12 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

12 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Beware of Religious Hypocrisy

12 In these circumstances,[a] a crowd of many thousands came together, so that they were trampling(A) on one another. He began to say to His disciples first:(B) “Be on your guard(C) against the yeast[b](D) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.(E) There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered,(F) nothing hidden that won’t be made known.(G) Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms(H) will be proclaimed on the housetops.(I)

Fear God

“And I say to you, My friends,(J) don’t fear(K) those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will show you the One to fear: Fear(L) Him who has authority to throw people into hell(M) after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the One to fear! Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies?[c] Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.(N) Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!

Acknowledging Christ

“And I say to you, anyone who acknowledges(O) Me before men, the Son of Man(P) will also acknowledge him before the angels of God,(Q) but whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.(R) 10 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,(S) but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit(T) will not be forgiven. 11 Whenever(U) they bring you before synagogues and rulers and authorities,(V) don’t worry(W) about how you should defend(X) yourselves or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.”(Y)

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 Someone from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher,(Z) tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 “Friend,”[d] He said to him, “who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard(AA) against all greed(AB) because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”(AC)

16 Then He told them a parable:(AD) “A rich(AE) man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You[e] have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy;(AF) eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’(AG)

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool!(AH) This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’(AI)

21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure(AJ) for himself and is not rich toward God.”(AK)

The Cure for Anxiety

22 Then He said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you,(AL) don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear.(AM) 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens:(AN) They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them.(AO) Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? 25 Can any of you add a cubit to his height[f] by worrying?(AP) 26 If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon(AQ) in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! 28 If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will He do for you—you of little faith?(AR) 29 Don’t keep striving for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks(AS) all these things, and your Father(AT) knows that you need them.

31 “But seek His kingdom,(AU) and these things will be provided for you.(AV) 32 Don’t be afraid,(AW) little flock,(AX) because your Father delights(AY) to give you the kingdom.(AZ) 33 Sell(BA) your possessions and give to the poor.(BB) Make money-bags(BC) for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure(BD) in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.(BE)

Ready for the Master’s Return

35 “Be ready for service[g] and have your lamps lit.(BF) 36 You must be like people waiting for their master(BG) to return[h] from the wedding banquet(BH) so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.(BI) 37 Those slaves the master will find alert(BJ) when he comes will be blessed. I assure you: He will get ready,[i] have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.(BK) 38 If he comes in the middle of the night, or even near dawn,[j] and finds them alert, those slaves are blessed. 39 But know this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming,(BL) he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also be ready,(BM) because the Son of Man(BN) is coming at an hour that you do not expect.”(BO)

Rewards and Punishment

41 “Lord,” Peter asked, “are You telling this parable to us or to everyone?”

42 The Lord said: “Who then is the faithful and sensible manager(BP) his master will put in charge of his household servants to give them their allotted food(BQ) at the proper time? 43 That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded. 44 I tell you the truth: He will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But if that slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’(BR) and starts to beat the male and female slaves, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 that slave’s master will come on a day he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know. He will cut him to pieces[k] and assign him a place with the unbelievers.[l] 47 And that slave who knew his master’s will and didn’t prepare himself or do it[m] will be severely beaten.(BS) 48 But the one who did not know and did things deserving(BT) of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.[n](BU)

Not Peace but Division

49 “I came(BV) to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already set ablaze! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with,(BW) and how it consumes(BX) Me until it is finished!(BY) 51 Do you think that I came here to give peace to the earth?(BZ) No, I tell you, but rather division! 52 From now on, five in one household will be divided: three against two, and two against three.

