Bible Strands
Luke 9:53
But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records a moment when Jesus travels through a Samaritan village after sending messengers ahead to prepare for His arrival. The local inhabitants actively refuse to receive Him as He continues His journey toward Jerusalem.
The words — The Greek phrase οὐκ ἔδεξαντο (ouk edexanto) literally translates to "they did not receive" or "they did not welcome." This verb directly describes the Samaritans' refusal based on Jesus' destination.
The thread — This rejection aligns with the historical boundary noted in John 4:9, while contrasting sharply with the Samaritans' earlier hospitality in John 4:40. The narrative also ties to Luke 9:48, where Jesus defines welcoming His representatives as welcoming God Himself.
Why it lands — The text establishes that Jesus' deliberate movement toward Jerusalem provoked active resistance from those who expected a different path. A reader must acknowledge that divine mission frequently encounters refusal before fulfillment.
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
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
Cross-references
- John 4:9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
- John 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days.
- Luke 9:48 And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”