Luke 24:33
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστάντες
they rose up
G450
ἀναστάντες
they rose up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
2 of 17
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
αὐτοῖς
the same
G846
αὐτοῖς
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπέστρεψαν
and returned
G5290
ὑπέστρεψαν
and returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
6 of 17
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
8 of 17
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The seven-mile return journey to Jerusalem from Emmaus in darkness demonstrated remarkable courage given the disciples' earlier fear of Jewish authorities. Night travel risked robbery and wild animals. Their willingness to brave these dangers reveals how transformative the resurrection encounter was. The 'eleven' designation becomes standard post-resurrection terminology, distinguishing the apostolic core after Judas's betrayal.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disciples' immediate return to Jerusalem despite danger teach about prioritizing gospel proclamation?
- How does finding the eleven 'gathered together' model the church's unity in resurrection faith?
- When has recognizing Christ compelled you to immediate action despite inconvenience or risk?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They rose up the same hour (ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ, anastantes autē tē hōra)—The verb anistēmi (rose up), often used for resurrection itself, here describes their immediate response. Despite evening darkness, dangerous roads, and the seven-mile journey back to Jerusalem, resurrection joy compelled instant action. The same hour emphasizes urgency—this news couldn't wait until morning.
And found the eleven gathered together (εὗρον ἠθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα, heuron ēthroismenos tous hendeka)—The 'eleven' (Judas dead, Thomas absent per John 20:24) were gathered in fearful hiding (John 20:19), yet united. The perfect participle ēthroismenos (having been gathered) suggests they'd been together for hours, processing reports. The Emmaus disciples arrived to announce their encounter, only to hear The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon (v. 34)—their testimony confirmed before they spoke.