And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that the astonishment wasn't just at Jesus, but at the "majesty of God" displayed through Him. This highlights that the disciples, while marveling at the spectacle, were witnessing God’s own power and glory breaking into their world.
And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from a stunning display of God's power, where Jesus healed a boy his disciples couldn't, the crowd is in awe. Amidst their wonder at Jesus' miracles, he turns to his disciples and begins to speak about his own coming suffering and death, a message they struggle to comprehend.
The crowd's reaction to Jesus' actions was pure awe. What does it mean to witness God's 'majesty' firsthand?
The verse uses the word 'majesty' (or 'mightiness') to describe the reaction to Jesus' power. This isn't just about a 'wow' moment; it points to the inherent greatness and splendor of God being displayed.
A Glimpse of the Divine
Think of it like seeing a king in all his glory – it inspires a unique kind of reverence and astonishment. Jesus' miracles weren't just tricks; they were powerful demonstrations of God's rule and authority in the world.
More Than Just Power
This 'majesty' isn't solely about raw strength, but the overwhelming presence and character of God. It's a revelation that stops people in their tracks, prompting wonder and awe at who God is.
The crowd is amazed by what Jesus is doing, but Jesus is focused on what He will do. How do these two realities connect?
This moment is a powerful contrast. The people are captivated by the spectacular miracles Jesus is performing right now – the 'majesty' they can see and feel. But Jesus, even in the midst of this, is already looking ahead.
A Shift in Focus
While the disciples and the crowd are marveling at the 'everything he was doing,' Jesus turns to His disciples and begins to speak about His future suffering and death. This shows His consistent focus on the Father's larger plan, even when surrounded by immediate, astounding events.
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Preparing for the Unexpected
Jesus' words highlight that while His power is evident and amazing, His ultimate mission involves a path of suffering. This prepares His followers for a reality that might seem contrary to the 'majesty' they just witnessed.
Understand the original words
megaleiotēs · Greek Noun
The greatness, splendor, and glory inherent to God’s nature and works. It is the manifestation of His divine presence, power, and sovereign rule that compels awe and reverence from humanity.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Following his Galilean ministry, Jesus and his disciples embarked on a journey, including events like the feeding of the 5,000 and the Transfiguration, leading up to this moment.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Teaching on Humility
Immediately after performing a miracle and witnessing the awe of the crowd, Jesus uses the occasion to teach his disciples about humility by using a child as an example.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Suffering
Around this time, Jesus began to teach his disciples more directly about his impending betrayal, death, and resurrection, though they struggled to understand.
c. AD 30
Journeying Towards Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples were traveling, likely away from Galilee and towards Jerusalem for the final Passover, during which these teachings and events occurred.
This passage expresses a similar awe at God's power and majesty, highlighting that such greatness belongs to Him alone, echoing the astonishment felt by the onlookers in Luke 9:43.
Psalm 77:14This verse speaks of God's mighty deeds and power displayed through His works, much like the 'mighty power of God' the people marveled at after Jesus' miracle.
Matthew 17:6This verse describes a similar reaction of astonishment from the disciples when encountering divine glory during the Transfiguration, underscoring the overwhelming nature of God's majesty.
2 Peter 1:16This passage directly connects the 'majesty' of Christ with His divine power, similar to how the people in Luke's Gospel reacted to Jesus' display of God's 'mighty power'.
John 1:14This verse declares that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, revealing God's glory. This echoes the astonishment at Jesus' actions as a manifestation of God's glory.
vincentLuke 9:43: "And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,"
Astonished (ἐξεπλήσσοντο)See on Matthew 7:28.Mighty power (μεγαλειότητι)Used only by Luke and at 2 Peter 1:16, on which see note.He did (ἐποίει)Imperfect. Better, was doing.
bengelLuke 9:43: "And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,"
Luke 9:43 . Ἐξεπλήσσοντο , they were struck with amazement ) in mind.— μεγαλειότητι ) God is, μέγας , great ; His works are μεγαλεῖα , magnificent .— θαυμαζόντων , whilst they were wondering ) and were also expressing their wonder in words.— εἶπε , said ) For this one word the Gothic Version has the following: Quath Pætrus, Fan, du vve ve…
The text emphasizes that the astonishment wasn't just at Jesus, but at the "majesty of God" displayed through Him. This highlights that the disciples, while marveling at the spectacle, were witnessing God’s own power and glory breaking into their world.
Fresh from a stunning display of God's power, where Jesus healed a boy his disciples couldn't, the crowd is in awe. Amidst their wonder at Jesus' miracles, he turns to his disciples and begins to speak about his own coming suffering and death, a message they struggle to comprehend.
Fresh from a stunning display of God's power, where Jesus healed a boy his disciples couldn't, the crowd is in awe. Amidst their wonder at Jesus' miracles, he turns to his disciples and begins to speak about his own coming suffering and death, a message they struggle to comprehend.
"And all were astonished at the majesty of God.
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples," — The text emphasizes that the astonishment wasn't just at Jesus, but at the "majesty of God" displayed through Him. This highlights that the disciples, while marveling at the spectacle, were witness…
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Last reviewed October 2026