Luke 18:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:33 mean?

Luke 18:33 records Jesus foretelling that he will be scourged, killed, and then rise again on the third day. This verse plainly states that suffering, death, and resurrection are all part of what Jesus says will happen to him.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as they travel toward Jerusalem. He is preparing them for the events that will soon take place, describing in clear terms that he will be handed over, mistreated, put to death, and then come back to life after three days. This is one of several times in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus predicts his own death and resurrection.

The Greek behind Luke 18:33

• The word "scourge" (μαστιγώσαντες, mastigōsantes) refers to being whipped or flogged, a common form of severe punishment in the Roman world. Jesus is describing a real and brutal suffering he will endure.
• The word "put to death" (ἀποκτενοῦσιν, apoktenousin) means to kill or execute. The Greek here is direct, emphasizing that Jesus expects to be killed, not just threatened or harmed.
• The phrase "he shall rise again" (ἀναστήσεται, anastēsetai) is often understood as coming back to life after being dead. The Greek verb carries the sense of standing up or being raised, pointing to a literal resurrection.

Why Luke 18:33 matters

• Luke 18:33 makes it clear that Jesus knew in advance about his suffering and death, and that these events were not accidental or unexpected.
• The verse highlights the resurrection as an essential part of the story, not just the suffering and death. Jesus’s prediction includes hope and victory after apparent defeat.
• By stating these things before they happen, Jesus helps his disciples—and later readers—understand that his mission involves both sacrifice and triumph, fitting into a larger plan.