51When the days of his being taken up were reaching their completion, he set his face with unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem. [9:52] He sent messengers ahead of him. Going, they entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, [9:53] and they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. [9:54] When his disciples James and John saw this, they said: "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" [9:55] He turned and rebuked them. [9:56] And they went on to another village.
LUK 9:51-56
The Samaritans Reject Jesus
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st century, the relationship between Jews and Samaritans was deeply strained, rooted in centuries of ethnic, religious, and territorial conflict. Samaritans were viewed by Jews as religiously and culturally impure, particularly because they worshipped at Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem and had intermarried with foreign populations during the Assyrian exile. For Jesus to set his face steadfastly toward Jerusalem, passing through Samaritan territory, would have been seen as provocative. The Samaritans’ refusal to receive him likely stemmed from their perception of his journey as a rejection of their religious legitimacy. James and John’s suggestion to call down fire reflects a common Jewish expectation of divine retribution against enemies, echoing Elijah’s actions in 2 Kings 1. Jesus’ rebuke aligns with his broader pattern of rejecting violent retaliation, even in the face of hostility.
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How other translations render this
LUK 9:51
- KJV
- And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
- BSB
- As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
- Koinōnos
- When the days of his being taken up were reaching their completion, he set his face with unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem.
LUK 9:52
- KJV
- And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
- BSB
- He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him.
- Koinōnos
- He sent messengers ahead of him. Going, they entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for him,
LUK 9:53
- KJV
- And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
- BSB
- But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.
- Koinōnos
- and they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
LUK 9:54
- KJV
- And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
- BSB
- When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
- Koinōnos
- When his disciples James and John saw this, they said: "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?
LUK 9:55
- KJV
- But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
- BSB
- But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
- Koinōnos
- He turned and rebuked them.
LUK 9:56
- KJV
- For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
- BSB
- And He and His disciples went on to another village.
- Koinōnos
- And they went on to another village.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 9:51
- ascension:The word translated 'ascension' here refers to a 'taking up' or 'reception.' In this context, it anticipates Jesus' departure from the earthly realm, not just a journey.
- of him:The phrase 'of him' is part of a construction meaning 'he set his face' or 'he steadfastly purposed.' It conveys a strong, unwavering resolve and determination.
LUK 9:54
- and:The word translated 'and' is part of a phrase meaning 'to consume' or 'destroy.' It implies a complete and utter destruction, often by fire.
LUK 9:55
- He rebuked:The word translated 'He rebuked' implies a strong warning or censure, often with the intent to prevent further action or to silence someone. It carries authority and disapproval.