Bible Strands
Luke 17:21
Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus responds to Pharisees who questioned the timing of His coming, then addresses His disciples directly. He shifts their focus from external timing to the present reality of divine rule.
The words — The text employs ἐντὸς ὑμῶν (entos humōn), a preposition with the genitive case meaning "in the midst of you," to locate the kingdom. It pairs ἰδοὺ (idou) with ὧδε (hōde) and ἐκεῖ (ekei) to explicitly reject localized sightings.
The thread — Matthew 12:28 and Mark 13:21 both reject observable or geographic markers for the kingdom's arrival. Romans 14:17 further defines the kingdom by internal spiritual realities rather than external measures.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to stop searching for visible or political signs of God's rule. It demands recognition of divine presence operating among believers in the present.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Cross-references
- Matthew 12:28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
- Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Mark 13:21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
- Luke 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’
- Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- Matthew 24:23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
- Luke 17:23 People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.
- Luke 21:8 Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
- John 1:26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know.