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?

LUKE 9:18KJV
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Luke 9:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:18 mean?

Luke 9:18 describes a moment when Jesus is praying alone, but his disciples are nearby, and he takes the opportunity to ask them what people are saying about his identity. Jesus wants to know how the crowds understand who he is.

In this verse, Jesus is the one speaking, and he is addressing his disciples. The setting is somewhat private—Jesus is praying by himself, but his close followers are with him. This question sets up an important conversation about who people think Jesus is, which leads into a deeper discussion about his true identity and the disciples’ own understanding.

The Greek behind Luke 9:18

  • The word "alone" (κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, transliterated as kat’ idian) points to Jesus seeking a private moment, even though his disciples are present, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of this scene.
  • The Greek word for "praying" (προσευχόμενος, proseuchomenos) shows that Jesus is engaged in prayer, which is a pattern in Luke’s Gospel—Jesus often prays before significant events or teachings.
  • The word "asked" (ἐπηρώτησεν, epērōtēsen) carries the sense of a thoughtful or deliberate question, not just casual conversation, suggesting Jesus is intentionally leading his disciples into reflection.

Why Luke 9:18 matters

  • Luke 9:18 shows that Jesus values both solitude in prayer and honest conversation with his followers, highlighting the balance between personal devotion and community.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the Gospel, as Jesus begins to draw out his disciples’ understanding of his identity, which is central to the rest of the chapter.
  • By asking what others say about him, Jesus sets the stage for the disciples to consider their own beliefs, preparing them for the deeper revelation that follows.

Where else these words appear

“alone” Greek G2651 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

“with” Greek G4895 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

“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 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

“praying” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.