[GTranslate]
The Kingdom of God Is Within You!
Luke 17:20-21 – The Kingdom of God
“In your midst?” or “Within you?”
The question of the nature of the Kingdom is a vital question, needless to say. Some say the kingdom is not yet established. Some say that the kingdom will not come until we die. Some identify the kingdom as a geographically defined entity, in the fashion of the Old Covenant Kingdom of David.
In Luke 17 Jesus seems to say something vitally important about the nature of that kingdom, and yet, his statements continue to perplex commentators to this day. In the following examination of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 17, some excellent thoughts on what Jesus said. The implications of Luke 17- when properly understood– are profound, and thrilling!
[DDET (expand full article)]
Consider the following scripture versions:
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV) – 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
Luke 17:20-21 (NASB) – 20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say,’ Look, here it is!’ or,’ There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst. ” NASB
The KJV uses the term “within you”. The NASB uses the term “in your midst.” Some bible translations use the interpretation “in your midst” in Luke 17:21 while other version translate it as “within you”.
A number of commentaries and various 21st century thinkers support the Luke 17:20-21 interpretation “in you midst” in lieu of “within you”. The reason given by the commentaries and various 21st century thinkers is that Jesus is making this statement to the Pharisees and they reason that the kingdom could not possibly be found within these individuals (the Pharisees) as the Pharisees were rejecting Jesus and were not believers in Him. I do not disagree with this line of reasoning. Some of the commentaries and various 21st century thinkers simply say that Jesus was telling the Pharisees that He was standing in their midst. I think this misses the mark. The Luke 17:21 verse bears additional scrutiny.
Of note is that the Greek word in Luke 17:21 translated “midst” in the NASB and other versions is “entos” (Strong’s NT: 1787). The word “entos” is used two times in the NT. In addition to Luke 17:21, it is used in Matthew 23:26.
Matthew 23:26 – Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within (entos) the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. KJV
Matt 23:25 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside (entos) they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. NASB
Upon initial inspection, the term “entos” in Matthew 23:26 (KJV) provides a completely different meaning that the one used in Luke 17:20. Specifically, in Matthew 23:26, “entos” is used to designate a location (within or inside the cup and platter). It is contrasted with another location (outside of them) in the same biblical verse. The meaning is rather straight forward. Jesus was saying both the inside and outside of the cup and platter should be clean. Jesus was making a rhetorical statement. His statement here in Matthew 23:26 was not a cleanliness commentary on dishware but rather a cleanliness commentary on hearts of the Pharisees. They looked clean on the outside from all outward appearances. However, Jesus knew the inside was another matter.
As the meaning of “entos” as used in Matthew 23:26 is fairly straight forward, I would argue that it should be used in a similar fashion in Luke 17:21 (i.e. the kingdom of God is within you) as translated in the KJV version, since it is the only other time that “entos” is used in the NT.
The issue of the audience of the Pharisees that Jesus is speaking to is rather easily addressed. As demonstrated in Matthew 23:26, I would argue that Jesus is making a rhetorical statement to the Pharisees. He was harkening back to the intimate relationship that existed between God and man (Adam) prior to the fall. He was not saying to the Pharisees specifically that the kingdom of God was within them personally as demonstrated by their behaviour documented throughout the NT (with the exception of Joseph of Aramithea and Nicodemus). Jesus was commenting on the nature of the kingdom- i.e. it is an inner, spiritual kingdom, not a geo-politico kingdom like they were expecting. He was not saying that the kingdom was, at that moment, in the heart of the Pharisees. They were expecting one kind of kingdom, Jesus was speaking of another kind of kingdom. They looked on the external; Jesus was predicting the internal.
Another, and more compelling, reason for the translation to be “within you” rather than “in your midst” is a simple examination of the word “midst”. There is a Greek word “mesos” (Strong’s NT: 3319) that is routinely translated “midst” which is used 62 times in the NT. Luke himself used “mesos”” fourteen times in writing his gospel (~25% of the total usage in the NT). I would have to assume that if he intended us to translate Luke 17:21 as “in the midst” as opposed to “within you”, he would have used “mesos”” rather than “entos” as he already demonstrated that he was communicating “midst” in his gospel by using “mesos””.
