But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

LUKE 9:27KJV
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Luke 9:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:27 mean?

In Luke 9:27, Jesus tells the people listening that some of them will live to see God’s kingdom. His words place that sight within the lifetimes of at least some who were there, rather than only in the distant future.

Jesus speaks to those gathered around him after speaking about his future coming in verse 26. “Taste of death” pictures death as something a person experiences. “Kingdom of God” points to God’s rule, rather than simply a place on a map.

The Greek behind Luke 9:27

  • “shall not taste” — γεύομαι (geuomai): The word means to taste or experience something. Paired with “death,” it forms a vivid way of speaking about dying.
  • “kingdom” — βασιλεία (basileia): The word can refer to kingship or rule as well as a kingdom. Here it helps show that “kingdom of God” concerns God’s rule, not merely a territory.

Why Luke 9:27 matters

  • Jesus speaks of some people present, not everyone in the crowd. The words “some standing here” and “till they see” set a limit within the listeners’ own lifetimes.

  • Luke soon places a striking scene after this promise. In Luke 9:28–36, Peter, John, and James see Jesus’ appearance change and hear a voice from a cloud. Christians have understood the promised sight in different ways, including that scene and later events.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1089 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
  • John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:(but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
  • Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

“truth” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
  • John 7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.