“The Kingdom of God is Within You” vs. “In Your Midst”
Scripture References in Different Translations
| Translation | Luke 17:21 |
|---|---|
| KJV | Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. |
| NKV | Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you. |
| NIV | Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. |
| ESV | Will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. |
| Afrikaans 1933 | En hulle sal nie sê: Kyk hier! of: Kyk daar! nie; want die koninkryk van God is binne-in julle. |
| Afrikaans 1983 | Hulle sal nie kan sê: ‘Kyk, hier is dit!’ of: ‘Daar is dit!’ nie, want die koninkryk van God is hier by julle. |
| German | Kommt nicht so, dass man’s beobachten kann; man wird auch nicht sagen: Siehe, hier ist es!, oder: Da ist es! Denn siehe, das Reich Gottes ist mitten unter euch. |
Word Study: ἐντὸς ὑμῶν
The key Greek phrase translated as “within you” or “in your midst” is ἐντὸς ὑμῶν.
- ἐντὸς – Generally translated as within, inside, among, or in the midst according to Greek Lemma usage.
- Usage in Scripture – The same word appears in other New Testament passages, always conveying presence among, internal location, or central position.
Implication for Translation
- “Within you” – Used in older translations (e.g., KJV, NKV, Afrikaans 1933). Suggests an inward, personal, spiritual reality.
- “In your midst” / “Among you” – Used in modern translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, Afrikaans 1983, German). Indicates the kingdom is present and accessible, external and observable through Jesus’ ministry.
Context of Luke 17:21
Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees, who asked when God’s kingdom would come (Luke 17:20).
Key points:
- Contrast with expectation – The Pharisees expected a visible, political, or military manifestation of the kingdom. Jesus clarified that the kingdom does not arrive with spectacle.
- The kingdom’s presence – Christ’s presence embodies the kingdom. Through His miracles and teaching, God’s reign was present in their midst.
- Translation matters – “Within you” could mislead one to think the kingdom was only internal, personal, or hidden. Yet Jesus’ audience included those who opposed Him, so the kingdom cannot reside in the hearts of unbelievers.
- Kingdom as reality – The kingdom is both inward and outward: an internal transformation in believers, but also a public, social, and communal manifestation.
Scholarly Perspectives
- Got Questions Ministries – Emphasizes the kingdom is not visible in a physical sense but operates quietly and imperceptibly like leaven in dough.
- Frank Viola, Insurgence – The kingdom is embodied in Christ; His presence reveals God’s rule on earth.
- C.C. Caragounis, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels – Highlights the debate between “within you” and “in your midst.”
- A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament – Notes the phrase reflects Christ’s accessible presence rather than private, hidden spiritual reality.
Interpretive Summary:
- “In your midst” is the more accurate translation in context.
- Jesus’ statement signals that the kingdom of God has come through Him, available for those willing to receive it.
- The kingdom is not merely internal; it transforms communities and manifests through acts of faith, obedience, and witness.
Key Takeaways for Study
- Contextual understanding – Always interpret Greek phrases in their historical and audience context.
- Translation precision matters – “Within you” and “in your midst” carry distinct theological implications.
- The kingdom is both present and transformative – Jesus’ life and ministry reveal the kingdom already at work.
- Practical application – Believers today are called to recognize Christ’s presence in their communities and live out the kingdom’s values.
References
- Got Questions Ministries. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2014–2021.
- Viola, Frank. Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2018.
- Caragounis, C.C. “Kingdom of God/Kingdom of Heaven,” in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, ed. Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992, 423.
- Robertson, A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933.