Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is pointing out that Jerusalem has developed a grim reputation, a sort of "monopoly," for executing prophets. His words aren't just about his own impending death, but a sharp critique of the city that sees itself as holy yet consistently silences God's messengers.
Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him, urging him to leave the area. Jesus responds by calling Herod a "fox" and declaring that his mission will continue for a short while longer, culminating in his death, but not in Galilee. He insists that a prophet’s demise, especially his own as the Messiah, must happen in Jerusalem, implying it's the ordained place for his ultimate sacrifice and judgment.
Pharisees warned Jesus to flee Herod's reach. But Jesus knew his journey had a singular, unavoidable destination.
The Inevitable Path
Jesus responds to the warning about Herod with an unshakeable resolve. He states, 'I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following.' This isn't just a schedule; it's an internal imperative, a divine appointment.
A Fixed Course
This steadfastness highlights Jesus' full awareness and acceptance of his impending crucifixion.
Why did Jesus insist that prophets 'perish' specifically in Jerusalem? It wasn't just a city; it was a symbol.
The City of Prophets' Blood
Jesus’ statement, 'for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem,' is powerful. It points to a grim historical reality and a profound theological truth.
Ask a follow-up
A Pattern of Rejection
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A person who acts as a spokesperson for God, receiving divine messages to deliver to the people. Prophets were frequently rejected or persecuted by those to whom they were sent.
This exchange highlights the political danger Jesus faced from figures like Herod Antipas, even as he remained resolute in fulfilling his divine mission in Jerusalem.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus conducts most of his public ministry in Galilee, a region often under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas.
c. AD 28-30
Herod Antipas's Jurisdiction
Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, is known for his cunning and has previously imprisoned and executed John the Baptist.
c. AD 30
Journey to Jerusalem Begins
Jesus begins his final journey towards Jerusalem, knowing it will be the place of his suffering and death.
c. AD 30— this verse
Warning from Pharisees
Certain Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod Antipas intends to kill him, urging him to flee Herod's territory.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resolve and Prophecy
Jesus declares he must continue his work for a short time, stating that prophets are not typically killed outside of Jerusalem, implying his own fate is sealed there.
c. AD 30
Jesus Laments Jerusalem
Jesus then looks toward Jerusalem and laments over the city, foretelling its future destruction due to its rejection of God's messengers.
This passage highlights the consistent danger faced by prophets in Old Testament times, showing that opposition and persecution were not new phenomena but a recurring theme for those delivering God's message.
Jeremiah 26:10-15Jeremiah's trial and defense in Jerusalem directly parallels Jesus' statement, as he recounts how prophets were often brought to Jerusalem to be judged and, in many cases, put to death there.
Matthew 23:37Jesus' lament over Jerusalem directly echoes the sentiment in Luke 13:33, emphasizing the city's history of rejecting and killing God's messengers, reinforcing why He felt He must go there to meet His destined end.
Acts 7:51-52Stephen's accusation against the Jewish leaders speaks of a persistent resistance to the Holy Spirit and a pattern of persecuting prophets, much like Jesus describes Jerusalem as the place where prophets meet their end.
calvinLuke 13:31-33: "The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee."
- The same day some of the Pharisees came, saying to him, Depart, and go hence: for Herod intends to kill thee. 32. And he said to them, Go, tell that fox, Lo, I cast out devils, and I perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am completed. [280] 33. But yet I must walk today and tomorrow, and the following day; for it is not a usual occurre…
ellicottLuke 13:33: "Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem."
(33) Nevertheless I must walk. —Better, I must journey, or, I must go onward, the word being that used in Luke 9:51 ; Luke 9:53 . The words indicate the intensity of conviction and of purpose as that expressed before. I cannot bring myself to accept the words that follow—“to-day and to-morrow . . .”—as meaning that there were but three days to pass before…
Jesus is pointing out that Jerusalem has developed a grim reputation, a sort of "monopoly," for executing prophets. His words aren't just about his own impending death, but a sharp critique of the city that sees itself as holy yet consistently silences God's messengers.
Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him, urging him to leave the area. Jesus responds by calling Herod a "fox" and declaring that his mission will continue for a short while longer, culminating in his death, but not in Galilee. He insists that a prophet’s demise, especially his own as the Messiah, must happen in Jerusalem, implying it's the ordained place for his ultimate sacrifice and judgment.
Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him, urging him to leave the area. Jesus responds by calling Herod a "fox" and declaring that his mission will continue for a short while longer, culminating in his death, but not in Galilee. He insists that a prophet’s demise, especially his own as the Messiah, must happen in Jerusalem, implying it's the ordained place for his ultimate sacrifice and judgment.
"Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’" — Jesus is pointing out that Jerusalem has developed a grim reputation, a sort of "monopoly," for executing prophets. His words aren't just about his own impending death, but a sharp critique of the ci…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026