They will flog Him and kill HimThis phrase refers to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, which is central to the Christian faith. Flogging, or scourging, was a brutal Roman punishment often preceding crucifixion, highlighting the severity of Jesus' suffering. This act fulfills the prophecy in
Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of the Messiah being "wounded for our transgressions." The mention of "they" indicates the involvement of both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities, as seen in the trials before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate (
Matthew 27:1-2,
John 19:1). The crucifixion itself is a fulfillment of
Psalm 22, which describes the suffering of the righteous one. Historically, crucifixion was a common Roman execution method for criminals, emphasizing the humiliation and rejection Jesus faced.
and on the third day He will rise again.
This phrase proclaims the resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian belief. The "third day" is significant, as it aligns with Jewish understanding of time and prophecy, such as Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17), which Jesus Himself references as a sign (Matthew 12:40). The resurrection is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, includingPsalm 16:10, which speaks of God not allowing His Holy One to see decay. The resurrection is also a type of new creation, paralleling the creation narrative where God completed His work and rested on the seventh day, with Jesus rising to inaugurate a new covenant. This event is pivotal, as it confirms Jesus' divinity, His victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is foretelling His own suffering, death, and resurrection. This prophecy underscores His role as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' prophecy. They are often depicted as struggling to understand the full implications of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom.
3.
JerusalemThe city where these events are prophesied to take place. Jerusalem holds significant religious and historical importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.
4.
Roman AuthoritiesThough not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the ones who will carry out the flogging and execution, highlighting the political and social dynamics at play.
5.
ResurrectionThe event of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day, which is central to Christian faith as it signifies victory over sin and death.
Teaching Points
Understanding ProphecyJesus' prediction of His death and resurrection demonstrates the fulfillment of prophecy. Believers are encouraged to study and understand biblical prophecies as they reveal God's sovereign plan.
The Necessity of the CrossJesus' death was not an accident but a necessary part of God's redemptive plan. Christians are called to embrace the significance of the cross in their own lives, recognizing it as the means of salvation.
Hope in the ResurrectionThe resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. Believers are encouraged to live in the light of this hope, knowing that death is not the end.
Faith in God's PlanDespite the disciples' initial lack of understanding, Jesus' prophecy came to pass. This teaches believers to trust in God's plan, even when it is not fully understood.
Witnessing to OthersThe events of Jesus' death and resurrection are central to the Gospel message. Christians are called to share this message with others, emphasizing its transformative power.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 18:33?
2.How does Luke 18:33 demonstrate Jesus' foreknowledge and fulfillment of prophecy?
3.What does Jesus' resurrection in Luke 18:33 teach about God's power over death?
4.How can we find hope in Jesus' resurrection as described in Luke 18:33?
5.How does Luke 18:33 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
6.In what ways can Luke 18:33 inspire us to trust in God's promises?
7.How does Luke 18:33 affirm the prophecy of Jesus' resurrection?
8.Why is the resurrection in Luke 18:33 central to Christian faith?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 18:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 18?
11.Did Jesus foresee His own death and resurrection?
12.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?
13.Luke 24:11: Why would those closest to Jesus dismiss the women’s testimony if Jesus had foretold His resurrection?
14.How do the events described in Mark 15 align with differing crucifixion accounts in the other Gospels?What Does Luke 18:33 Mean
They will flog Him• Jesus speaks plainly: “They will flog Him…” The scourging was not a vague hardship but a brutal Roman punishment (Matthew 27:26;Mark 15:15).
• Long before the soldiers raised a whip, Isaiah had written, “He was wounded for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). What Isaiah saw in prophecy, Jesus now places on the disciples’ calendar.
• The flogging is more than cruelty; it is part of the atoning work. Peter later writes, “By His stripes you are healed” (1 Peter 2:24), tying the lashes to our redemption.
• Notice Christ’s resolve. Knowing what is coming, He still moves toward Jerusalem (Luke 18:31). His love outweighs the cost.
and kill Him• The prediction continues: “and kill Him.” Jesus is not guessing; He is revealing the Father’s plan (Acts 2:23).
• Luke later records the fulfillment: “When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him” (Luke 23:33).
• The cross is not a tragic mistake. Jesus Himself says, “I lay down My life… No one takes it from Me” (John 10:17–18).
• Paul rejoices in this purposeful sacrifice: “God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
• For believers, the death of Christ is the hinge of history—the moment justice and mercy meet.
and on the third day• Timing matters. “On the third day” echoesHosea 6:2: “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up”.
• Jesus ties His resurrection to the sign of Jonah (Jonah 1:17;Matthew 12:40), anchoring the promise in Scripture and prophetic pattern.
• The third day also underlines completion. God created, rested, and now recreates life through Christ.
• When women hurry to the tomb “very early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2), they find a timetable kept to the minute.
He will rise again• The final phrase lifts the whole prediction: “He will rise again.” Death is real, but it is not final.
• Peter later preaches, “God raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).
• Resurrection validates everything Jesus taught and every promise God made (1 Corinthians 15:3–4;Romans 6:9).
• Because He lives, believers receive “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
• The risen Christ now says, “I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of Death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:18). Our future is as secure as the empty tomb.
summaryLuke 18:33 is Jesus’ concise roadmap of redemption: scourging that heals, a death that atones, a timetable that fulfills prophecy, and a resurrection that guarantees eternal life. Knowing every detail, He still chose the path, proving His love and power beyond question.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
They will flog [Him]μαστιγώσαντες(mastigōsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3146:To flog, scourge, the victim being strapped to a pole or frame; met: I chastise. From mastix; to flog.[and] killἀποκτενοῦσιν(apoktenousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 615:To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.Him,αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.on theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.thirdτρίτῃ(tritē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5154:Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.dayἡμέρᾳ(hēmera)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.He will rise again.”ἀναστήσεται(anastēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 450:To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.
Links
Luke 18:33 NIVLuke 18:33 NLTLuke 18:33 ESVLuke 18:33 NASBLuke 18:33 KJV
Luke 18:33 BibleApps.comLuke 18:33 Biblia ParalelaLuke 18:33 Chinese BibleLuke 18:33 French BibleLuke 18:33 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 18:33 They will scourge and kill him (Luke Lu Lk)