I would propose that his intended meaning was the same as that of Mathew 23:26. You cannot separate Luke 17:20 from Luke 17:21. In Luke 17:20, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.” It was not going to be a physical event but rather a spiritual event. Remember, Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that a time was coming when believers would worship “in spirit and in truth.” I believe this ties very nicely with what Jesus said in Luke 17:21. It is my personal understanding that the Parousia of Jesus re-established the full and open (spiritual) relationship with the Father that had been lost through Adam.
Thus, Luke 17 does not affirm that the kingdom was in the hearts of the recalcitrant Pharisees. It does affirm the nature of the kingdom, and it does prove that the full establishment of that kingdom would be in the first century. There are other reasons why Luke 17:21 should be translated “within you” rather than “in your midst” but these are sufficient for this case.
NT: 1787 (used twice in NT) – entos (en-tos’); from NT:1722; inside (adverb or noun): KJV – within.
Matthew 23:26
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. KJV
Luke 17:21
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. KJV
NT: 3319 (used 62 times in NT) – mesos (mes’-os); from NT:3326; middle (as an adjective or [neuter] noun): KJV – among, before them, between, forth, mid [-day, -night], midst, way.
“Mesos” used 14 times in Luke.
Luke 2:46
Luke 4:30
Luke 4:35
Luke 5:19
Luke 6:8
Luke 8:7
Luke 10:3
Luke 17:11
Luke 21:21
Luke 22:27
Luke 22:55 (2)
Luke 23:45
Luke 24:36
[GTranslate]
[/DDET]
re post from previous anonymous comment
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thank you for your shening. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your enticle that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://accounts.binance.com/en/register-person?ref=P9L9FQKY
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me? https://www.gate.io/es/signup/XwNAU
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me? https://www.gate.io/es/signup/XwNAU
Reading your article has greatly helped me, and I agree with you. But I still have some questions. Can you help me? I will pay attention to your answer. thank you.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://accounts.binance.com/ru-UA/register-person?ref=JHQQKNKN
gdfkgiljh ejnli ebkitkf eagc imltgtrgpoxubao
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.com/zh-CN/register-person?ref=PORL8W0Z
997779 898482What is your most noted accomplishment. They might want very good listeners rather than great talkers. 493798
486917 123085I enjoy your function , regards for all of the informative posts . 811008
771847 845810Watch the strategies presented continue reading to discover and just listen how to carry out this wonderful like you organize your company at the moment. educational 422846
181360 680496excellent work? Excellent weblog here! Also your web web site a lot up quickly! What internet host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link on your host? I want my site loaded up as rapidly as yours lol? 580540
991230 877979If I must say something, then nothing will stop the chatter within 676464
177457 16960Oh my goodness! a great write-up dude. Thanks a good deal Nonetheless We are experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Not able to sign up to it. Possibly there is anybody obtaining identical rss dilemma? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 790886
648935 65024I undoubtedly did not realize that. Learnt something new proper now! Thanks for that. 49806
410731 449808Take a peek at the following suggestions what follows discover ideal method to follow such a mainly because you structure your small business this afternoon. earn money 391816
165086 778540You completed numerous nice points there. I did a search on the problem and identified nearly all men and women will have the same opinion together with your blog. 52802
I am currently writing a paper that is very related to your content. I read your article and I have some questions. I would like to ask you. Can you answer me? I’ll keep an eye out for your reply. 20bet
142076 171498I?m often to blogging and i in actual fact respect your content. The piece has truly peaks my interest. I?m going to bookmark your content material and preserve checking for brand new details. 256708
67893 435679Some really interesting info , properly written and loosely user genial . 717475
712853 281453I actually treasure your piece of function, Great post. 272202
301910 668713Some genuinely wonderful info , Gladiola I detected this. 924178
41150 427493never saw a website like this, relaly impressed. compared to other blogs with this article this was definatly the very best site. will save. 173345
36290 813156Hey there! Nice post! Please inform us when we will see a follow up! 223786
41310 632173Previously you ought to have highly effective web business strategies get you started of obtaining into topics suitable for their web-based organization. educational 315390
467176 955849This really is such a terrific resource that you are offering and you give out at no cost. I appreciate seeing websites that realize the worth of offering a perfect valuable resource entirely totally free. I genuinely loved reading your submit. 725307
257012 47395fantastic work? Exceptional weblog here! Also your internet site a good deal up quick! What internet host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link on your host? I want my web site loaded up as rapidly as yours lol? 921456
It is not my first time to visit this site, i am visiting this website dailly and take good facts from here every
day.
