And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

LUKE 24:41KJV
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Luke 24:41 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:41 mean?

Luke 24:41 describes how the disciples were so overwhelmed with joy and amazement at seeing Jesus alive that they struggled to believe it was really happening. In response to their wonder, Jesus asked if they had anything to eat, showing his physical presence among them.

In this scene, Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples are gathered together, and although they are overjoyed, they are also in disbelief because the situation seems too good to be true. Jesus’ request for food is a practical way to reassure them that he is not a ghost, but truly alive in a physical body.

The Greek behind Luke 24:41

  • The word for "joy" is χαρά (chara), which often means deep gladness or delight. Here, it highlights the disciples’ emotional state—so happy that it almost seems unbelievable.
  • The word translated "wondered" is θαυμάζω (thaumazō), which means to marvel or be amazed. This shows that the disciples are not just happy, but also deeply astonished, struggling to process what they are witnessing.
  • The word for "meat" is βρώσιμον (brōsimon), which refers to food in general, not just meat as in animal flesh. Jesus is asking for any kind of food to eat, emphasizing his real, physical body.

Why Luke 24:41 matters

  • This verse helps clear up any idea that Jesus’ resurrection was only spiritual or imaginary; his request for food shows he had a real, tangible body.
  • The verse emphasizes the disciples’ very human reaction—joy mixed with disbelief—which makes the resurrection account more relatable and honest.
  • Luke 24:41 connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus patiently helping his followers move from doubt to faith, using simple, everyday actions to reassure them.

Where else these words appear

“not” Greek G569 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
  • Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
  • Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

“here” Greek G1759 · used in 8 verses

  • John 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
  • Acts 10:18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

“wondered” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.