Luke 9:27

Luke 9:27, in plain English

Jesus told them that some standing there would not die before seeing the kingdom of God. A promise that would be fulfilled sooner than anyone expected.

Why it's here

This mysterious promise kept the disciples watching and waiting. Just days later, three of them would witness a preview of glory on a mountain that would change them forever.

Who's speaking

Jesus makes a striking promise to His listeners.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus told them something mysterious: some of you will see the kingdom of God before you die. No one knew exactly what He meant, but the answer was only eight days away.

The scholarly reading

Jesus affirms alēthōs ('truthfully') that tines tōn autou hestēkotōn ('some standing here') will ou mē geusōntai thanatou ('not taste death') before seeing tēn basileian tou theou ('the kingdom of God'). This enigmatic promise has been variously interpreted as referring to the Transfiguration, Pentecost, or the destruction of Jerusalem.

Language and setting

The immediate literary context points to the Transfiguration (9:28-36) as the initial fulfillment, where Peter, John, and James witness Jesus' glory. Luke's omission of Mark's 'come in power' slightly shifts the emphasis to the kingdom's visible manifestation.

Voice

Jesus makes a solemn promise to those standing before Him.

Significance

Jesus made a remarkable promise: some of those listening to Him would see the kingdom of God manifested before they died, a pledge that would begin to be fulfilled just eight days later on a mountaintop.

25What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?

26If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

27But I tell you truly, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

28About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.

29And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.

Read all of Luke 9 — Peter confesses, the Transfiguration blazes, and Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem. Everything from here moves toward the cross.