Luke 9:61
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀκολουθήσω
I will follow
G190
Ἀκολουθήσω
I will follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
κύριε·
Lord
G2962
κύριε·
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀποτάξασθαι
go bid them farewell
G657
ἀποτάξασθαι
go bid them farewell
Strong's:
G657
Word #:
12 of 17
literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
which are at home at
G1519
εἰς
which are at home at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.1 Kings 19:20And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?Deuteronomy 33:9Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern custom expected proper leave-taking when entering a teacher's service, especially settling debts, transferring property, and providing for dependents. The man's request reflects cultural norms, not selfishness. But Jesus's kingdom mission operates outside normal cultural patterns. The gospel's urgency—that the Messiah has come and is heading to Jerusalem to die—permits no delays, however culturally appropriate or family-honoring. The kingdom demands immediate, absolute priority.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'setting your affairs in order' keeps you from immediate, wholehearted obedience to Christ's call, and how does this man's example reveal that reasonable-sounding delays can mask divided loyalty?
- How does Jesus's refusal to grant what Elijah allowed Elisha demonstrate that fuller revelation demands fuller response—that living under the New Covenant requires more radical obedience than the Old Covenant saints exhibited?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house (ἀποτάξασθαι τοῖς εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου, apotaxasthai tois eis ton oikon mou)—the third would-be disciple requests permission to say goodbye to his household. The verb apotassō means to set in order, arrange, take leave of—it implies not a quick farewell but settling affairs, making arrangements, perhaps divesting property. Like the second man (9:59), he wants to follow but requests delay: let me first (πρῶτον, prōton).
His request echoes Elisha's to Elijah: 'Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee' (1 Kings 19:20). Elijah permitted it; Jesus forbids it (9:62). Why the difference? Because the kingdom's arrival in Christ creates unprecedented urgency. What was permissible in the old covenant becomes inadequate under the new. The man's request sounds reasonable—honoring family, responsible transition—but Jesus exposes it as halfhearted commitment masquerading as prudence.