Luke 9:51
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμπληροῦσθαι
was come
G4845
συμπληροῦσθαι
was come
Strong's:
G4845
Word #:
5 of 20
to implenish completely, i.e., (of space) to swamp (a boat), or (of time) to accomplish (passive, be complete)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
the time
G2250
ἡμέρας
the time
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
7 of 20
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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ,
that he
G846
αὐτοῦ,
that he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
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
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ,
that he
G846
αὐτοῦ,
that he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
face
G4383
πρόσωπον
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
14 of 20
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτοῦ,
that he
G846
αὐτοῦ,
that he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 20
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
ἐστήριξεν
he stedfastly set
G4741
ἐστήριξεν
he stedfastly set
Strong's:
G4741
Word #:
16 of 20
to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορεύεσθαι
to go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι
to go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
18 of 20
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
Cross References
Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.Luke 13:22And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.Luke 18:31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.Luke 17:11And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
Historical Context
This verse marks a major transition in Luke's gospel—Jesus begins His final journey to Jerusalem, which occupies Luke 9:51-19:27 (often called 'the travel narrative'). Jerusalem was where prophets were killed (Luke 13:33-34), where the temple stood, where Passover lambs were sacrificed. Jesus' determination to go there, knowing He would be betrayed, tried, and crucified, demonstrates His obedience to the Father's will and His love for sinners. Isaiah prophesied the Servant would 'set his face like a flint' (Isaiah 50:7), which Jesus fulfilled. His resolute courage models faithful obedience despite knowing suffering awaits.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' stedfastly setting His face toward Jerusalem teach about obedient determination despite knowing suffering awaits?
- How does Jesus' willing journey to the cross demonstrate His love for sinners and commitment to accomplishing redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke records: 'When the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.' The phrase 'stedfastly set his face' (Greek 'to prosōpon estērisen,' τὸ πρόσωπον ἐστήρισεν) indicates firm, resolute determination—Jesus resolutely turned toward Jerusalem, knowing crucifixion awaited. The phrase 'received up' (Greek 'analēmpsis,' ἀνάλημψις) refers to His ascension but encompasses the entire process—death, resurrection, ascension. Jesus deliberately, courageously walked toward suffering, not as victim but as willing sacrifice accomplishing redemption.