And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

LUKE 9:57KJV
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Luke 9:57 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:57 mean?

Luke 9:57 describes a moment when a man approaches Jesus as they are traveling and declares his willingness to follow Jesus wherever he goes. The verse highlights the man’s eagerness and commitment to become a disciple, offering to go with Jesus without conditions.

In this scene, Jesus is on the road with his followers, and someone from the crowd steps forward to speak directly to him. The man calls Jesus "Lord," showing respect and recognition of authority, and promises to follow him anywhere. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the real cost and meaning of discipleship in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Luke 9:57

  • The word "follow" is from the Greek ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō), which means to go after or accompany someone. In the context of discipleship, it often implies more than just physical following—it suggests a commitment to adopt the leader’s way of life.
  • The phrase "whithersoever thou goest" comes from ὅπου ἐὰν (hopou ean), meaning "wherever." This emphasizes the man’s claim of total willingness, with no boundaries or reservations.
  • The word "Lord" is κύριος (kyrios), a term of respect that can mean "master" or "sir," and in the Gospels, it often signals recognition of Jesus’ authority.

Why Luke 9:57 matters

  • Luke 9:57 introduces a key teaching moment about what it really means to follow Jesus, setting up the challenges and sacrifices that discipleship can involve.
  • The verse helps clarify that enthusiasm alone is not enough; Jesus will go on to explain that following him requires understanding and accepting the costs.
  • This encounter connects to the larger theme in Luke 9 of Jesus calling people to a deeper, more committed relationship, not just casual interest or excitement.

Where else these words appear

“whithersoever” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“follow” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“way” Greek G3598 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

“goest” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.