Luke 8:9
And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 8:9
And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The disciples' question isn't just about understanding the meaning of this specific parable; it's about grasping a new and profound shift in Jesus' teaching method. They're puzzled by his move to parables, a style that was suddenly more veiled than direct, and they sense its immense seriousness.
Jesus had just finished explaining the parable of the sower to the crowds, and now, with the multitude gone, his closest followers asked him for its deeper meaning. They were clearly puzzled by this new way Jesus was teaching and sought clarity on the significance of this foundational parable about hearing and receiving God's word. This private question from the disciples directly precedes Jesus' detailed interpretation, revealing their earnest desire to understand his message.
Did you notice Jesus didn't immediately explain the parable to the masses? His inner circle got a special invitation to understand.
When the crowds dispersed, Jesus' disciples were left with questions. This is significant! The parable of the Sower was a new way of teaching for Jesus, and the disciples, even though they were close, were puzzled. They asked for clarification when they were alone with Him. This highlights that sometimes, deeper understanding comes not in the spectacle of a crowd, but in the quiet, personal moments with our Teacher.
The disciples' surprise wasn't just about the parable's meaning, but about how Jesus was teaching. What changed?
This parable marked a shift in Jesus' teaching method. While He had taught the crowds before, the parable of the Sower was different – it was a new and striking way to convey truth. The disciples' question, "What might this parable be?" reveals their bewilderment. It wasn't just a typical lesson; it was a 'sombre and depressing announcement' as one commentator put it, hinting at the varied reception of God's word. This was the first of its kind for them, and it set the stage for deeper, more challenging lessons.
Understand the original words
parabolē · Greek Noun
A simple story used by Jesus to veil or reveal spiritual truth. They act as a judgment on those with hard hearts who refuse to understand, while being an invitation to those who seek the truth.
The disciples' question arose from a shift in Jesus' teaching method; parables were a new, sometimes puzzling, way of communicating profound truths, especially to the crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee, announcing the arrival of God's kingdom. This period is marked by large crowds eager to hear him.
Early to Mid 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches in Parables
Jesus increasingly uses parables to convey spiritual truths, a method that both illuminates for those with open hearts and conceals from those who resist understanding.
Mid 1st century AD
Luke Compiles His Gospel
The author Luke, after careful investigation, writes his account of Jesus' life and teachings for a wider, likely Gentile, audience, seeking to present an orderly narrative.
This passage directly follows Luke's account, explaining that the disciples' confusion and curiosity about the parables led them to ask Jesus for clarification.
Mark 4:10Mark's Gospel provides additional context, noting that the disciples asked Jesus about the parables when they were alone with him, highlighting a more intimate moment of seeking understanding.
Luke 8:11This verse immediately follows the disciples' question, providing Jesus' direct answer and explanation of the parable, showing the disciples' earnest desire to learn.
John 16:25Jesus himself speaks of a future time when he will no longer speak in parables but will reveal the Father directly, showing the progressive nature of revelation and the disciples' growing understanding.
gillLuke 8:9: "And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?"
And his disciples asked him,.... That is, as Mark says, "when he was alone"; after the multitude were departed, and they were by themselves, it may be in some house with other disciples: saying, what might this parable be? what is the sense and meaning of it? According to Matthew, they asked why he spake in parables to the people; and to such a question the following words are a proper answer.
pulpitLuke 8:9: "And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?"
Verse 9. - And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be! This is the only parable St. Luke gives as spoken by our Lord in this place. St. Matthew - who gives the additional detail that on account of the pressure of the crowd on the lake-shore it was spoken from a boat moored close to the bank - relates seven parables here in sequence. It is probable that the Master spoke some of these at least on thi…
The disciples' question isn't just about understanding the meaning of this specific parable; it's about grasping a new and profound shift in Jesus' teaching method. They're puzzled by his move to parables, a style that was suddenly more veiled than direct, and they sense its immense seriousness.
Jesus had just finished explaining the parable of the sower to the crowds, and now, with the multitude gone, his closest followers asked him for its deeper meaning. They were clearly puzzled by this new way Jesus was teaching and sought clarity on the significance of this foundational parable about hearing and receiving God's word. This private question from the disciples directly precedes Jesus' detailed interpretation, revealing their earnest desire to understand his message.
Jesus had just finished explaining the parable of the sower to the crowds, and now, with the multitude gone, his closest followers asked him for its deeper meaning. They were clearly puzzled by this new way Jesus was teaching and sought clarity on the significance of this foundational parable about hearing and receiving God's word. This private question from the disciples directly precedes Jesus' detailed interpretation, revealing their earnest desire to understand his message.
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"And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant," — The disciples' question isn't just about understanding the meaning of this specific parable; it's about grasping a new and profound shift in Jesus' teaching method. They're puzzled by his move to p…