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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 13:18 mean?

Explanation

Luke 13:18 contains a question posed by Jesus Christ to those listening to Him.

In this verse, He is initiating a parable by prompting His audience to think about the Kingdom of God in metaphorical terms.

The question "Unto what is the kingdom of God like?" is an invitation for them to conceptualize the Kingdom in terms they can understand, suggesting that it is not something directly observable or easily defined in human terms.

When He asks, "whereunto shall I resemble it?" Jesus is about to offer a comparison or a similitude that will help listeners grasp the nature of the Kingdom of God through an analogy, which He then elaborates on in the subsequent verses.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context to an audience that likely included Gentiles as well as Jews.

During this time, Jesus traveled as a rabbi, teaching about the Kingdom of God using parables, a common pedagogical method of the day.

These parables were intended to reveal truths about the Kingdom to those who were receptive, while at the same time concealing these truths from those who were not open to His message.

The historical setting for this particular teaching is Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, where He would eventually be crucified.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the Kingdom of God is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus.

It refers to the rule and reign of God, both in a present, spiritual sense and in a future, physical manifestation upon Jesus' return.

Different theological perspectives interpret this verse and the nature of the Kingdom in various ways:

In dispensational theology, the Kingdom is seen as a future, literal kingdom that will be established on earth.
Covenant theology, on the other hand, may view the Kingdom more as a present reality in which Christ reigns in the hearts and lives of believers.
Liberation theology might emphasize the Kingdom's implications for social justice and the uplifting of the oppressed.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages believers to seek understanding and wisdom about the Kingdom of God.

It suggests that the concepts of God's reign might be grasped through everyday experiences and observations, and believers are invited to reflect on how the Kingdom of God might be like things they encounter in their lives.

This reflection can foster spiritual growth and a greater appreciation for the pervasive and transformative nature of God's rule.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:31-32: "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:"
Luke 17:20-21: "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:"
Mark 4:30-32: "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key phrase "kingdom of God" is "βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ" (basileia tou Theou), where "basileia" can refer to the reign, realm, or kingship itself.

This connotation suggests that the Kingdom of God is not solely a physical location but also encompasses God's sovereign rule.

The verb "resemble" is "ὁμοιόω" (homoioō), meaning to make like, or to compare, which indicates Jesus is about to provide a metaphor to convey a complex spiritual truth in simpler terms.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures and religions used parables and similar stories to convey moral and spiritual lessons.

For example, in Aesop's fables, animals and inanimate objects often take on human characteristics to illustrate human truths.

Ancient religions like Hinduism and Buddhism also utilize stories or analogies to explain complex philosophical concepts or ethical teachings to followers.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives don't directly intersect with theological teachings on the Kingdom of God, they do offer insight into the importance of parables and analogies in human understanding.

Cognitive science recognizes that humans often use analogical reasoning to comprehend abstract concepts by relating them to familiar objects or ideas.

This is in line with Jesus using parables to explain the Kingdom of God.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of this verse:

John Calvin saw parables as a way God accommodates human understanding, by using earthly terms for heavenly realities.
Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that the Kingdom of God starts small within individuals and grows to have a profound global impact.
Modern commentaries might highlight the subversive nature of Jesus' depiction of the Kingdom, contrasting it with the political powers of the day.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:18 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 13:18 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?