Luke 11:49
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Ἀποστελῶ
I will send
G649
Ἀποστελῶ
I will send
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
9 of 20
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
προφήτας
prophets
G4396
προφήτας
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
12 of 20
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποστόλους
apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
14 of 20
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
some of
G1537
ἐξ
some of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀποκτενοῦσιν
they shall slay
G615
ἀποκτενοῦσιν
they shall slay
Strong's:
G615
Word #:
18 of 20
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism recognized a 'prophetic office' extending from Moses through Malachi, with expectation of eschatological prophets (Elijah, the Prophet like Moses). Jesus adds 'apostles'—his authorized messengers who will establish the church. Both groups faced systematic opposition from religious authorities, as Acts chronicles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's foreknowledge of prophetic rejection and martyrdom inform your understanding of suffering in ministry?
- What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty over human rebellion—using opposition to accomplish his purposes?
- How should knowing that apostles and prophets were persecuted shape expectations for faithful Christian witness today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute (διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἡ σοφία τοῦ θεοῦ εἶπεν, Ἀποστελῶ εἰς αὐτοὺς προφήτας καὶ ἀποστόλους, καὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀποκτενοῦσιν καὶ ἐκδιώξουσιν)—Jesus quotes 'the wisdom of God' (hē sophia tou theou), possibly referring to lost Scripture, Jesus's own wisdom, or personified divine wisdom (cf. Proverbs 8). God will send prophētas kai apostolous (prophets and apostles)—the prophets pointed to Messiah, the apostles proclaimed him. Both groups face apokteinō (killing) and ekdiōkō (persecution).
This verse is prophetic: Jesus predicts his apostles' persecution (Acts documents this fulfillment). God's sending prophets knowing they'll be killed demonstrates divine sovereignty working through human rebellion. The pattern of prophetic rejection culminates in rejecting God's Son (Luke 20:9-15), yet God uses even this rejection to accomplish redemption.