Luke 9:27

But I tell you truly, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks this declaration directly to his disciples immediately after warning them against shame regarding his words and his future glorious return. He delivers it during his journey toward Jerusalem, just prior to the transfiguration event.

The words — ἀληθῶς (alēthōs) means "truthfully," and εἰσίν (eisin) translates to "there are." These terms anchor the statement in factual certainty about a specific group of present listeners.

The thread — The same warning appears in Matthew 16:28 and Mark 9:1, where Jesus links the nearness of the kingdom to his own coming. John 21:22 later addresses the related question of whether a specific disciple will remain alive until his return.

Why it lands — The text states that a subset of the current audience will witness the kingdom of God before dying, establishing an immediate, non-negotiable timeline. It requires readers to align their present loyalty with an imminent divine intervention rather than deferring commitment.

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

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 16:28 Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Mark 9:1 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power.”
John 21:22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
Luke 2:26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Mark 14:25 Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:18 For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”
John 8:51 Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.
John 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.