New Testament
Luke 9:45
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 speaks about his impending suffering and death, but his disciples do not understand what he is saying.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
But they didn't understand what he meant. The meaning was hidden from them so they couldn't grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about his impending suffering and death, but his disciples do not understand what he is saying. The message is concealed from them, which means they cannot fully grasp its significance. This lack of understanding leads to fear, preventing them from asking Jesus for clarification. This moment highlights the challenges of spiritual insight and the difficulty of accepting hard truths. The disciples, despite being close to Jesus, struggle to comprehend his mission and the necessity of his sacrifice. Their fear of asking questions reflects a common human tendency to avoid uncomfortable topics, especially when they challenge our beliefs or expectations. This verse serves as a reminder that understanding spiritual truths often requires courage and openness to seek clarification, even when it feels daunting. Explore related communication.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 9:45 to your life
This verse encourages us to confront our fears when seeking understanding about difficult topics in our faith. Instead of shying away from questions, we should feel empowered to ask for clarity and guidance. Engaging in open dialogue can deepen our understanding and strengthen our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:45 mean?
Luke 9:45 describes how Jesus' disciples did not understand his message about his suffering and death. The meaning was hidden from them, leading to confusion and fear, which prevented them from asking Jesus for clarification.
What is the significance of the disciples' fear in Luke 9:45?
The disciples' fear in Luke 9:45 highlights a common human reaction to uncomfortable truths. Their reluctance to ask questions reflects the difficulty many face when confronting challenging aspects of faith.
Why didn't the disciples ask Jesus about his statement in Luke 9:45?
The disciples did not ask Jesus about his statement in Luke 9:45 due to their fear and confusion. This illustrates how fear can hinder open communication, especially regarding difficult or challenging topics.
What themes are present in Luke 9:45?
Luke 9:45 presents themes of misunderstanding, fear of inquiry, and the challenges of spiritual insight. It emphasizes the struggle of the disciples to grasp Jesus' mission and the hidden truths of his teachings.

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.
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