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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/24-36.htm" title="Luke 24:36">◄</a> Luke 24:37 <a href="/luke/24-38.htm" title="Luke 24:38">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But having been terrified, and having been filled with fear, they were thinking <i>themselves</i> to see a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened, and thought that they were looking at a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But being startled and frightened, they were thinking that they were seeing a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They were frightened and terrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They were terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Startled, and in the utmost alarm, they thought they were looking at a spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and being amazed, and becoming frightened, they were thinking themselves to see a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But having been terrified, and having been filled with fear, they were thinking <i>themselves</i> to see a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and being amazed, and becoming affrighted, they were thinking themselves to see a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they, struck with awe and being afraid, thought to see a spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, they were very disturbed and terrified, supposing that they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they were confused and frightened, for they thought they saw a spirit. The walk to Emmaus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/24.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they were alarmed and were in terror, for they thought that they were seeing a ghost.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/24.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But they were terrified and frightened, and thought that they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/24.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and they being affrighted and filled with fear, thought they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/24.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But terrified and affrighted, they thought they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/24.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but they were in a consternation and fright, imagining, that they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Startled, and in the utmost alarm, they thought they were looking at a spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/24.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But, being terrified and frightened, they were supposing that they were beholding a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/24.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But they being terrified and frighted, thought they saw a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/24-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=9745" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/24.htm">Jesus Appears to the Disciples</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36</span>While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4422.htm" title="4422: ptoēthentes (V-APP-NMP) -- To terrify, scare, strike with panic. Probably akin to the alternate of pipto or to petomai; to scare.">they were startled</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/1719.htm" title="1719: emphoboi (Adj-NMP) -- Full of fear, terrified. From en and phobos; in fear, i.e. Alarmed.">frightened,</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: edokoun (V-IIA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">thinking</a> <a href="/greek/2334.htm" title="2334: theōrein (V-PNA) -- From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).">they had seen</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">a spirit.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">38</span>“Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-19.htm">John 20:19-20</a></span><br />It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. / After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26-27</a></span><br />When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. / But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-49.htm">Mark 6:49-50</a></span><br />but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a></span><br />Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a></span><br />There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-6.htm">Matthew 17:6-7</a></span><br />When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. / Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-6.htm">Mark 9:6</a></span><br />For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-26.htm">John 20:26-27</a></span><br />Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” / Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Acts 12:14-16</a></span><br />When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!” / “You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” / But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a></span><br />When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a></span><br />So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a></span><br />Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-22.htm">Judges 6:22-23</a></span><br />When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” / But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7-9</a></span><br />Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. / So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a></span><br />Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-30.htm">Luke 16:30</a></b></br> And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">1 Samuel 28:13</a></b></br> And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-14.htm">Job 4:14-16</a></b></br> Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/24-5.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Alarm</a> <a href="/luke/24-22.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/luke/24-12.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-5.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/luke/24-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/24-5.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/luke/24-5.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/luke/24-17.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/23-46.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/luke/23-4.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/luke/23-46.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/luke/1-12.htm">Startled</a> <a href="/luke/19-11.htm">Supposed</a> <a href="/luke/24-5.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/luke/24-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/luke/19-11.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/luke/19-11.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Utmost</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/luke/24-38.htm">Alarm</a> <a href="/john/3-7.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/john/1-14.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/john/6-19.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/luke/24-38.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/24-39.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/john/11-56.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/luke/24-39.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ruth/3-8.htm">Startled</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Supposed</a> <a href="/john/6-20.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/john/4-45.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/john/5-45.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">Utmost</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-1.htm">Jesus' resurrection is declared by two angels to the women who come to the tomb.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-9.htm">They report it to others.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Jesus himself appears to the two disciples that went to Emmaus;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-36.htm">afterwards he appears to the apostles, and reproves their unbelief;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-47.htm">gives them a charge;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">49. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-49.htm">promises the Holy Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/24-50.htm">and so ascends into heaven.