And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

LUKE 8:9KJV
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Luke 8:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:9 mean?

Luke 8:9 shows Jesus’ disciples coming to him privately and asking what the parable he just told really means. This verse highlights that even those closest to Jesus did not always understand his teachings right away and felt comfortable enough to ask him for clarification.

In this scene, Jesus has just finished telling a parable to a crowd, and now his disciples—his close followers—want to know what it actually means. The disciples’ question, “What might this parable be?” shows their desire to understand more deeply, and it sets up the explanation Jesus will give in the following verses. This moment reveals the difference between simply hearing Jesus’ words and truly grasping their meaning.

The Greek behind Luke 8:9

  • παραβολή (parabolē): This word, transliterated as “parable,” refers to a story or saying that uses everyday images to convey a deeper, often hidden, meaning. The disciples’ question about the “parable” shows they sensed there was more beneath the surface.
  • εἶναι (einai): This verb, translated here as “might be,” carries the sense of asking about the true nature or meaning of something, not just its surface details. The disciples are not asking for a summary—they want to know the real significance.

Why Luke 8:9 matters

  • Luke 8:9 clears up the idea that Jesus’ teachings were always immediately clear, even to his closest followers; it shows that honest questions are part of learning.
  • This verse emphasizes the role of the disciples as learners who seek understanding, highlighting the importance of asking questions when something is unclear.
  • Luke 8:9 connects directly to the next verses, where Jesus explains why he uses parables and what the specific parable means, helping readers see the flow of the conversation.

Where else these words appear

“might” Greek G1498 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
  • Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
  • Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

“parable” Greek G3850 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • Luke 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?