PrevLuke 13:3Next

Luke 13

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

What does Luke 13:3 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 13:3, spoken by Jesus, is a stern warning about the necessity of repentance. In this context, "repent" means to turn from sin and turn towards God, a key theme throughout the New Testament.

The phrase "ye shall all likewise perish" implies that without repentance, the consequence is spiritual death or destruction.

The use of "likewise perish" also suggests a comparison to a situation previously mentioned by Jesus in the same chapter, referring to people who suffered tragedies.

Essentially, Jesus stresses that everyone is susceptible to judgment without genuine repentance, and physical death can also symbolize the spiritual perishing one must avoid.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 13:3 is part of a passage in which Jesus responds to people telling Him about some Galileans who were killed by Pontius Pilate.

This reflects the historical tensions of the time, where Roman authorities were oppressors, and the Jewish people often faced persecution and violence.

Jesus uses these events as teachable moments to address misconceptions about suffering and divine punishment and to turn the conversation to personal repentance and spiritual readiness.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse provides a sharp focus on the concept of individual responsibility in salvation. It underscores the Christian belief that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and need to repent to receive God's grace.

This verse also reflects the notion of imminent judgment, a common theme in the New Testament, which urges believers to live in a state of readiness for God's final judgment.

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse might be interpreted to reinforce the idea of total depravity, where repentance is necessary because of humanity's inherent sinfulness.

In contrast, an Arminian interpretation might emphasize free will and individual choice to repent and turn to God.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Luke 13:3 involves the active decision to assess one's life, acknowledge sins, and make a sincere effort to change behavior and attitude.

It encourages a lifestyle of continual repentance and spiritual growth.

It also serves as a warning to not become complacent or self-righteous but to remain humble and to seek forgiveness regularly.

Cross-References

Related biblical verses include:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23).
"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3).
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15).
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word used is "μετανοέω" (metanoeó), which means "to change one's mind or purpose," and by extension, implies a turning around or conversion from sin.

The term "ἀπολεῖσθε" (apoleisthe) translated as "perish" has a sense of destruction, death, or to be lost, especially in a spiritual or eternal sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of repentance is not unique to Christianity.

In Judaism, the concept of "teshuvah" is similar to repentance and involves turning away from sin and returning to God.

In Islam, "tawbah" is the act of seeking forgiveness from God.

Ancient myths, such as those from Greece and Rome, do not typically focus on personal repentance as a path to redemption but rather on pleasing the gods through actions and sacrifices to avoid their wrath.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of repentance may intersect with psychology, especially the areas that deal with remorse, behavior change, and cognitive restructuring.

Understanding repentance through cognitive-behavioral frameworks could offer insights into how beliefs and values influence behavior modification and the process of turning away from destructive actions towards healthier choices.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of Luke 13:3.

Some view it in light of God's mercy, emphasizing that the call to repentance is based on His desire to save rather than condemn. Others focus on the justice aspect, underscoring the consequences of unrepentance.

Commentators like Matthew Henry view the passage as an urgent call to self-reflection and reformation of life, while John Calvin might emphasize God's sovereignty and the seriousness of sin.

Contemporary scholarship often takes into account both historical and literary contexts when unpacking the meaning and implications of this verse.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 13:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?