And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

LUKE 9:37KJV
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Luke 9:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:37 mean?

Luke 9:37 describes how, the day after Jesus and some of his disciples came down from a hill, a large crowd met him. This verse sets the scene for what happens next, showing that people were eager to see Jesus as soon as he returned from being apart.

The context is that Jesus had just been on the mountain—traditionally called the Mount of Transfiguration—with Peter, James, and John. Now, as he comes back down to rejoin the others, a crowd gathers to meet him. This detail highlights both Jesus’ growing reputation and the anticipation of the people waiting for him.

The Greek behind Luke 9:37

  • The word for "hill" is ὄρος (oros), which often means "mountain" or "hill." This points to a specific location, likely the mountain where the Transfiguration took place, giving the scene a sense of transition from a private, significant event to a public one.
  • The phrase "much people" uses the word ὄχλος (ochlos), meaning a crowd or multitude. This emphasizes that Jesus was attracting not just a few followers, but large groups eager to see him.
  • The verb "met" is συνάπαντάω (synapantaō), which carries the sense of coming together to meet someone, often with eagerness or purpose. This suggests the crowd was actively seeking Jesus, not just happening upon him.

Why Luke 9:37 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point from a private, miraculous moment on the mountain to Jesus’ public ministry among the people, connecting the two scenes.
  • It highlights the contrast between the quiet, spiritual experience of the Transfiguration and the pressing needs of the crowd waiting below.
  • The detail about the crowd’s eagerness sets up the next events in the narrative, showing that Jesus’ presence was in high demand and that his ministry was closely watched by many.

Where else these words appear

“next” Greek G1836 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
  • Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
  • Acts 25:17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

“met” Greek G4876 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
  • Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
  • Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

“down” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
  • Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

“hill” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.