Luke 9:57
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
πορευομένων
that as they went
G4198
πορευομένων
that as they went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
3 of 17
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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 #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
7 of 17
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 17
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,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 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
Ἀκολουθήσω
I will follow
G190
Ἀκολουθήσω
I will follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
Historical Context
Traveling teachers typically attracted disciples who provided for their master's needs in exchange for instruction. This cultural pattern expected comfortable arrangements—lodging, meals, patronage. Jesus's response (9:58) would shatter these expectations. Unlike other rabbis who enjoyed hospitality and support networks, following Jesus meant embracing material insecurity and social rejection. The cost of discipleship exceeded normal rabbinic apprenticeship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the contrast between this man's enthusiastic promise and Jesus's sobering response teach about the danger of emotional commitment without careful consideration of the cost?
- How does the setting 'on the way' to Jerusalem (where Jesus will die) frame all three discipleship encounters as tests of willingness to follow Christ to suffering, not just success?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, en tē hodō)—Luke introduces three would-be disciples encountered on the way to Jerusalem, where Jesus goes to die. The 'way' (ὁδός) becomes a metaphor for discipleship itself, the path of following Christ to the cross. A certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest (ἀκολουθήσω σοι ὅπου ἐὰν ἀπέρχῃ, akolouthēsō soi hopou ean aperchē)—the man offers unconditional, unlimited commitment.
His enthusiasm appears admirable: 'anywhere you go, I'll go.' But Jesus perceives the shallowness beneath bold promises. The man hasn't counted the cost. He imagines following Jesus to glory, not Gethsemane; to coronation, not crucifixion. Jesus will test his resolve by describing discipleship's hardships (9:58), warning that the path leads to homelessness, rejection, and suffering. Enthusiasm without understanding makes poor disciples. The kingdom requires not just willingness to follow anywhere, but readiness to follow to Calvary.