Luke 17:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:21
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 17:21
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Analysis
Jesus teaches: 'Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you' (οὐδὲ ἐροῦσιν, Ἰδοὺ ὧδε, ἤ, Ἰδοὺ ἐκεῖ· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστιν). The phrase 'entos hymōn' (ἐντὸς ὑμῶν) means either 'within you' (internal, spiritual) or 'among you' (in your midst, referring to Jesus' presence). Both interpretations have merit: the kingdom is present in Jesus' person and ministry (Luke 11:20) and also enters believers' hearts through the Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus counters Pharisaic expectations of dramatic, observable messianic kingdom arrival, teaching that God's rule begins invisibly in transformed hearts.
Historical Context
The Pharisees asked 'when the kingdom of God should come' (v.20), expecting visible, political restoration of Davidic monarchy. Jewish apocalyptic literature described dramatic signs preceding Messiah's kingdom. Jesus' answer reframes kingdom theology—it comes not with 'observation' (παρατηρήσεως, outward signs) but through spiritual transformation. This inaugurated eschatology (kingdom both now and not yet) became foundational to Christian theology. The kingdom has come in Christ's first advent but awaits consummation at His return.
Reflection
- How does understanding the kingdom as primarily spiritual rather than political transform Christian engagement with culture and politics?
- In what ways is God's kingdom rule evident in your own heart and life right now?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Matthew 12:28, Romans 14:17
- References God: Colossians 1:27
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:23, 21:8, Mark 13:21