Luke 24:11
but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word used for "idle tales" is quite strong, suggesting not just silly talk, but the nonsensical babble of delirium or madness. This tells us the disciples' disbelief wasn't simply skepticism, but a profound inability to process a reality so far beyond their expectations, making the women's news seem utterly irrational.
The women, having seen the empty tomb and encountered angels, rush back to the disciples with astonishing news: Jesus is alive! However, their report is met with utter disbelief, sounding like nonsensical ramblings or fantasies to the disciples, who dismiss it entirely. This skepticism is starkly contrasted by Peter's later investigation of the tomb, where he personally confirms the empty grave and is left pondering the unbelievable reality.
The women burst in with the most incredible news imaginable: Jesus was alive! But the disciples’ reaction was... silence, and then disbelief. What word did Luke use to capture this extreme skepticism?
The Greek word 'leros' (λήρος), used here for 'idle tales,' is incredibly strong. It wasn't just that the disciples thought the women were mistaken; they considered their words utter nonsense, like the rambling talk of someone delirious or the foolish babble of old age. It signifies speech so nonsensical it's barely worth acknowledging. This shows just how far the disciples were from expecting or understanding the resurrection. Their minds weren't just closed; they were struggling to even process the possibility.
The disciples had heard Jesus predict his resurrection multiple times. So why the disbelief? What fundamental misunderstanding kept them from accepting the women's report?
It's striking that the disciples' immediate reaction was utter disbelief, even though Jesus had repeatedly foretold his death and resurrection. The scholars point out that they hadn't yet grasped the significance of these prophecies. Their understanding of the Messiah's path was likely still clouded by earthly expectations. They expected a triumphant king, not a suffering servant who would rise from the dead. This lack of comprehension, this 'blindness' to the prophetic word, is why the news of the resurrection sounded like a deluded fantasy rather than the fulfillment of God's plan.
The women brought astonishing news, but the disciples wouldn't believe it. What was it that eventually broke through their skepticism and led them to faith?
The disciples' initial disbelief wasn't the end of the story. The passage shows the beginning of a process. While the women’s words sounded like 'idle tales,' Peter’s subsequent investigation of the tomb, seeing the empty graveclothes himself, led him to depart 'wondering' (Luke 24:12). This wonder, born from encountering the evidence, is a crucial step. Later, Jesus Himself appears to them, transforming their disbelief into awe and joy. The truth of the resurrection wasn't just a report to be believed; it was an event to be experienced and witnessed, ultimately overcoming their profound skepticism.
Understand the original words
rhēma · Greek Noun
A report, narrative, or proclamation. In a biblical context, it often refers to the spoken message of God or the report of events related to His works.
lēros · Greek Noun
Literally 'nonsense' or 'absurd talk.' It refers to a report that is regarded as lacking truth, seriousness, or credibility.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
A firm conviction or trust in the truth of something. Biblically, it signifies not just intellectual assent but reliance upon God's word and testimony.
The disciples' initial disbelief highlights the shocking and unexpected nature of the resurrection, underscoring how difficult it was for them to accept such an extraordinary event, even after Jesus' own predictions.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem and buried in a tomb.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Women Discover Empty Tomb
Early on the first day of the week, women disciples go to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body and find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. 30 AD
Women Report Resurrection to Disciples
The women, encountering angels and later Jesus himself, rush to tell the male disciples the news of the resurrection, but their report is met with disbelief.
c. 30 AD
Peter and John Investigate Tomb
Peter and another disciple (traditionally John) run to the tomb, find it empty, and are left wondering about the events.
c. 30 AD
This passage highlights the critical nature of the resurrection belief for Christians, noting that if Christ had not been raised, their faith and preaching would be in vain, mirroring the disciples' initial disbelief that rendered the women's report meaningless.
John 20:25Here, other disciples express doubt when told about the resurrected Christ, stating they need more than just words to believe, which directly parallels the reaction in Luke 24:11 where the report was dismissed as 'idle tales'.
Mark 16:10-11This passage immediately follows the report given by those who had seen Jesus, and describes their disbelief and weeping, underscoring the profound shock and incredulity the news of the resurrection initially brought.
Luke 24:25Jesus himself rebukes the disciples for their lack of belief and slowness of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken, directly addressing the very disbelief seen in Luke 24:11.
pulpitLuke 24:11: "And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not."
Verse 11. - And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. The utter incredulity of the friends of Jesus when these reports of his resurrection were brought to them is remarkable when contrasted with the evident dread of the Sanhedrin that something of grave moment would happen after three days had elapsed. The disciples were evidently amazed at their Master's rising from the dead.…
ellicottLuke 24:11: "And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not."
(11) Idle tales. —The one Greek word which is thus rendered occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is applied strictly to the trifling, half-idiotic babble of dotage.
The word used for "idle tales" is quite strong, suggesting not just silly talk, but the nonsensical babble of delirium or madness. This tells us the disciples' disbelief wasn't simply skepticism, but a profound inability to process a reality so far beyond their expectations, making the women's news seem utterly irrational.
The women, having seen the empty tomb and encountered angels, rush back to the disciples with astonishing news: Jesus is alive! However, their report is met with utter disbelief, sounding like nonsensical ramblings or fantasies to the disciples, who dismiss it entirely. This skepticism is starkly contrasted by Peter's later investigation of the tomb, where he personally confirms the empty grave and is left pondering the unbelievable reality.
The women, having seen the empty tomb and encountered angels, rush back to the disciples with astonishing news: Jesus is alive! However, their report is met with utter disbelief, sounding like nonsensical ramblings or fantasies to the disciples, who dismiss it entirely. This skepticism is starkly contrasted by Peter's later investigation of the tomb, where he personally confirms the empty grave and is left pondering the unbelievable reality.
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Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus, now resurrected, begins to appear to his disciples, gradually overcoming their fear and disbelief.
"but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them." — The word used for "idle tales" is quite strong, suggesting not just silly talk, but the nonsensical babble of delirium or madness. This tells us the disciples' disbelief wasn't simply skepticism, but…
