Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Original Language Analysis
ἐροῦσιν
shall they say
G2046
ἐροῦσιν
shall they say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 16
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
γὰρ
! for
G1063
γὰρ
! for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 12:28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.Mark 13:21And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Luke 21:8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.Luke 17:23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
Historical Context
The Pharisees asked 'when the kingdom of God should come' (v.20), expecting visible, political restoration of Davidic monarchy. Jewish apocalyptic literature described dramatic signs preceding Messiah's kingdom. Jesus' answer reframes kingdom theology—it comes not with 'observation' (παρατηρήσεως, outward signs) but through spiritual transformation. This inaugurated eschatology (kingdom both now and not yet) became foundational to Christian theology. The kingdom has come in Christ's first advent but awaits consummation at His return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the kingdom as primarily spiritual rather than political transform Christian engagement with culture and politics?
- In what ways is God's kingdom rule evident in your own heart and life right now?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus teaches: 'Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you' (οὐδὲ ἐροῦσιν, Ἰδοὺ ὧδε, ἤ, Ἰδοὺ ἐκεῖ· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστιν). The phrase 'entos hymōn' (ἐντὸς ὑμῶν) means either 'within you' (internal, spiritual) or 'among you' (in your midst, referring to Jesus' presence). Both interpretations have merit: the kingdom is present in Jesus' person and ministry (Luke 11:20) and also enters believers' hearts through the Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus counters Pharisaic expectations of dramatic, observable messianic kingdom arrival, teaching that God's rule begins invisibly in transformed hearts.