And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

LUKE 24:15KJV
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Luke 24:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:15 mean?

Luke 24:15 describes how, while two followers of Jesus were talking and trying to make sense of recent events, Jesus himself came up and began walking with them. The verse highlights a moment when Jesus joins his disciples on the road after his resurrection, though they do not recognize him yet.

The setting is the road to Emmaus, just after Jesus’ crucifixion and reported resurrection. Two disciples are discussing everything that has happened, feeling confused and uncertain. Without them realizing, Jesus approaches and walks alongside them, setting the stage for a significant conversation where he will explain the meaning of recent events.

The Greek behind Luke 24:15

  • "ἐγγίσας" (engisas, "drew near"): This word means to come close or approach. The Greek here emphasizes Jesus’ personal initiative—he is the one who comes near to the disciples, not the other way around.
  • "συνεπορεύετο" (syneporeueto, "went with them"): This word means to travel together or accompany. It suggests not just walking nearby, but sharing the journey, highlighting Jesus’ presence with his followers even when they do not recognize him.

Why Luke 24:15 matters

  • Luke 24:15 shows that Jesus is present with his followers even when they are confused or unaware of him, which becomes a key theme in the resurrection stories.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic moment when Jesus will reveal himself and explain the Scriptures, connecting the disciples’ experience to the larger story of his resurrection.
  • By describing Jesus as the one who draws near and walks with them, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ initiative and care, which contrasts with the disciples’ uncertainty and lack of understanding.

Where else these words appear

“communed” Greek G3656 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Acts 20:11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

“with” Greek G4848 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
  • Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
  • Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

“reasoned” Greek G4802 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
  • Luke 22:23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

“near” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.