Luke 24:35
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
of them
G846
αὐτοῖς
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 16
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
7 of 16
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 #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
how
G5613
ὡς
how
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐγνώσθη
he was known
G1097
ἐγνώσθη
he was known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
10 of 16
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
αὐτοῖς
of them
G846
αὐτοῖς
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 16
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 #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Luke's Gospel emphasizes table fellowship throughout—Jesus ate with tax collectors (5:29), Pharisees (7:36), and thousands (9:16). The resurrection appearances consistently involve meals (24:41-43; John 21:12; Acts 1:4). 'Breaking of bread' as a phrase distinguished Christian communal meals from ordinary dining. The early church immediately recognized the Lord's Supper's centrality, gathering weekly (Acts 20:7) to remember Christ's death and celebrate His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ reveal Himself today 'in the way' of ordinary life experiences?
- Why is the Lord's Supper essential for recognizing Christ's presence, not merely commemorating His absence?
- What does the progression from scriptural teaching (v. 27) to sacramental revelation (v. 35) teach about Word and Table belonging together?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they told what things were done in the way (ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, exēgounto ta en tē hodō)—The verb exēgeomai (explained/recounted) is the root of 'exegesis,' suggesting detailed exposition. They didn't simply announce 'We saw Jesus' but narrated the journey's progression: initial blindness, scriptural instruction (v. 27), burning hearts (v. 32), and climactic revelation. In the way (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, en tē hodō) recalls Luke's frequent use of 'the Way' for Christian discipleship (Acts 9:2)—their physical journey became a spiritual pilgrimage.
How he was known of them in breaking of bread (ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου, hōs egnōsthē autois en tē klasei tou artou)—The passive voice egnōsthē (was made known) indicates Jesus revealed Himself; they didn't discover Him. Breaking of bread (κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου, klasei tou artou) becomes technical terminology for the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:42). Christ is known through Word (v. 27) and Table—the dual rhythm of Christian worship.