What does Luke 9:31 mean?
"Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." - Luke 9:31

The Bible verse Luke 9:31 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." This verse is part of the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which is found in Luke 9:28-36. The Transfiguration is a pivotal event in the Gospels, as it reveals the true identity and divine nature of Jesus to his disciples.
To fully understand the meaning of Luke 9:31, it is important to examine the context in which it is placed. In the preceding verses, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a mountain to pray. While they are praying, the appearance of Jesus is transformed, and his face changes in appearance and his clothes become dazzling white. This transfiguration symbolizes his divine nature and represents a moment of enlightenment and revelation for the disciples. During this extraordinary experience, Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets, and they speak with him about his impending death and resurrection.
The verse Luke 9:31 specifically highlights the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah about the "decease" or "departure" (as it is also translated) that Jesus is to accomplish in Jerusalem. This "decease" refers to Jesus' upcoming crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Christian faith. This conversation emphasizes the importance of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection in God's plan for salvation.
The "glory" in which Jesus appeared and the presence of Moses and Elijah further underscore the divine nature of Jesus and the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Transfiguration marks the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus, as he is the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills the prophecies and embodies the covenant between God and His people.
The symbolism in Luke 9:31 is rich and significant. The appearance of Jesus in glory signifies his divine identity and the manifestation of God's presence. The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as the authority they give Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The conversation about Jesus' impending death and resurrection also emphasizes the central importance of his sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
The themes present in Luke 9:31 include the divinity of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, redemption through sacrifice, and the continuity of God's plan throughout history. It highlights the profound significance of Jesus' death and resurrection as a central event in God's plan of salvation. It also emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.
In conclusion, Luke 9:31 in the King James Version holds deep theological significance as it captures the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the Transfiguration. It points to the divine nature of Jesus, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the central importance of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
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Luke 9:31 - "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem."
"Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." - Luke 9:31
Luke 1:31
Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Luke 23:31 - "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"
Luke 2:31 - "Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;"
Luke 24:31 - "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
Luke 8:31 - "And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep."
Luke 5:31 - "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick."
Luke 4:31 - "And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days."
Luke 7:31 - "¶ And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?"
Luke 20:31 - "And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died."
Luke 6:31 - "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 12:31 - "¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
2 Chronicles 31:9 - "Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps."
Exodus 9:31 - "And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled."
Luke 15:31 - "And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."
Luke 11:9
luke 9:30
luke 9:35
luke 9:35
Luke 9:51
Luke 11:9
Luke 10:31 - "And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side."
Luke 1:31 - "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
Luke 16:31 - "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
Matthew 9:31 - "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."
Proverbs 31:9 - "Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."
Exodus 31:9 - "And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,"
Luke 21:31 - "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."