New Testament

Luke 9:55

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 responds to his disciples who wanted to call down fire from heaven to punish a Samaritan village that rejected them.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

But Jesus turned and rebuked them, saying, "You don't know what kind of spirit you are of."

KJVKing James Version

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus responds to his disciples who wanted to call down fire from heaven to punish a Samaritan village that rejected them. His rebuke highlights their misunderstanding of His mission and the nature of His message. Instead of seeking vengeance, Jesus emphasizes compassion and love. The disciples were acting out of a spirit of anger and retribution, which was contrary to the spirit of grace and mercy that Jesus embodied. This moment serves as a teaching point for the disciples, reminding them that their purpose is to spread love and forgiveness, not to enact judgment. Jesus' response encourages believers to reflect on their motivations and attitudes, ensuring they align with the teachings of love and humility that He exemplified throughout His ministry.

How to apply Luke 9:55 to your life

This verse challenges us to examine our reactions to rejection or hostility. Instead of responding with anger or a desire for revenge, we should strive to embody the spirit of love and forgiveness that Jesus taught. Practicing compassion can transform our interactions and reflect Christ's character.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 9:55 mean?

In Luke 9:55, Jesus rebukes His disciples for wanting to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected them. He highlights their misunderstanding of His mission, which is centered on love and compassion rather than vengeance.

What is the meaning of 'spirit' in Luke 9:55?

In this verse, 'spirit' refers to the attitude or mindset of the disciples. Jesus points out that their desire for retribution reflects a spirit of anger, which contrasts with the spirit of grace and mercy He embodies.

How does Luke 9:55 apply to our lives today?

Luke 9:55 encourages us to reflect on our reactions to rejection or hostility. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to practice compassion and embody the love that Jesus taught.

Why did Jesus rebuke His disciples in Luke 9:55?

Jesus rebuked His disciples because they wanted to respond to rejection with violence. He wanted them to understand that His mission was about love and forgiveness, not judgment.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.