But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. The disciples' incomprehension is threefold:
ēn parakekalymmenon ap' autōn (ἦν παρακεκαλυμμένον ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν, "it was veiled from them")—divine concealment
hina mē aisthōntai auto (ἵνα μὴ αἴσθωνται αὐτό, "that they might not perceive it")—purposeful hiddenness.
The passive voice "it was hid" indicates God temporarily withheld full understanding—they couldn't grasp it yet.
Additionally, they feared to ask him (ephobounto erōtēsai auton, ἐφοβοῦντο ἐρωτῆσαι αὐτόν)—they were afraid to seek clarification. This fear stemmed from Peter's earlier rebuke (Matthew 16:22-23) and Jesus' sharp response. They sensed the topic was ominous but couldn't reconcile a suffering Messiah with their kingdom expectations. This divine hiddenness was mercy—had they fully understood before Pentecost, they might have abandoned Jesus or attempted to prevent the cross. God revealed truth progressively, preparing them incrementally for the incomprehensible—Messiah must die.
Historical Context
Jewish Messianic expectation, shaped by prophecies of David's eternal throne and kingdom glory, anticipated a conquering king who would defeat Israel's enemies and establish worldwide reign. Isaiah's Suffering Servant passages (Isaiah 53) were typically not applied to Messiah but to Israel corporately or the prophets. The idea that Messiah would be 'delivered into the hands of men' and killed was scandalous and incomprehensible. Even after the resurrection, disciples asked, 'Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?' (Acts 1:6). Only after Pentecost did the Spirit illuminate Scripture, showing Messiah must suffer before glory (Luke 24:25-27, 44-47). The disciples' confusion was not stupidity but theological paradigm clash.
Questions for Reflection
Why did God temporarily veil the disciples' understanding of Jesus' passion prediction, and what does this teach about progressive revelation?
How does the disciples' fear of asking clarifying questions warn against avoiding difficult or uncomfortable biblical truths?
In what ways do contemporary believers struggle to reconcile Jesus' call to suffering with expectations of blessing and success?
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Analysis & Commentary
But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. The disciples' incomprehension is threefold:
The passive voice "it was hid" indicates God temporarily withheld full understanding—they couldn't grasp it yet.
Additionally, they feared to ask him (ephobounto erōtēsai auton, ἐφοβοῦντο ἐρωτῆσαι αὐτόν)—they were afraid to seek clarification. This fear stemmed from Peter's earlier rebuke (Matthew 16:22-23) and Jesus' sharp response. They sensed the topic was ominous but couldn't reconcile a suffering Messiah with their kingdom expectations. This divine hiddenness was mercy—had they fully understood before Pentecost, they might have abandoned Jesus or attempted to prevent the cross. God revealed truth progressively, preparing them incrementally for the incomprehensible—Messiah must die.