Luke 9:58
New International Version
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

New Living Translation
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

English Standard Version
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head."

King James Bible
And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

New King James Version
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

New American Standard Bible
And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

NASB 1995
And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

NASB 1977
And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Amplified Bible
And Jesus told him, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

American Standard Version
And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus said, "Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man doesn't have a place to call his own."

English Revised Version
And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus told him, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to sleep."

Good News Translation
Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest."

International Standard Version
Jesus told him, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest."

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

NET Bible
Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

New Heart English Bible
And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Weymouth New Testament
"The foxes have holes," said Jesus, "and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

World English Bible
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky places of rest, but the Son of Man has nowhere He may recline the head.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere He might lay the head."

Young's Literal Translation
and Jesus said to him, 'The foxes have holes, and the fowls of the heaven places of rest, but the Son of Man hath not where he may recline the head.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to him, Foxes have dens, and fowls of heaven encampments; but the Son of man has not where he might lay down the head.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus said to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests. But the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.”

New American Bible
Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

New Revised Standard Version
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the fowl of the sky a shelter; but the Son of man has no place even to lay his head.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have shelters, but The Son of Man does not have a place to lay his head.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Jesus said to him: The foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have roosts, but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of heaven nests; but the Son of man has not a place where He may recline His head.

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus Said to him, The foxes have holts, and the birds of the air, nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Mace New Testament
Jesus answered him, foxes have their kennels, and birds of the air their nests, but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Weymouth New Testament
"The foxes have holes," said Jesus, "and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have dens; and the birds of the heaven lodging-places; but the Son of Man hath not where to recline His head."

Worsley New Testament
and Jesus answered him, The foxes have holes, and the fowls of heaven their nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cost of Discipleship
57As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 Jesus replied, Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” 59Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”…

Cross References
Matthew 8:20
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ...

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 2:14-17
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. / For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. ...

Isaiah 53:2-3
He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 7:53-8:1
Then each went to his own home.

1 Peter 2:21-23
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Isaiah 42:1-4
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. ...

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Psalm 22:6-8
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. / All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”

Matthew 27:57-60
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. / So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ...

John 19:38-42
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. / Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. ...

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.

Jesus.

Luke 14:26-33
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple…

Luke 18:22,23
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me…

Joshua 24:19-22
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins…

Foxes.

Psalm 84:3
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

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Luke 9
1. Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.
7. Herod desires to see Jesus.
10. The apostles return.
12. Jesus feeds five thousand;
18. inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23. proposes to all the pattern of his patience.
28. The transfiguration.
37. He heals the lunatic;
43. again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46. commends humility;
51. bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.
57. Many would follow him, but upon conditions.














Jesus replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and leader. The Greek word for "replied" is "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai), which means to answer or respond. This highlights Jesus' active engagement with those around Him, providing wisdom and insight. In the context of His ministry, Jesus often used replies to challenge, teach, and reveal deeper truths about the Kingdom of God.

Foxes have dens
The mention of "foxes" in this context is significant. In the ancient Near East, foxes were often seen as cunning and resourceful animals. The Greek word "ἀλώπεκες" (alōpekes) refers to these creatures. The "dens" or "holes" (φωλεοὶ, phōleoi) symbolize a place of security and rest. Jesus uses this imagery to contrast the natural provision for animals with His own lack of earthly security, emphasizing His commitment to His mission over personal comfort.

and birds of the air have nests
"Birds of the air" refers to the creatures of the sky, highlighting the natural order and provision found in creation. The Greek word "πετεινὰ" (peteina) is used for birds, and "κατασκηνώσεις" (kataskeinosis) for nests, indicating a place of rest and safety. This phrase further illustrates the contrast between the natural world, where even birds have a place to rest, and the life of Jesus, who willingly forgoes such comforts for the sake of His divine mission.

but the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a significant messianic term that Jesus frequently uses to refer to Himself. It has roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), where it denotes a figure with authority and dominion. In Greek, "υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (huios tou anthrōpou) emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority. This title underscores His role as the representative of humanity and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

has no place to lay His head
This phrase poignantly captures the sacrificial nature of Jesus' earthly ministry. The Greek "οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ" (ouk echei pou tēn kephalēn klinē) conveys a sense of homelessness and lack of worldly security. It reflects Jesus' total dedication to His mission, prioritizing the spiritual over the material. This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to follow Jesus with a similar commitment, trusting in God's provision and purpose.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Foxes
ἀλώπεκες (alōpekes)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 258: A fox; a fox-like, crafty person. Of uncertain derivation; a fox, i.e. a cunning person.

have
ἔχουσιν (echousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

dens
φωλεοὺς (phōleous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5454: A burrow, hole, den, lair. Of uncertain derivative; a burrow or lurking-place.

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

birds
πετεινὰ (peteina)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4071: A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

air
οὐρανοῦ (ouranou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

[have] nests,
κατασκηνώσεις (kataskēnōseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2682: A dwelling-place. From kataskenoo; an encamping, i.e. a perch.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱὸς (Huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Man
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

no place
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

to lay
κλίνῃ (klinē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2827: A primary verb; to slant or slope, i.e. Incline or recline.

[His]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

head.”
κεφαλὴν (kephalēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2776: From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.


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NT Gospels: Luke 9:58 Jesus said to him The foxes have (Luke Lu Lk)
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