Luke 19:40
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This declaration has profound theological implications. Christ is not merely a great teacher or moral exemplar—He is the Creator whom all creation exists to glorify (Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:3). That stones would cry out if humans didn't indicates worship is built into the fabric of reality. Silencing Jesus' praise isn't possible because the cosmos itself testifies to Him. The Pharisees' attempt to quiet the crowd was doomed—they were fighting against reality itself. This teaching encourages persecuted Christians: even when human voices are silenced, God's glory cannot be suppressed. Nature itself proclaims His majesty (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the claim that stones would cry out teach about Christ's glory and creation's purpose?
- How does this truth encourage believers facing opposition or persecution?
- In what ways does creation currently testify to Christ's glory?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response to Pharisees: 'And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.' The Pharisees demanded Jesus silence the crowd (v. 39), but Jesus declares this impossible. The phrase 'if these should hold their peace' (ἐὰν οὗτοι σιωπήσωσιν, ean houtoi siōpēsōsin, a hypothetical condition) introduces the startling claim: 'the stones would immediately cry out' (οἱ λίθοι κράξουσιν, hoi lithoi kraxousin). Creation itself would testify to Christ's glory if humans remained silent. This echoes Habakkuk 2:11 where stones cry out against injustice, and anticipates Romans 8:19-22 where creation groans awaiting redemption. The universe exists to glorify Christ; when humans fulfill this purpose, all is well. When humans refuse, creation takes up the chorus. Jesus' glory cannot be suppressed.