For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

LUKE 10:24KJV
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Luke 10:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:24 mean?

Luke 10:24 says that many prophets and kings from earlier times longed to witness and hear the things Jesus’ disciples were experiencing, but they never had the chance. Jesus is telling his followers that they are seeing and hearing something very special that even the greatest people in Israel’s history hoped for but did not receive.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples after they return from their mission, emphasizing how privileged they are to witness his ministry firsthand. The verse highlights the deep longing of past generations—prophets who spoke for God and kings who led Israel—to see the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus points out that what his disciples experience is the realization of hopes that many before them only dreamed about.

The Greek behind Luke 10:24

  • “ἐπεθύμησαν” (epethymēsan, “desired”): This word means a strong longing or earnest desire. It shows that the prophets and kings didn’t just casually wish for these things—they deeply yearned for them.
  • “ἰδεῖν” (idein, “to see”) and “ἀκοῦσαι” (akousai, “to hear”): These verbs emphasize not just physical seeing and hearing, but experiencing and understanding. The disciples are not only witnesses but participants in what God is doing.
  • “προφῆται” (prophētai, “prophets”) and “βασιλεῖς” (basileis, “kings”): Mentioning both prophets and kings underlines that even the most honored and spiritually insightful people in Israel’s past did not receive what the disciples now have.

Why Luke 10:24 matters

  • Luke 10:24 clears up the idea that Jesus’ ministry was just another moment in history; it shows that his coming is the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises.
  • The verse highlights the unique privilege of the disciples, helping readers see the significance of being present at a turning point in God’s plan.
  • By connecting Jesus’ ministry to the hopes of prophets and kings, Luke 10:24 ties the story of Jesus directly to the whole sweep of Israel’s history, showing continuity and fulfillment.

Where else these words appear

“kings” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

“see” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?