Luke 9:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:22 mean?

Luke 9:22 records Jesus telling his disciples that he, as the "Son of man," must suffer, be rejected by the Jewish leaders, be killed, and then rise again on the third day. This verse is a clear prediction from Jesus about his coming suffering, death, and resurrection.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers, preparing them for what will soon happen to him in Jerusalem. The verse lays out the opposition Jesus will face from the elders, chief priests, and scribes—the main religious authorities of that time—and makes it clear that his suffering and resurrection are necessary parts of his mission.

The Greek behind Luke 9:22

• "must" (δεῖ, dei): This Greek word means something is necessary or inevitable. Jesus is not just predicting what might happen, but saying these events are part of a divine plan that must take place.
• "rejected" (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι, apodokimasthēnai): This word means to be disapproved of or refused after examination. It emphasizes that the religious leaders will not just ignore Jesus, but actively decide against him.
• "be raised" (ἐγερθῆναι, egerthēnai): This word is often used for resurrection, meaning to be brought back to life. It points to a real, bodily rising, not just a spiritual idea.

Why Luke 9:22 matters

• Luke 9:22 makes it clear that Jesus knew what was coming and willingly accepted it, showing that his death was not an accident or surprise.
• The verse highlights the strong opposition Jesus faced from the established religious authorities, which helps explain the tension and conflict leading up to his crucifixion.
• By mentioning the resurrection on the third day, Jesus gives hope and points forward to the central event of Christian faith, showing that suffering and death are not the end of the story.