388525 139972I was trying to locate this. Really refreshing take on the data. Thanks a whole lot. 775706
877406 38009That being said by use it all, planet is truly restored a little much more. This situation in addition will this certain Skin tightening and starting to be moved and into the mood of these producing activities. daily deal livingsocial discount baltimore washington 402114
68789 155780Thank you, I?ve just been searching for data about this subject for a although and yours could be the greatest I?ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply? 19536
866047 753526Hello there! I could have sworn I?ve been to this weblog before but right after reading through some with the post I realized it is new to me. Anyhow, I?m definitely happy I identified it and I?ll be book-marking and checking back regularly! 196532
568600 903612I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I?ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I feel it will improve the value of my web site 256725
758240 416238I added this article to my favorites and plan to return to digest a lot more soon. It?s straightforward to read and recognize as effectively as intelligent. I truly enjoyed my very first read via of this write-up. 932225
827405 556589If you are needing to produce alteration in an individuals llife, during i would say the Are normally Bodyweight peeling off pounds training course are a wide path inside the direction of gaining any search. la weight loss 334315
447167 698973You produced some 1st rate factors there. I regarded on the web for the difficulty and located most people will associate with together with your internet site. 854632
896190 843120Some actually nice stuff on this internet site , I enjoy it. 787149
941337 985148Gems form the internet? […]very couple of websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly effectively worth checking out[…]?? 834890
77358 673436Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this internet site with us so I came to look it more than. I?m definitely enjoying the information. I?m book-marking and is going to be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding weblog and superb style and style. 407528
Amazing! Its truly awesome post, I have got
much clear idea regarding from this paragraph.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one these days.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://accounts.binance.com/en/register?ref=V2H9AFPY
I was able to find good information from your articles.
I constantly emailed this website post page to all my
contacts, because if like to read it after that my friends will
too.
whoah this blog is excellent i like studying your articles.
Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of persons
are searching around for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Hi there to all, the contents present at this site are actually awesome for people experience, well,
keep up the good work fellows.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to
find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use a
few of your ideas!!
Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the other person’s web site link on your
page at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.info/bg/join?ref=RQUR4BEO
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
The Writing has become like a favorite meeting spot, where great minds and ideas mingle.
Appreciate the clarity you bring to this topic. It’s like you’re speaking to five-year-olds, which is perfect for me.
Stumbling upon this article was the highlight of my day, much like catching a glimpse of a smile across the room.
Engaging with The Writing is like savoring a gourmet meal; every bite (or word) is to be enjoyed.
Always excited to see The posts, like waiting for a message from a crush. Another excellent read!
I look forward to The posts because they always offer something valuable. Another great read!
Engaging with The Writing is like savoring a gourmet meal; every bite (or word) is to be enjoyed.
The information you’ve shared has been a revelation for me. Incredibly enlightening!
Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://accounts.binance.com/cs/register?ref=S5H7X3LP
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://accounts.binance.com/da-DK/register-person?ref=V2H9AFPY
The post resonated with me on many levels, much like a perfectly tuned love song. Thanks for the harmony.
The insights dazzled me more than a candlelit dinner. Thanks for lighting up my intellect.
The perspective is like a rare gem, valuable and unique in the vastness of the internet.
The thought-provoking post has me looking forward to more. It’s like the intellectual equivalent of a second date.
The commitment to high quality content really shows. I’m always excited to read The work.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
A refreshing take on the subject, like a cool breeze on a hot day. I’m all ears for what you have to say next.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.com/si-LK/register?ref=V2H9AFPY
The insights are like a sunrise, bringing light and warmth to new ideas.
Explaining things in an understandable way is a skill, and you’ve mastered it. Thanks for clearing things up for me.
how to buy priligy im 16 years old The organism must evade degradation by gut macrophages, limiting disease to individuals with a specific type of defect in cell mediated immunity, and the individual must have disease that is sufficiently active to produce clinical symptoms
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
The content is like a treasure chest; every post uncovers gems of wisdom. X marks the spot here.
I learned a lot, and now I’m curious about what else you could teach me. The intelligence is as captivating as The prose.
Refreshing take on the subject, like a cold splash of water to my long-held beliefs.