And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

LUKE 24:27KJV
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Luke 24:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:27 mean?

Luke 24:27 describes how Jesus, after his resurrection, began with the writings of Moses and all the prophets to explain to two of his followers everything in the Scriptures that pointed to himself. The verse highlights that Jesus showed how the Old Testament spoke about him, even before his followers realized who he was.

In this scene, Jesus is walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and they do not recognize him. He patiently teaches them by going through the Hebrew Scriptures (what Christians call the Old Testament), showing how many passages were actually about the Messiah—himself. This moment is about revealing a deeper understanding of the Bible’s message in light of Jesus’ life and mission.

The Greek behind Luke 24:27

  • ἐξηγέομαι (exēgeomai, "expounded"): This word means to explain thoroughly or interpret. It suggests that Jesus didn’t just mention a few verses but gave a detailed, careful explanation, helping the disciples see connections they had missed.
  • γραφή (graphē, "scriptures"): This term refers specifically to the sacred writings, what we call the Old Testament. The use of this word emphasizes that Jesus’ teaching was rooted in the recognized holy texts, not in new or private ideas.
  • περὶ ἑαυτοῦ (peri heautou, "concerning himself"): This phrase means that Jesus was showing how the Scriptures related directly to him. The focus is on Jesus as the fulfillment of what was written, not just as a teacher but as the subject of prophecy.

Why Luke 24:27 matters

  • Luke 24:27 clears up the common misunderstanding that the Old Testament is unrelated to Jesus or only about ancient Israel; Jesus himself shows that these writings point to him.
  • The verse emphasizes that understanding Jesus’ mission requires seeing the whole Bible as a unified story, not just isolated teachings or predictions.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing how Jesus patiently guides his followers from confusion to understanding, using Scripture as the foundation for faith.

Where else these words appear

“expounded” Greek G1329 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
  • 1 Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

“scriptures” Greek G1124 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“Moses” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“beginning” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.