powerful. This moment is significant as it highlights the divine nature of Jesus and the seriousness of His mission. The fear experienced by the disciples reflects a common reaction to encountering the divine, emphasizing the awe and reverence that God inspires. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives and the need for humility when approaching Him. The cloud also foreshadows the coming revelation of God's glory and the importance of listening to Jesus, as the following verses will reveal. Overall, this moment captures the intersection of the earthly and the divine, illustrating the profound impact of Jesus' ministry.
How to apply Luke 9:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and respect the presence of God in our lives. When we encounter moments of divine significance, we should approach them with humility and reverence. It reminds us to listen to Jesus and be aware of His guidance, especially in times of uncertainty.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36)
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Jesus
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 9:34
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 9:34 mean?
Luke 9:34 describes a moment when a cloud envelops Jesus and His disciples while He is speaking. This cloud represents the presence of God, and the disciples' fear indicates their awareness of being in a holy and powerful moment.
What is the significance of the cloud in Luke 9:34?
The cloud in Luke 9:34 symbolizes God's presence, similar to its use in the Old Testament. It signifies a divine encounter and highlights the importance of recognizing God's glory and listening to Jesus.
Why did the disciples fear in Luke 9:34?
The disciples feared as they entered the cloud because it represented the overwhelming presence of God. This fear reflects a natural response to encountering something holy and powerful.
What does this verse reveal about Jesus?
This verse reveals Jesus' divine nature and the seriousness of His mission. The cloud signifies God's approval and presence, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' teachings.
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