And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

LUKE 17:22KJV
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Luke 17:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:22 mean?

Luke 17:22 describes Jesus telling his disciples that a time will come when they will long to see even one of the days when the “Son of man” (a title Jesus uses for himself) is present, but they will not see it. Jesus is warning them that there will be a future period of longing for his presence and the experiences they have with him now.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his close followers, not to the crowds. He is preparing them for a time after his departure, hinting that the days they are living in—when he is with them—are special and will not last forever. The verse sets the stage for later teachings about waiting, hope, and the challenges his followers will face after he is gone.

The Greek behind Luke 17:22

  • “Son of man” (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou): This phrase is how Jesus often refers to himself, drawing on Old Testament imagery of a heavenly figure but also emphasizing his humanity. Here, it highlights both his unique role and the personal connection the disciples have with him.
  • “Desire” (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō): This Greek word means a deep longing or strong wish. Jesus is saying the disciples will intensely wish for even one day like those they are experiencing now with him.
  • “See” (ὁράω, horaō): The word for “see” here means more than just looking—it can mean to experience or to witness. Jesus is pointing out that the disciples will not just miss seeing him physically, but will miss the whole experience of his presence.

Why Luke 17:22 matters

  • Luke 17:22 helps clear up the idea that Jesus’ followers would always have him physically with them; instead, he prepares them for a time of absence and longing.
  • The verse emphasizes the unique value of the time the disciples have with Jesus, encouraging readers to recognize the significance of his presence in that moment.
  • This statement connects to the wider passage, where Jesus teaches about waiting for his return and the challenges of living faithfully in his physical absence.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Greek G1937 · used in 16 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.
  • Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“shall” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

“when” Greek G3753 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
  • Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.