New Testament
Luke 9:61
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Yet another person said, "Lord, I'll follow you, but first let me go say goodbye to my family."
Compare translations
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
What Luke 9:61 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man expresses his desire to follow Jesus but wants to first say goodbye to his family. This reflects a common human tendency to prioritize personal relationships and responsibilities over spiritual commitments. Jesus, however, emphasizes the importance of total dedication to following Him. The request to bid farewell suggests a hesitation to fully commit, indicating that following Jesus may require leaving behind familiar comforts and ties. Jesus' response to such requests is often to challenge the individual to consider the cost of discipleship. This moment illustrates the tension between earthly attachments and the call to a higher purpose in faith. It serves as a reminder that following Jesus may demand sacrifices, including the need to prioritize spiritual commitments over personal desires. Ultimately, the call to discipleship is about making Jesus the foremost priority in one's life, even above family ties.
How to apply Luke 9:61 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our own priorities. Are we willing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, or do we let personal relationships and responsibilities hold us back? Reflect on what might be preventing you from fully committing to your faith and consider taking steps to prioritize your spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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: Setting Out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–62)
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 9:61
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 9:61
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 9:61 mean?
In Luke 9:61, a man expresses his desire to follow Jesus but wants to first say goodbye to his family. This highlights the struggle between personal attachments and the commitment required to follow Jesus.
What is the significance of saying goodbye in Luke 9:61?
The request to say goodbye in Luke 9:61 illustrates a hesitation to fully commit to discipleship. It shows how earthly ties can sometimes conflict with the call to prioritize spiritual commitments.
What does Jesus teach about priorities in Luke 9:61?
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires total dedication, often above personal relationships. It challenges believers to evaluate what holds them back from fully committing to their faith.
How does Luke 9:61 relate to discipleship?
Luke 9:61 reflects the cost of discipleship, where Jesus calls individuals to prioritize their commitment to Him over familial obligations. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship may require sacrifices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.