Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

LUKE 19:38KJV
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Luke 19:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:38 mean?

Luke 19:38 describes people joyfully proclaiming Jesus as the blessed King who comes with God’s authority, declaring peace in heaven and glory in the highest places. The verse shows a crowd honoring Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, recognizing him as a special figure sent by God.

The scene takes place as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowd of his followers shouts these words. They are quoting from Old Testament language used for the Messiah, expressing hope and praise. This moment highlights the excitement and expectation surrounding Jesus, as well as the belief that his coming brings peace and honor to God.

The Greek behind Luke 19:38

  • "Blessed" (εὐλογημένος, eulogēmenos): This word means to be spoken well of or favored. Here, it emphasizes that the crowd sees Jesus as someone specially favored by God.
  • "King" (βασιλεὺς, basileus): The crowd calls Jesus "King," a title loaded with meaning, suggesting they see him as the promised ruler from God, not just a teacher.
  • "Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): The word for peace here points to more than just the absence of conflict; it often means wholeness or well-being, and the crowd connects Jesus’ coming with bringing this peace to heaven itself.
  • "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): This word means honor or splendor. The crowd’s shout links Jesus’ arrival with giving the highest honor to God.

Why Luke 19:38 matters

  • Luke 19:38 clarifies that the people saw Jesus as a kingly figure, not just a prophet or miracle worker, which sets the stage for the tension with religious leaders.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ arrival with peace and glory in heaven, showing that his mission is not only about earthly change but also about something bigger in God’s plan.
  • This verse ties into the larger story of Jesus’ final days, highlighting the contrast between the crowd’s joyful welcome and the opposition he will soon face.

Where else these words appear

“highest” Greek G5310 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

“Blessed” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

“King” 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 10:24 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.
  • 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.