Luke 9:55

55 But turning he rebuked them [and said, Ye know not of what spirit ye are].

Luke 9:55 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 9:55

But he turned and rebuked them
He turned himself about to them, and looking upon them with a stern countenance, sharply reproved them for their intemperate zeal, their passion of wrath, and anger, and desire of revenge:

and said, ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of;
or do not consider that this is not the true spirit of zeal, but of anger and revenge; and is not agreeable to the spirit of the meek and humble followers of Christ, or to the Spirit of God, and those gifts of his bestowed on them, nor to the spirit of the Gospel dispensation: so good men, for want of attention, may not know sometimes from what spirit they act; taking that for a good one, which is a very bad one; being covered with specious pretenses of love and zeal, and the examples of former saints; not observing the difference of persons; times, and things.

Luke 9:55 In-Context

53 And they did not receive him, because his face was [turned as] going to Jerusalem.

54 And his disciples James and John seeing [it] said, Lord, wilt thou that we speak [that] fire come down from heaven and consume them, as also Elias did?

55 But turning he rebuked them [and said, Ye know not of what spirit ye are].

56 And they went to another village.

57 And it came to pass as they went in the way, one said to him, I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest, Lord.

Footnotes

• [a]. The words in brackets are, to say the least, doubtful.