Luke 24:32
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
one to another
G4314
πρὸς
one to another
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 24
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,
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
7 of 24
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καιομένη
burn
G2545
καιομένη
burn
Strong's:
G2545
Word #:
9 of 24
to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume
ὡς
while
G5613
ὡς
while
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 24
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
18 of 24
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
while
G5613
ὡς
while
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
20 of 24
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
διήνοιγεν
he opened
G1272
διήνοιγεν
he opened
Strong's:
G1272
Word #:
21 of 24
to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)
Cross References
Luke 24:45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Jeremiah 23:29Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?Psalms 39:3My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.Proverbs 27:17Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Historical Context
This retrospective recognition shows how resurrection faith developed—initial confusion and disappointment (vv.17-21) gave way to understanding through Scripture teaching, culminating in recognition and joy. The disciples' immediate return to Jerusalem (v.33, seven miles) despite approaching night demonstrates the urgency resurrection faith produces. Their testimony joined others' (v.34, 'The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon'), building the collective witness that became early Christian preaching. The burning heart experience became paradigmatic for how Scripture reading should affect believers.
Questions for Reflection
- When has Scripture reading or teaching made your heart burn with spiritual passion and conviction?
- How does the connection between biblical understanding and spiritual affections challenge both cold intellectualism and anti-intellectual emotionalism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples reflect: 'Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?' (οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς γραφάς;). The imperfect 'kaiomenē ēn' (καιομένη ἦν, was burning) describes continuous internal burning during Jesus' teaching. This 'heart burn' (not indigestion but spiritual passion) resulted from Scripture explanation (διήνοιγεν, was opening). The response illustrates how God's Word, properly understood, ignites spiritual affections. The connection between Scripture exposition and heart transformation demonstrates the inseparability of truth and experience in genuine Christianity.