Luke 19:39
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Original Language Analysis
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
4 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλου
among the multitude
G3793
ὄχλου
among the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
7 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
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
ἐπιτίμησον
rebuke
G2008
ἐπιτίμησον
rebuke
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
12 of 15
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
Cross References
Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.John 12:19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.James 4:5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Historical Context
The Pharisees feared messianic movements as politically dangerous—Rome brutally suppressed any hint of Jewish nationalism. Claims to messiahship had sparked violent revolts before (Acts 5:36-37). The Pharisees may have genuinely feared Jesus's entry would provoke Roman retaliation. However, Luke portrays their request as stemming from unbelief rather than prudent caution—they consistently opposed Jesus's ministry despite overwhelming evidence.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you, like the Pharisees, prefer a 'quiet' Jesus who doesn't provoke controversy or make ultimate claims?
- How does religious respectability sometimes demand the silencing of authentic worship?
- What does the Pharisees' presence 'among the multitude' teach about the mixture of belief and unbelief in religious gatherings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples (διδάσκαλε, ἐπιτίμησον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου, didaskale, epitimēson tois mathētais sou). The Pharisees address Jesus as Teacher (διδάσκαλε, didaskale), not 'Lord' or 'Messiah,' refusing to acknowledge the claims implicit in the disciples' worship. The verb rebuke (ἐπιτιμάω, epitimaō) means to sternly reprove or silence—the same word used for rebuking demons (4:35, 41). They view the disciples' acclamation as dangerous, blasphemous enthusiasm that Jesus should suppress.
This demand reveals the Pharisees' blindness: they witness mighty works yet remain unmoved, hear messianic praise yet call it blasphemy. Their request is a test—will Jesus distance Himself from His disciples' implicit messianic claims? Or will He endorse what they're saying? Jesus's response in v. 40 ('if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out') vindicates the disciples and indicts the Pharisees' spiritual deafness to the moment of their visitation (v. 44).