New Testament
Luke 9:45
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 9:45 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
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: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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 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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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 9:45
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 9:45
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 9:45 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.