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But they were startled and frightened</b><br>The disciples' reaction of being startled and frightened is understandable given the context. They had just experienced the traumatic events of Jesus' crucifixion and were still processing reports of His resurrection. In Jewish culture, the concept of resurrection was not fully understood, and the sudden appearance of Jesus in their midst would have been shocking. This reaction is consistent with other biblical accounts where divine or supernatural encounters initially provoke fear, such as the shepherds' reaction to the angels in <a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Luke 2:9</a>.<p><b>thinking they had seen a spirit</b><br>The disciples' assumption that they had seen a spirit reflects common first-century Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and spirits. At that time, there was a prevalent belief in ghosts or spirits of the dead, which is evident in other biblical passages like <a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26</a>, where the disciples thought Jesus walking on water was a ghost. This misunderstanding highlights their struggle to comprehend the physical resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The resurrection was not merely spiritual but physical, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10</a> and <a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10-12</a>, which speak of the Messiah's victory over death. Jesus' bodily resurrection is a type of the future resurrection of believers, as described in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20-23</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The primary audience in this passage, the disciples were followers of Jesus who were gathered together after His crucifixion and resurrection. They were struggling with fear and doubt.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of the passage, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, demonstrating His victory over death and fulfilling His promises.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events take place, significant as the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and the center of Jewish religious life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_upper_room.htm">The Upper Room</a></b><br>The likely setting for this encounter, a place where the disciples often gathered, including for the Last Supper.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_resurrection.htm">The Resurrection</a></b><br>The event that frames this encounter, Jesus' rising from the dead, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_fear_and_doubt.htm">Understanding Fear and Doubt</a></b><br>The disciples' reaction of fear and thinking they saw a spirit highlights human tendencies to doubt and fear the unknown. We must recognize these emotions in ourselves and seek understanding through faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_the_resurrection.htm">The Reality of the Resurrection</a></b><br>Jesus' physical appearance to the disciples underscores the truth of the resurrection. This is not a metaphorical or spiritual event but a historical reality that forms the foundation of Christian belief.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/jesus'_patience_and_reassurance.htm">Jesus' Patience and Reassurance</a></b><br>Jesus does not rebuke the disciples for their fear but instead reassures them. This teaches us about His patience and willingness to meet us in our doubts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_witness.htm">The Importance of Witness</a></b><br>The disciples' experience becomes a testimony to others. We are called to share our encounters with Christ and the truth of the resurrection with the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>In moments of fear and uncertainty, we are encouraged to place our trust in Jesus, who has overcome death and offers peace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_ghosts.htm">What does the Bible say about ghosts and hauntings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_resurrected_figure_eat.htm">Luke 24:36-43: How can the same resurrected figure seemingly transcend physical barriers yet still eat and be touched?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_blasphemy_defy_god's_mercy.htm">Mark 3:29: How does the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit align with or contradict the broader biblical teaching of a merciful and forgiving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_dismiss_jesus_as_just_a_carpenter's_son.htm">In Mark 6:3, how could ordinary villagers dismiss Jesus as merely a carpenter's son if He was performing extraordinary deeds elsewhere?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) <span class= "bld">Supposed that they had seen a spirit.</span>--More accurately, <span class= "ital">supposed that they were looking on</span> . . . For the use of the word "spirit "in this sense, see <a href="/context/acts/23-8.htm" title="For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.">Acts 23:8-9</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm" title="To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,">Hebrews 12:23</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 37.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But they were terrified and affrighted</span>. They spoke one to another of the Master; they discussed the empty sepulchre, the angelic vision, the recital by Peter of his interview with the Risen, and were listening to the details of the quiet Emmaus meeting, all hoping for something more; but this sudden, mysterious appearance of their crucified Master in their midst was not, after all, what they had looked for. <span class="accented">It terrified them. <span class="cmt_word"></span>And supposed that they had seen a spirit</span>. How else could they explain his presence in their midst, when the doors were shut? The evangelists make no attempt to explain his sudden appearance. <span class="accented">He was simply there</span> as they spoke of him. It is clear that his presence could be accounted for in no ordinary, natural way. His disciples felt that; hence their supposition that they were looking on a spirit. We can, with our present limited knowledge, form no adequate conception of this resurrection-body of the Lord. It was a reality, no phantasm or appearance; of that the scene about to be described gives us ample evidence. Still, it is clear that his resurrection-body was not bound by the present conditions of material existence of which we are conscious. Epiphanius ascribes to the body of the risen Lord <span class="greek">λεπτότης πνευματική</span>, "a spiritual subtilty," Euthymius uses similar language when he speaks of "his body being now subtile, thin, and unmixed." He could <span class="accented">come</span> into a closed, barred room. He could be visible or invisible, known or unknown, as he pleased and when he pleased. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/24-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were startled</span><br /><span class="grk">πτοηθέντες</span> <span class="translit">(ptoēthentes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To terrify, scare, strike with panic. Probably akin to the alternate of pipto or to petomai; to scare.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">frightened,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔμφοβοι</span> <span class="translit">(emphoboi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1719.htm">Strong's 1719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Full of fear, terrified. From en and phobos; in fear, i.e. Alarmed.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thinking</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐδόκουν</span> <span class="translit">(edokoun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they had seen</span><br /><span class="grk">θεωρεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(theōrein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2334.htm">Strong's 2334: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a spirit.</span><br /><span class="grk">πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/24-37.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and filled (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/24-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 24:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 24:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/24-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 24:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 24:38" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>