Luke 9:27
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Luke 9:27
27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
Chapter Context
Luke 9 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, judgment, truth. 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 21-62: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 9:27
27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
Analysis
But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. The solemn formula legō de hymin alēthōs (λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ἀληθῶς, "But I tell you truly") introduces authoritative revelation. The phrase "taste of death" (geusōntai thanatou, γεύσωνται θανάτου) is Hebrew idiom for experiencing death. Jesus promises that some standing here would witness the kingdom of God (tēn basileian tou Theou, τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ) before dying.
This prediction finds fulfillment in multiple ways:
- The Transfiguration six days later (v. 28), where Peter, James, and John witnessed Christ's glory—a preview of the kingdom
- The resurrection and ascension
- Pentecost and the Spirit's coming
- The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, vindicating Christ and establishing the new covenant order.
The primary reference is the Transfiguration, which Matthew calls the Son of man coming in his kingdom (Matthew 16:28). This demonstrates the kingdom's present reality, not merely future hope—inaugurated eschatology.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic expectation anticipated a single cataclysmic event establishing God's kingdom—violent overthrow of Rome, resurrection of the dead, final judgment, and Messianic reign. Jesus redefines kingdom theology: the kingdom comes progressively through His death, resurrection, Spirit outpouring, and church growth, culminating in the parousia. The disciples struggled to comprehend this inaugurated eschatology—kingdom already present yet not fully consummated. The Transfiguration provided empirical evidence that Jesus' kingdom claims were true, strengthening the apostles for the scandal of the cross. Peter later cited the Transfiguration as validation of Christ's power and coming (2 Peter 1:16-18).
Reflection
- How does the Transfiguration as a preview of Christ's kingdom glory help you endure present suffering and wait patiently for His return?
- What does inaugurated eschatology—kingdom already present but not yet fully consummated—mean for Christian living now?
- How should the certainty that some disciples witnessed the kingdom's power motivate confidence in the gospel despite delayed parousia?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1