And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

LUKE 19:48KJV
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Luke 19:48 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:48 mean?

Luke 19:48 says that the religious leaders could not figure out how to act against Jesus because the whole crowd was paying close attention to everything he said. The verse highlights the tension between the leaders’ desire to stop Jesus and the people’s eagerness to listen to him.

The setting is Jerusalem during the final days before Jesus’ crucifixion. The religious authorities are looking for a way to silence or arrest Jesus, but they are held back by the crowds, who are captivated by his teaching. This verse shows how popular Jesus was with ordinary people at this moment, making it difficult for his opponents to move against him without causing unrest.

The Greek behind Luke 19:48

  • The word for “attentive” is ἐξεκρέματο (exekremato), which literally means “hanging upon.” The Greek here paints a vivid picture: the people are hanging on Jesus’ every word, showing intense interest and focus.
  • The word for “all the people” is πᾶς ὁ λαός (pas ho laos), meaning the entire crowd, not just a few individuals. This emphasizes that Jesus’ appeal was widespread and not limited to a small group.

Why Luke 19:48 matters

  • This verse helps explain why the religious leaders did not arrest Jesus openly; the support of the crowd for Jesus made any action against him risky.
  • The detail about the people’s attentiveness shows the power and appeal of Jesus’ teaching, even in the face of opposition.
  • In the wider context, this verse sets up the tension that leads to the leaders seeking a secret way to arrest Jesus, which unfolds in the following passages.

Where else these words appear

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

“people” Greek G2992 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.