Luke 24:29
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεβιάσαντο
they constrained
G3849
παρεβιάσαντο
they constrained
Strong's:
G3849
Word #:
2 of 21
to force contrary to (nature), i.e., compel (by entreaty)
αὐτοῖς
him
G846
αὐτοῖς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μεῖναι
Abide
G3306
μεῖναι
Abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
5 of 21
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πρὸς
toward
G4314
πρὸς
toward
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 21
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,
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κέκλικεν
is far spent
G2827
κέκλικεν
is far spent
Strong's:
G2827
Word #:
13 of 21
to slant or slope, i.e., incline or recline (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρα
the day
G2250
ἡμέρα
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
15 of 21
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεῖναι
Abide
G3306
μεῖναι
Abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
19 of 21
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
Cross References
2 Kings 4:8And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.Genesis 19:3And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
Historical Context
Traveling after dark in first-century Palestine posed dangers from robbers, wild animals, and difficult terrain. The disciples' insistence reflects genuine concern and cultural hospitality expectations. The timing—late afternoon moving toward evening—meant Jesus would have walked in darkness if He continued. Their invitation fulfilled Hebrews 13:2: 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prayer 'Abide with us' at evening mirror our need for Christ's presence in dark times?
- What does Jesus' acceptance of their invitation teach about the blessings of hospitality?
- How might your life be different if you prayed 'Abide with me' daily with the same urgency?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They constrained him, saying, Abide with us (παρεβιάσαντο αὐτὸν λέγοντες· Μεῖνον μεθ' ἡμῶν, parebiasanto auton legontes· Meinon meth' hēmōn)—The verb parabiazomai (constrained/urged strongly) suggests earnest insistence, not physical force. Their invitation Abide with us uses menō (abide/remain), the same word Jesus used for abiding in Him (John 15:4). This becomes an unintentional prayer—they asked Christ to stay without recognizing Him.
Their reason—for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent (ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶν καὶ κέκλικεν ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα, hoti pros hesperan estin kai kekliken ēdē hē hēmera)—carries symbolic weight. The day 'declining' (κέκλικεν, kekliken, perfect tense: 'has declined') mirrors their spiritual darkness post-crucifixion. Yet Christ's presence transforms evening into revelation. Their hospitality to a stranger became the context for recognizing the Lord.