Luke 10:24
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
προφῆται
prophets
G4396
προφῆται
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
6 of 23
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠθέλησαν
have desired
G2309
ἠθέλησαν
have desired
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
9 of 23
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
εἶδον·
have
G1492
εἶδον·
have
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἃ
those things which
G3739
ἃ
those things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον·
have
G1492
εἶδον·
have
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἃ
those things which
G3739
ἃ
those things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.John 8:56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.Hebrews 11:39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Historical Context
This statement establishes the disciples' unique redemptive-historical position at the hinge between Old and New Covenants. The Old Testament saints lived in the age of promise and anticipation; the disciples inhabit the age of fulfillment and realization. This transition from shadow to substance, from prophecy to fulfillment, from type to antitype, marks the central turning point of human history. The early church understood this privilege deeply, recognizing they possessed what patriarchs and prophets longed to see (1 Peter 1:10-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that prophets and kings longed to see Christ affect your appreciation for direct access to Jesus through Scripture?
- What responsibility comes with seeing and hearing what the Old Testament faithful could only anticipate?
- In what ways do believers today have even greater privilege than the first disciples, possessing the complete canon of Scripture and the indwelling Spirit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. The emphatic legō hymin (λέγω ὑμῖν, "I tell you") introduces solemn declaration of truth. The verb ēthelēsan (ἠθέλησαν, "desired") conveys intense longing—prophets and kings yearned to witness Messiah's coming.
Many prophets and kings encompasses the entire Old Testament faithful: Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day (John 8:56); Moses wrote of Him (John 5:46); David called Him Lord (Matthew 22:43-45); Isaiah saw His glory (John 12:41). These giants of faith received promises but died without seeing fulfillment (Hebrews 11:13, 39). They saw dimly through types, shadows, and prophecies—the disciples see Christ Himself, the reality casting those shadows (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1).
The parallel structure to see... and have not seen... to hear... and have not heard emphasizes both visual and auditory witness. The disciples see miracles, transfiguration, resurrection appearances; they hear the Sermon on the Mount, parables, "I am" declarations—direct divine revelation. This doesn't diminish Old Testament saints' faith; rather, it magnifies the disciples' privilege and responsibility. Greater light brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48). The church today stands in this same privileged position, possessing the full revelation of Christ through apostolic testimony in Scripture.