Luke 17:23

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Luke 17:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.

King James Version KJV

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

American Standard Version ASV

And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo, here! go not away, nor follow after them:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And if they say to you, See, it is there! or, It is here! do not go away, or go after them.

Free Bible Version FBV

They'll be telling you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is,’ but don't go running off after them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then they shall say to you, Behold here, or beholde there: but goe not thither, neither follow them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they shall say to you, Lo, here; or lo, there; ye may not go away, nor follow;

World English Bible WEB

They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away or follow after them,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they will say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them , nor follow them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they will say to you: See here, and see there. Go ye not after, nor follow them:

Translation for Translators T4T

Some people will say to you, ‘Look, the Messiah is over there!’ or they will say ‘Look, he is here!’ When they say that, do not believe them. Do not follow them to go see the Messiah.

Plain English Version PEV

People will say to you, ‘Look, there he is, over there,’ or they might say, ‘Here he is, over here.’ But don’t take any notice of them. Don’t try to find me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 17:23

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Luke 17:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ερουσιν υμιν ιδου ωδε η ιδου εκει μη απελθητε μηδε διωξητε

και kai G2532 and Conj

ερουσιν erō G2046 to say Verb-FAI-3P

υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP

ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S

ωδε hōde G5602 here Adv

η ē G2228 or Particle

ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S

εκει ekei G1563 there Adv

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

απελθητε aperchomai G565 to go away Verb-2AAS-2P

μηδε mēde G3366 nor Conj-N

διωξητε diōkō G1377 to pursue Verb-AAS-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 17:23

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ερουσιν erō G2046 "to say" Verb-FAI-3P

To say or speak, like in Matthew 9:34 or John 1:29. This word is an alternate way of saying 'to utter' or 'to speak' in certain situations.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 95 NT verses. KJV: call, say, speak (of), tell See also: 1 Corinthians 14:16; Matthew 1:22; Hebrews 1:13.

υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

ωδε hōde G5602 "here" Adv

The word 'here' refers to a specific place or location. In the Bible, it's used in many places, like Matthew 8:29 and Mark 11:3, to indicate where something is happening.

Definition: ὧδε, adv., [in LXX for חֲלֹם ,פֹּה ,הִנֶּה, etc. ;] __1. prop., of manner, so (Hom., al.). __2. In poets (rarely) and late writers, of place, __(a) hither (BL, §25, 2): Mat.8:29, Mrk.11:3, Luk.9:41, Jhn.6:25, al.; ἕως ὧδε, Luk.23:5; __(b) here: Mat.12:6, Mrk.9:1, Luk.9:33, Jhn.6:9, al.; τὰ ὧδε, Col.4:9; opposite to ἐκεῖ, Heb.7:8; ὧδε . . . ἢ ὧδε (ἐκεῖ), Mat.24:23, Mrk.13:21; metaphorically, here (i.e. in this circumstance or connection), 1Co.4:2, Rev.13:10, 18 14:12 17:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: here, hither, (in) this place, there See also: Acts 9:14; Mark 9:1; Hebrews 7:8.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

εκει ekei G1563 "there" Adv

This word means 'there' or 'to that place', as in Matthew 2:13. It's used to point to a location or direction. In the Bible, it helps describe where events happen.

Definition: ἐκεῖ adv., [in LXX chiefly for שָׁם ;] __1. properly, of place, there: Mat.2:13 5:24, al.; οἱ ἐ., Mat.26:71; οὗ . . . ἐ., Mat.6:21 18:20 24:28, Mrk.6:10, Luk.12:34; pleonastic, ὅπου . . . ἐ. (= שָׁם אֲשֶׁר, Deu.4:5, al.), Rev.12:6, 14 (cf. Bl., § 50, 4). __2. As often in cl. (Hdt., Thuc., al.), with verbs of motion, for ἐκεῖσε, thither: Mat.2:22 17:20 24:28 26:36, Mrk.6:33, Luk.12:18 17:37 21:2, Jhn.11:8 18:2-3, Rom.15:24 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place) See also: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Mark 1:38; Hebrews 7:8.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

απελθητε aperchomai G565 "to go away" Verb-2AAS-2P

This word means to go away or depart from a place or person, as seen in Matthew 13:25. It can also mean to follow or go behind someone, and is often used in the Gospels to describe Jesus' travels. The word is used in various contexts, including Jesus' parables.

