And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

LUKE 24:38KJV
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Luke 24:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:38 mean?

Luke 24:38 records Jesus asking his disciples why they are troubled and why doubts are rising in their hearts after seeing him alive. The verse shows Jesus directly addressing their fear and confusion, inviting them to consider why they are struggling to believe what they see.

In this scene, Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. They are startled and frightened, thinking they might be seeing a spirit. Jesus speaks to reassure them, pointing out their emotional turmoil and the thoughts filling their hearts. The verse highlights the very human reaction of the disciples to something unexpected and hard to believe.

The Greek behind Luke 24:38

  • ταραγμένοι (G5015; taragmenoi, "troubled"): This word often means stirred up, agitated, or disturbed. Here, it suggests the disciples are deeply unsettled, not just mildly anxious.
  • διαλογισμοί (G1261; dialogismoi, "thoughts"): This Greek word can mean thoughts, doubts, or reasonings. It carries the sense of inner questioning or debate, not just passing ideas.
  • ἀναβαίνωσιν (G305; anabainōsin, "arise"): The word for "arise" here means to go up or come up, picturing doubts or thoughts bubbling up from within, not just appearing suddenly.

Why Luke 24:38 matters

  • Luke 24:38 highlights the disciples’ honest struggle to accept the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, showing their response was not blind faith but a process involving real questions and fears.
  • The verse draws attention to Jesus’ gentle approach; he does not rebuke the disciples for their doubts but invites them to reflect on their feelings, setting up his next actions to reassure them.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Luke 24, where Jesus patiently helps his followers move from confusion and fear to understanding and belief in his resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“thoughts” Greek G1261 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
  • Luke 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
  • Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

“troubled” Greek G5015 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

“why” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

“arise” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.