And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

LUKE 19:39KJV
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Luke 19:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:39 mean?

Luke 19:39 describes how some Pharisees in the crowd told Jesus to correct or silence his disciples. The Pharisees called Jesus "Master" and asked him to rebuke his followers for what they were saying or doing.

In this scene, Jesus is entering Jerusalem and his disciples are loudly praising God and celebrating him as king. The Pharisees, who were religious leaders, are concerned about this public display and want Jesus to stop his disciples. Their request shows both their discomfort with the disciples’ actions and their authority in the community.

The Greek behind Luke 19:39

  • "Master" (διδάσκαλε, didaskale) is a respectful title meaning "teacher." The Pharisees use it to address Jesus, which shows a formal respect even as they challenge him.
  • "Rebuke" (ἐπιτίμησον, epitimeson) means to strongly warn or correct. The Pharisees are not just asking Jesus to quiet his disciples, but to formally reprimand them, suggesting they see the disciples’ praise as inappropriate or dangerous.

Why Luke 19:39 matters

  • This verse highlights the tension between Jesus’ followers and the religious authorities, showing the growing concern among the Pharisees about Jesus’ influence.
  • It sets up the dramatic moment that follows, where Jesus responds that if his disciples were silent, even the stones would cry out, emphasizing the significance of what is happening.
  • The verse helps clarify why the Pharisees opposed Jesus: they were troubled by public declarations that could be seen as politically or religiously provocative.

Where else these words appear

“rebuke” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.