Definition: ἀπέρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly for הלךְ ;] __1. to go away, depart (also, in late writers, with "perfective" force, to arrive at a destination, the thought being carried on to the goal; M, Pr., 111f., 247; MM, see word); __(a) absol.: Mat.13:25, al.; ptcp., ἀπελθών, used pleonastically with other verbs as in Heb. (Dalman, Words, 21), Mat.13:28, al.; __(b) with mention of place or person: εἰς, Mat.14:15; ἐπί, Luk.24:24; πρός, Rev.10:9; ἀπό, Luk.1:38; ἐξω, Act.4:15; ἐκεῖ, Mat.2:22. __2. As in LXX, before ὀπίσω, with genitive (Heb. הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי), to go after, follow: Mrk.1:20, Jhn.12:19; metaphorically, Mrk.1:42, Rev.21:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 118 NT verses. KJV: come, depart, go (aside, away, back, out, … ways), pass away, be past See also: Acts 4:15; Mark 6:32; James 1:24.

μηδε mēde G3366 "nor" Conj-N

This word means 'nor' or 'not even', used to continue a negative statement. It is often used to list things that are not true, like in Matthew 10:10, where Jesus says the disciples should not take extra clothes or sandals.

Definition: μηδέ negative particle, related to οὐδέ as μή to οὐ, __1. as conic., continuing a negation or prohibition, but not, and not, nor: preceded by μή, Mat.6:25 22:29, Mrk.12:24, Luk.14:12, al.; ἵνα μή, Jhn.4:15; ὅπως μή, Luk.16:26; μηδέ . . . μηδέ, neither . . . nor, Mat.10:10, 1Co.10:8-9. __2. As adv., strengthening a negation, not even: Mrk.2:2, 1Co.5:11, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: neither, nor (yet), (no) not (once, so much as) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:27; 1 Peter 3:14.

διωξητε diōkō G1377 "to pursue" Verb-AAS-2P

To pursue or follow someone, which can be done with or without hostile intent, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 and Luke 17:23. It can also mean to persecute, as in Acts 26:11 and Revelation 12:13. This word is used to describe chasing after something or someone.

Definition: διώκω [in LXX chiefly for רָדַף ;] __1. to put to flight, drive away: Mat.23:34. __2. to pursue; __(a) of persons; with accusative, without hostility, to follow after: Luk.17:23; with hostile purpose: Act.26:11, Rev.12:13. Hence, to persecute: Mat.5:10-12, 44 10:23, Luk.11:49 21:12, Jhn.5:16 15:20, Act.7:52 9:4-5 22:4, 7-8 26:14-15 Rom.12:14, 1Co.4:12 15:9, 2Co.4:9, Gal.1:13, 23 4:29 5:11 6:12, Php.3:6, 2Ti.3:12; __(b) metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), of seeking eagerly after: Rom.9:30, 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.2:22; νόμον δικαιοσύνης, Rom.9:31; τ. φιλοξενίαν, Rom.12:13; εἰρήνην, Heb.12:14, 1Pe.3:11; τὰ τῆς εἰ., Rom.14:19; τ. ἀγάπην, 1Co.14:1; τὸ ἀγαθόν, 1Th.5:15; absol., to follow on, drive, or speed on (Æsch.), Php.3:12, 14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 43 NT verses. KJV: ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 3:11.

Study Notes — Luke 17:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Luke 17:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Luke 17:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 17:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 17:23
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 17:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 17:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 17:23
Cambridge Bible on Luke 17:23
Barnes' Notes on Luke 17:23
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 17:23
Sermons on Luke 17:23

Context — The Coming of the Kingdom

21Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst. ” 22Then He said to the disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.

23People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.

24For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day. 25But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 21:8	Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
2	Matthew 24:23–26	At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. See, I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘There He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
3	Luke 17:21	Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst. ”
4	Mark 13:21–23	At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.

Luke 17:23 Summary

In Luke 17:23, Jesus is warning us against false claims about His presence and return. He tells us not to go out or chase after people who claim to have found Him, because these claims are often false and can lead us away from the true gospel. Instead, we should stay grounded in His teachings and trust in His promise to return, as seen in Luke 17:24 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. By doing so, we can avoid being deceived and stay focused on our walk with God, living in the present while preparing for His return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Jesus tell us not to go out or chase after people who claim to have found Him?

Jesus is warning us against false messiahs and false teachings, as seen in Matthew 24:23-24, where He says that false messiahs will arise and try to deceive even the elect. By telling us not to chase after them, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in His true teachings and not being swayed by false claims.

How can we distinguish between true and false claims about Jesus' presence?

