In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

LUKE 10:21KJV
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Luke 10:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:21 mean?

Luke 10:21 describes Jesus expressing deep joy and thanking God the Father for choosing to reveal spiritual truths not to those considered wise or clever by worldly standards, but to those who are humble and childlike. Jesus recognizes that this way of revealing truth is pleasing to God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking after the seventy-two followers He sent out have returned with reports of their mission. He is addressing God the Father in prayer, reflecting on how God’s ways often overturn human expectations. The focus is on God’s delight in revealing important truths to those who approach Him with simplicity and trust, rather than relying on their own wisdom or status.

The Greek behind Luke 10:21

  • The word for "babes" is νήπιοι (nēpioi), which means infants or very young children. Here, it points to people who are humble, teachable, and not self-reliant, rather than literally young in age.
  • The phrase "hid these things from the wise and prudent" uses σοφῶν (sophōn, wise) and συνετῶν (synetōn, prudent), describing those seen as intelligent or discerning by society. The contrast highlights that spiritual insight is not about intellectual ability, but about openness to God.
  • The verb "revealed" is ἀπεκάλυψας (apekalupsas), meaning to uncover or make known. This stresses that understanding comes as a gift from God, not as something people achieve on their own.

Why Luke 10:21 matters

  • Luke 10:21 clears up the idea that spiritual understanding depends on education, intelligence, or social status; instead, it shows God values humility and openness.
  • This verse emphasizes that God’s ways often differ from human expectations, encouraging readers to approach God with a childlike attitude.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ joy in God’s plan and His close relationship with the Father, setting the stage for further teaching about discipleship and revelation.

Where else these words appear

“prudent” Greek G4908 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

“hid” Greek G613 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

“good” Greek G2107 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
  • Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

“babes” Greek G3516 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
  • Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: