Luke 10:24
New International Version
For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

New Living Translation
I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.”

English Standard Version
For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Berean Standard Bible
For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Berean Literal Bible
For I say to you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear."

King James Bible
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

New King James Version
for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.

New American Standard Bible
for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and did not hear them.

NASB 1995
for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”

NASB 1977
for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.

Legacy Standard Bible
for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”

Amplified Bible
for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Christian Standard Bible
For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see but didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see yet didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear yet didn’t hear them.”

American Standard Version
for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

Contemporary English Version
Many prophets and kings were eager to see what you see and to hear what you hear. But I tell you they did not see or hear."

English Revised Version
for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I can guarantee that many prophets and kings wanted to see and hear what you've seen and heard, but they didn't."

Good News Translation
I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not."

International Standard Version
Because I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see but didn't see them, and to hear the things you hear but didn't hear them."

Majority Standard Bible
For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

NET Bible
For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

New Heart English Bible
for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them."

Webster's Bible Translation
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Weymouth New Testament
For I tell you that many Prophets and kings have desired to see the things you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the things you hear, and have not heard them."

World English Bible
for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for I say to you that many prophets and kings wished to see what you perceive, and did not see, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear.”

Berean Literal Bible
For I say to you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear."

Young's Literal Translation
for I say to you, that many prophets and kings did wish to see what ye perceive, and did not see, and to hear what ye hear, and did not hear.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to behold what ye see, and saw not; and to hear what ye hear, and heard not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I say to you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you hear, and have not heard them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them.”

New American Bible
For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

New Revised Standard Version
For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For I say to you, that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For I say to you that many Prophets and Kings have desired to see the things that you are seeing, and they have not seen, and to hear the things that you are hearing and they have not heard.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For I say to you, that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear.

Godbey New Testament
For I say unto you, that many kings and prophets desired to see those things which you see, and saw them not; and to hear those things which you hear, and heard them not.

Haweis New Testament
for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Mace New Testament
for I assure you, that many prophets and princes have desired to see what you now behold, but they never saw it; and to hear what you have heard, which they never did.

Weymouth New Testament
For I tell you that many Prophets and kings have desired to see the things you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the things you hear, and have not heard them."

Worrell New Testament
for I say to you, that many prophets and kings desired to see what ye are beholding, and did not see them; and to hear what ye are hearing, and heard them not."

Worsley New Testament
for many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and did not see them; and to hear what ye hear, but did not hear them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving
23Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” 25One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”…

Cross References
Matthew 13:16-17
But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. / For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Hebrews 11:13
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

John 8:56
Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”

Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. / Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. / All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

Isaiah 52:15
so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

Isaiah 64:4
From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” / But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Hebrews 1:1-2
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

Acts 3:24
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

Ephesians 3:5
which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

Colossians 1:26
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.

Daniel 12:8-9
I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” / “Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.

Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.


Treasury of Scripture

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

many.

John 8:56
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Hebrews 11:13,39
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth…

1 Peter 1:10,11
Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: …

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Desire Desired Hear Heard Kings Numbers Perceive Prophets Wanted Wish Wished
Luke 10
1. Jesus sends out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach;
13. pronounces a woe against certain cities.
17. The seventy return with joy;
18. he shows them wherein to rejoice,
21. and thanks his Father for his grace;
23. magnifies the happy estate of his church;
25. teaches the lawyer how to attain eternal life,
30. and tells the parable of the good Samaritan;
38. reprimands Martha, and commends Mary her sister.














For I tell you
This phrase underscores the authority of Jesus as He speaks. The Greek word for "tell" is "λέγω" (legō), which implies a declaration or proclamation. Jesus often uses this phrase to emphasize the importance and truth of His message. It is a reminder that His words are not mere suggestions but divine truths that carry weight and authority.

many prophets and kings
The mention of "prophets and kings" highlights the significance of the revelation given to the disciples. Prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, and kings, like David and Solomon, were pivotal figures in Israel's history. They longed for the fulfillment of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. This phrase connects the disciples to a long history of anticipation and longing for divine revelation.

wanted to see what you see
The Greek word for "wanted" is "ἐπιθυμέω" (epithymeō), which conveys a strong desire or longing. This reflects the deep yearning of the prophets and kings to witness the fulfillment of God's promises. The disciples are privileged to see the manifestation of God's kingdom through Jesus, something that was eagerly anticipated for generations.

but did not see it
This phrase emphasizes the privilege and blessing of the disciples. Despite the desires of the prophets and kings, they did not witness the coming of the Messiah. The disciples, however, are living in the time of fulfillment. This contrast serves to highlight the unique and blessed position of those who witness the works and teachings of Jesus firsthand.

and to hear what you hear
Hearing, in the biblical context, often implies understanding and receiving divine truth. The Greek word "ἀκούω" (akouō) means more than just auditory perception; it involves comprehension and acceptance. The disciples are not only seeing the works of Jesus but are also receiving His teachings, which are the words of eternal life.

but did not hear it
This reiterates the privilege of the disciples. The prophets and kings received glimpses and shadows of God's plan, but the disciples are hearing the full revelation through Jesus. This phrase serves as a reminder of the grace bestowed upon those who have the opportunity to hear and understand the gospel message.

(24) Many prophets and kings. . . .--There is a slight verbal difference here as compared with St. Matthew's report, which gives "prophets and righteous men."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

many
πολλοὶ (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

prophets
προφῆται (prophētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

kings
βασιλεῖς (basileis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

desired
ἠθέλησαν (ēthelēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

what
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

see
βλέπετε (blepete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

did not see [it],
εἶδαν (eidan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to hear
ἀκοῦσαι (akousai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

what
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you hear
ἀκούετε (akouete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

did not hear [it].”
ἤκουσαν (ēkousan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.


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NT Gospels: Luke 10:24 For I tell you that many prophets (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 10:23
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