We can distinguish between true and false claims by referring to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, as seen in 1 John 4:1-3, where we are told to test every spirit to see if it is from God. We must also be cautious of claims that try to lead us away from the true gospel and the community of believers, as seen in Acts 2:42-47.

Is Jesus saying that He will not have a physical return to earth?

No, Jesus is not saying that He will not have a physical return to earth. In fact, in Luke 17:24, He says that His return will be like lightning, visible to all. However, in Luke 17:23, He is warning us against false claims about His return and emphasizing the importance of being prepared for His true return, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

What is the significance of Jesus' statement in the context of the surrounding verses?

In the context of the surrounding verses, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of the kingdom of God, as seen in Luke 17:21, where He says that the kingdom of God is in our midst. He is also warning us against false expectations about His return, as seen in Luke 17:22, where He says that we will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man but will not see it.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can stay grounded in Jesus' true teachings and avoid being swayed by false claims?
How can I discern between true and false messiahs or prophets, and what role does the Bible play in this discernment?
What are some common false claims or teachings that I should be aware of, and how can I protect myself against them?
In what ways can I prepare myself for Jesus' true return, and what does this mean for my daily life and walk with God?
How can I balance the tension between being prepared for Jesus' return and living in the present, as seen in Luke 17:24 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 17:23

And they shall say unto you, see here, or see there,.... That is, there is Christ; and in two of Beza's exemplars, the word Christ is added as in Matthew 24:23 from whence it seems to be transcribed:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 17:23

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. And they shall say to you, See here! or, see there! go not after them, nor follow them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 17:23

Ver. 23,24. See Poole on "", See Poole on "". You will (saith our Saviour) have a great many false Christs and false prophets arise, and foolish credulous people will be deceived by them, and come and tell you, Lo, yonder is the Messiah, or, Lo, he is in another place; but believe them not. So it is in . Follow them not, saith Luke. The Son of man shall have his day, a day when he will come in a glorious manner to judge the quick and the dead; but it will come upon the world like lightning, that suddenly shineth from one part of heaven to another, so as no man can foretell it, or observe the motion of it. Some do think that by the day of the Son of man here was meant the spreading of his gospel; but certainly it is a strained sense, nor was the spreading of that a thing so sudden, but more gradually and observably accomplished.

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 17:23

23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. Ver. 23. See Matthew 24:23; Mark 13:21.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 17:23

(23) See here; or, see there.—See Note on Matthew 24:23. The words are all but identical, but the difference in the context and the occasion should be noticed as another illustration of that reproduction of the same forms of thought and language to which attention has so often been called.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 17:23

Verse 23. And they shall say] Or, And IF they shall say. Two MSS., the Syriac and Armenian, have εαν, IF. See here] KM, sixteen others, and the later Syriac, have οχριστος, Behold the Christ is here. This is undoubtedly the meaning of the place. See Clarke on Matthew 24:23.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 17:23

23. See here; or, see there] A vivid description of the perpetual Messianic excitements, which finally ceased in the days of Barcochba and the Rabbi Akibha. We find a similar warning in Luke 21:8. See Jos. Antt. Luke 20:8; B. J. 11. 13, Luke 6:5; Tac. Hist. v. 13. With the whole passage compare Matthew 24:23-41.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 17:23

And they shall say ... - Many false Christs, according to Josephus, appeared about that time, attempting to lead away the people. See the notes at Matthew 24:23-27.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 17:23

23. See here; or, see there—These local Messiahs starting up in different places, or rumored to have started up, will prove false.

Sermons on Luke 17:23

	Sermon	Description
	Be Careful How You Live by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. He emphasizes that it is easier for us to notice the faults in others than to confront
	Spiritual Deception by Darwin Hostetler	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his rebellious youth and the deception he fell into, thinking that the world had something to offer that God didn't. He warns young people a
	The Great Deception by Jon Couch	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to take God's Word seriously and not be deceived by the world. He encourages the congregation to rise up and make a d
	Luke 21 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the contrast between the hypocrisy of the scribes and the genuine devotion of the widow in Luke 21, illustrating how true giving comes from a heart ful
	Holl-02 the Broken Down Altar by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of living beyond one's means and being absorbed with material possessions. He emphasizes that the world's definition of success an
	(Matthew) ch.23:7-24:11 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the big things while focusing on the small things. He criticizes those who strain out a net but swallow a wh
	Jesus Teaches About the Coming Kingdom Luke 17:20-37 by David Servant	David Servant preaches about the anticipation of God's kingdom ruling over the earth, a promise awaited by both the Jewish people and Christians, with Jesus being the future ruler.