Luke 19:42
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων
Saying
G3004
λέγων
Saying
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
ὅτι
If
G3754
ὅτι
If
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔγνως
thou hadst known
G1097
ἔγνως
thou hadst known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
4 of 23
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
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
τὰ
the things
G3588
τὰ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
11 of 23
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὰ
the things
G3588
τὰ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
which belong unto
G4314
πρὸς
which belong unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 23
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,
εἰρήνην
peace
G1515
εἰρήνην
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
16 of 23
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:29O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!Hebrews 3:15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.Isaiah 48:18O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:Isaiah 55:6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Luke 19:44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.Isaiah 44:18They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Ezekiel 33:11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Historical Context
This occurred during Jesus' triumphal entry (vv. 37-38). As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it (v. 41). The irony is profound—the crowd praised Him as Messiah, yet the city would reject and crucify Him within days. Jesus prophesied Jerusalem's destruction (vv. 43-44), fulfilled in AD 70 when Rome destroyed the city and temple. The phrase 'in this thy day' refers to their opportunity—the time of Messiah's visitation. Their rejection sealed their judgment. Jesus' tears reveal His heart—He genuinely desired their salvation, yet respected their free rejection. God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist mysteriously.
Questions for Reflection
- What do Jesus' tears over Jerusalem reveal about His heart toward those who reject Him?
- How does the phrase 'now they are hid from thine eyes' illustrate the terrifying consequence of rejecting revelation—loss of ability to receive it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem: 'If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.' The phrase 'if thou hadst known' expresses tragic missed opportunity. 'The things which belong unto thy peace' (Greek 'ta pros eirēnēn,' τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην) refers to Jesus Himself—the Prince of Peace whose offer Jerusalem rejected. The judgment 'now they are hid from thine eyes' indicates divine hardening—their rejection led to judicial blindness. Rejecting revelation results in losing the ability to receive it. Jesus' tears show His compassionate heart even toward those who would crucify Him.