What does Luke 13:27 mean?

Explanation

Luke 13:27 contains a solemn warning spoken by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.

This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus teaches about the necessity of striving to enter through the narrow door to salvation and being ready for the kingdom of God.

In this statement, Jesus is speaking to those who assumed they would enter the kingdom of heaven simply because they were familiar with Him or had some association with His works.

Jesus declares that mere association is not enough; He will declare to them, "I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity."

The phrase "I know you not whence ye are" indicates a lack of relationship.

Despite any superficial connection the people thought they had with Jesus, He did not recognize them as His followers because their lives did not reflect the necessary commitment and transformation that comes from true discipleship.

The command to "depart from me" is a grim forecast of rejection at the final judgment. Those called "workers of iniquity" are individuals whose actions do not align with the will of God, revealing that their hearts are not truly given to Him.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written to provide an orderly account of the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

It is widely believed that it was written by Luke, the physician, who was a close companion of the Apostle Paul. The text is thought to have been written around 60-90 A.D., addressing both a Gentile and Jewish audience.

During Jesus' ministry, He was addressing a predominantly Jewish audience who had been eagerly anticipating the coming of the Messiah based on the Hebrew Scriptures.

Many Jews at the time believed that mere descent from Abraham or participation in Jewish rituals and traditions would guarantee them a place in God's kingdom.

Theological Insights

This verse lends itself to various theological interpretations.

From an Evangelical perspective, it may be seen as emphasizing the importance of personal faith and repentance rather than reliance on religious heritage or deeds.

In a Reformed theological context, this verse can underscore the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, indicating that true believers will show evidence of a changed life and will not be those who Jesus declares He never knew.

Catholic theology might connect this verse to its teaching on the final judgment and the church's sacramental life, suggesting that salvation involves both faith and works as evidence of a true relationship with Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, Luke 13:27 can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and sincere faith.

It encourages individuals to:

• Examine their lives to ensure their actions reflect a genuine relationship with Jesus.
• Prioritize internal transformation over external rituals or associations.
• Recognize that claiming to know Jesus requires a commitment that is evident in one's behavior and choices.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:23: "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
• Matthew 25:11-12: "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."

• Matthew 25:41: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."

Language Study

The key words in this verse when considering the original Greek text are:

• "I know you not" (οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς): "Ouk oida humas" where "oida" references an intimate or personal knowledge, suggesting that Jesus is not claiming ignorance of their existence, but rather a lack of personal relationship.
• "Whence ye are" (πόθεν ἐστέ): "pothen este," implying the origin or the source.

It can denote not recognizing them as being from among His followers.

• "Workers of iniquity" (ἐργάται τῆς ἀνομίας): "Ergatai tes anomias" where "ergatai" means workers and "anomias" translates to lawlessness or iniquity, denoting those who actively engage in sinful behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various religious traditions, there is often a concept of being evaluated by a higher power based on one's actions.

For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the heart of a deceased individual was weighed against the feather of Ma'at to determine worthiness in the afterlife.

Similarly, this verse in Luke reflects a judgment based on personal actions and relationship with the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse primarily deals with spiritual and moral dimensions of human existence that do not fall into the purview of scientific inquiry.

However, the concepts of community and relationship that are alluded to can be explored through the psychological sciences. Studies on morality and behavior often show that beliefs and values (whether religious or secular) have a significant impact on actions and social dynamics.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided various interpretations of this verse:

• John Calvin interpreted the verse as a warning against false security and carelessness in one's spiritual life.
• Matthew Henry noted that it stresses the importance of not just hearing Christ's words, but doing them as well.
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the sorrow of the final rejection depicted in Jesus' pronouncement, suggesting that it underscores the importance of not delaying repentance and right living.
• Contemporary commentaries often discuss the exclusivity of the gospel as shown in Jesus' words, cautioning against a universalist approach to salvation.