Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

LUKE 11:49KJV
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Luke 11:49 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:49 mean?

Luke 11:49 says that God’s wisdom declared He would send prophets and apostles, but some of these messengers would be killed or persecuted. This verse highlights a pattern where God sends His representatives, yet people often reject them violently.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders, warning them about their history of rejecting God’s messengers. By mentioning “the wisdom of God,” Jesus points to a divine plan where prophets and apostles are sent, knowing that some will face hostility. The verse sets up a theme of accountability for how God’s messengers are treated.

The Greek behind Luke 11:49

  • σοφία (sophia, “wisdom”): This word means more than just intelligence; it often refers to God’s wise plan or purpose. Here, it suggests that God’s actions are guided by a deep, purposeful wisdom, not random chance.
  • ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, “send”): This verb means to send out with a mission. It is the root of “apostle,” showing that those sent by God are given a special task or authority.
  • προφήτας (prophētas, “prophets”) and ἀποστόλους (apostolous, “apostles”): The pairing of these two groups connects the Old Testament prophets with the New Testament apostles, showing continuity in God’s way of reaching people.
  • ἀποκτενοῦσιν (apoktenousin, “they shall slay”) and διώξουσιν (diōxousin, “persecute”): These strong verbs emphasize the violent rejection that God’s messengers often face, underlining the seriousness of the warning.

Why Luke 11:49 matters

  • Luke 11:49 clarifies that the rejection of God’s messengers is not a new problem but part of a long-standing pattern, connecting the religious leaders’ actions to those of their ancestors.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s sending of prophets and apostles is intentional and wise, not a mistake or oversight, highlighting God’s patience and purpose.
  • This verse sets up the following verses, where Jesus explains the consequences of this rejection, helping readers understand the seriousness of ignoring or harming those sent by God.