Luke 24:37

37 But they were terrified and affrighted * , and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Luke 24:37 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 24:37

But they were terrified and affrighted
At the sight of him, and at his sudden appearance among them, without being heard, or seen before, and the doors shut and bolted; they could not tell how to account for it, that it should be Jesus himself risen from the dead in his own body, though they had been just speaking of his resurrection, and had had a confirmation of it from the disciples that went to Emmaus: and supposed that they had seen a spirit;
that what they saw was a phantom, or apparition, or a spirit, that had assumed, and appeared in, the shape of Jesus, and was not he himself.

Luke 24:37 In-Context

35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

36 And as they thus spake , Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

37 But they were terrified and affrighted , and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled ? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have .