53 They will be divided, father against son,
son against father,
mother against daughter,
daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law,
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.(CA)[o]

Interpreting the Time

54 He also said to the crowds:(CB) “When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and so it does.(CC) 55 And when the south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It’s going to be a scorcher!’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites!(CD) You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don’t you know how to interpret this time?(CE)

Settling Accounts

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?(CF) 58 As you are going with your adversary(CG) to the ruler, make an effort to settle with him on the way. Then he won’t drag you before the judge,(CH) the judge hand you over to the bailiff, and the bailiff throw you into prison.(CI) 59 I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last cent.”[p](CJ)

Footnotes

  1. Luke 12:1 Or Meanwhile, or At this time, or During this period
  2. Luke 12:1 Or leaven
  3. Luke 12:6 Lit two assaria; the assarion (sg) was a small copper coin
  4. Luke 12:14 Lit Man
  5. Luke 12:19 Lit say to my soul, “Soul, you
  6. Luke 12:25 Or add one moment to his life-span
  7. Luke 12:35 Lit Let your loins be girded; an idiom for tying up loose outer clothing in preparation for action; Ex 12:11
  8. Luke 12:36 Lit master, when he should return
  9. Luke 12:37 Lit will gird himself
  10. Luke 12:38 Lit even in the second or third watch
  11. Luke 12:46 Lit him in two
  12. Luke 12:46 Or unfaithful, or untrustworthy
  13. Luke 12:47 Lit or do toward his will
  14. Luke 12:48 Or much
  15. Luke 12:53 Mc 7:6
  16. Luke 12:59 Gk lepton, the smallest and least valuable copper coin in use

12 In the mean time, when [a]the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to [b]say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. Wherefore whatsoever ye have said in the darkness shall be heard in the light; and what ye have spoken in the ear in the inner chambers shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath [c]power to cast into [d]hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pence? and not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows. And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess [e]me before men, [f]him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 10 And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.

13 And one out of the multitude said unto him, Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me. 14 But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: [g]for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my [h]soul, [i]Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night [j]is thy [k]soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your [l]life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. 23 For the [m]life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment. 24 Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto [n]the measure of his life? 26 If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 Yet seek ye [o]his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; 36 and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him. 37 Blessed are those [p]servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 [q]But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be [r]broken through. 40 Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

41 And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is [s]the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that [t]servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. 45 But if that [u]servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 the lord of that [v]servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall [w]cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful. 47 And that [x]servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.

49 I came to cast fire upon the earth; and [y]what do I desire, if it is already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 They shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.

54 And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass. 55 And when ye see a south wind blowing, ye say, There will be a [z]scorching heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye know how to [aa]interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to [ab]interpret this time? 57 And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58 For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the [ac]officer, and the [ad]officer shall cast thee into prison. 59 I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the very last mite.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 12:1 Greek the myriads of.
  2. Luke 12:1 Or, say unto his disciples, First of all beware ye
  3. Luke 12:5 Or, authority
  4. Luke 12:5 Greek Gehenna.
  5. Luke 12:8 Greek in me.
  6. Luke 12:8 Greek in him.
  7. Luke 12:15 Or, for even in a man’s abundance his life is not from the things which he possesseth
  8. Luke 12:19 Or, life
  9. Luke 12:19 Or, life
  10. Luke 12:20 Greek they require thy soul.
  11. Luke 12:20 Or, life
  12. Luke 12:22 Or, soul
  13. Luke 12:23 Or, soul
  14. Luke 12:25 Or, his stature
  15. Luke 12:31 Many ancient authorities read the kingdom of God.
  16. Luke 12:37 Greek bondservants.
  17. Luke 12:39 Or, But this ye know
  18. Luke 12:39 Greek digged through.
  19. Luke 12:42 Or, the faithful steward, the wise man whom etc.
  20. Luke 12:43 Greek bondservant.
  21. Luke 12:45 Greek bondservant.
  22. Luke 12:46 Greek bondservant.
  23. Luke 12:46 Or, severely scourge him
  24. Luke 12:47 Greek bondservant.
  25. Luke 12:49 Or, how would I that it were already kindled!
  26. Luke 12:55 Or, hot wind
  27. Luke 12:56 Greek prove.
  28. Luke 12:56 Greek prove.
  29. Luke 12:58 Greek exactor.
  30. Luke 12:58 Greek exactor.