And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

LUKE 9:53KJV
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Luke 9:53 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:53 mean?

Luke 9:53 says that the people in a certain village did not welcome Jesus because he was heading toward Jerusalem. Their refusal was directly tied to his intention to travel to Jerusalem, not to anything personal about Jesus himself.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling through Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, and he sends messengers ahead to prepare for his arrival. The villagers, who are Samaritans, reject him because of the long-standing tension between Jews and Samaritans, especially regarding worship in Jerusalem. The verse highlights how Jesus’ destination—Jerusalem—was enough reason for the Samaritans to refuse him hospitality.

The Greek behind Luke 9:53

  • πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "face"): This word often means "face" or "appearance," but in Greek, it can also refer to someone's direction or intent. Here, it suggests that Jesus’ determination or focus on going to Jerusalem was visible or clear to others.
  • πορεύεσθαι (poreuesthai, "to go"): This verb means "to travel" or "to journey." The use here emphasizes that Jesus was actively on his way to Jerusalem, not just thinking about it.
  • εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα (eis Hierosolyma, "to Jerusalem"): This phrase makes it clear that Jerusalem was the specific destination, which is significant given the religious and cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans.

Why Luke 9:53 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Samaritans’ rejection of Jesus was not personal, but rooted in the deep-seated conflict between Jews and Samaritans over the proper place of worship.
  • It sets the stage for the following verses, where Jesus’ disciples react strongly to this rejection, showing the emotional weight of these cultural divisions.
  • The verse also highlights Jesus’ clear purpose and determination to go to Jerusalem, a key theme in Luke’s Gospel as Jesus moves toward the events of his final days.

Where else these words appear

“did” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

“go” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.