The Kingdom of God

Luke 17.21

Luke 17.21: This passage has been interpreted in various ways. The words ‘within you’ can also be translated ‘in the midst of you,’ in which case the passage means that the people should regard Jesus and his community which dwells among them as the incipient kingdom. But the more mystical meaning of the passage is that the kingdom is within the minds and hearts of believers.

Analysis of Greek Translations

The Greek word in question, εντος, means ‘inside’ or ‘within’. Surprisingly, despite being a typical word in Greek, is used only twice in the New Testament: here in Luke 17.21, and over in Matthew 23.26, where it refers to the ‘inside’ of a cup. Translating εντος as ‘within’ is more accurate, but also fits the context better; in this text, Jesus argues that the kingdom of God would not be manifest outwardly (17.20-21a) but internally (17.21b).

–Perseus Digital Library [Tufts University].