Luke 12:47-49
New English Translation
47 That[a] servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or do what his master asked[b] will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know his master’s will[c] and did things worthy of punishment[d] will receive a light beating.[e] From everyone who has been given much, much will be required,[f] and from the one who has been entrusted with much,[g] even more will be asked.[h]
Not Peace, but Division
49 “I have come[i] to bring[j] fire on the earth—and how I wish it were already kindled!
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- Luke 12:47 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
- Luke 12:47 tn Grk “or do according to his will”; the referent (the master) has been specified in the translation for clarity. This example deals with the slave who knew what the command was and yet failed to complete it.
- Luke 12:48 tn Grk “did not know”; the phrase “his master’s will” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the contemporary English reader.
- Luke 12:48 tn Grk “blows.”
- Luke 12:48 tn Grk “will receive few (blows).”
- Luke 12:48 tn Grk “required from him,” but the words “from him” are redundant in English and have not been translated.
- Luke 12:48 sn Entrusted with much. To be gifted with precious responsibility is something that requires faithfulness.
- Luke 12:48 tn Grk “they will ask even more.”
- Luke 12:49 sn This mission statement, “I have come to bring fire on the earth,” looks to the purging and division Jesus causes: See Luke 3:9, 17; 9:54; 17:29 for fire, 5:32; 7:34; 9:58; 12:51 for the topic of mission.
- Luke 12:49 tn Grk “cast.” For βάλλω (ballō) in the sense of causing a state or condition, see L&N 13.14.
Luke 12:47-49
English Standard Version
47 (A)And that servant who (B)knew his master's will but (C)did not get ready (D)or act according to his will, will receive a (E)severe beating. 48 (F)But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, (G)will receive a light beating. (H)Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Not Peace, but Division
49 (I)“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!
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Luke 12:47-49
New King James Version
47 And (A)that servant who (B)knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 (C)But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
Christ Brings Division(D)
49 (E)“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
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