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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 13:29 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 13:29 speaks about the inclusivity of the kingdom of God and the gathering of people from all directions of the earth.

In a literal sense, the east, west, north, and south refer to the totality of the globe, emphasizing that the kingdom of God will draw people regardless of their geographic origin.

On a deeper level, it indicates the universality of God's message and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, which is not limited to a particular nation or ethnic group.

This could also symbolize the spread of the gospel across different cultures and societies.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, where rigid social structures and ethnic divisions were prevalent. At that time, the early Christian message was expanding beyond the boundaries of traditional Jewish communities to Gentiles (non-Jews).

This verse reflects the early Christian understanding that the kingdom of God was open to all, transcending the Jewish-Gentile divide that was significant in that era.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might focus on various aspects of this verse.

A Catholic perspective may emphasize the universality of the Church and the idea of communion of saints.

Protestant interpretations could focus on the notion of grace offered to all nations and the importance of missionary work.

Liberation theologians might highlight the verse as a call to address barriers and inequality, working towards a more inclusive and just society.

Practical Applications

Practically, Luke 13:29 encourages believers to embrace diversity and inclusivity, showing hospitality and openness to people of different backgrounds.

It also serves as a call to participate in evangelism, sharing the message of Jesus with all people.

On a personal level, the verse reminds individuals to be open to the diverse ways in which God might work in the lives of people from different cultures.

Cross-References

Isaiah 43:5-6: "Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;"
Revelation 7:9: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Luke 13:29, key words include:

"ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν" (from east and west) and "ἀπὸ βορρᾶ καὶ νότου" (from north and south), where the preposition "ἀπὸ" indicates origin or source.
"ἀνακλιθήσονται" (shall sit down), which has a connotation of reclining at a meal, a symbol of fellowship and celebration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of gathering from all cardinal directions can be compared to several ancient myths and religious traditions, which often depict the universal invitation or gathering of people.

For instance, many cultures have a concept of a sacred mountain or location where gods gather or where divine revelation occurs, symbolizing spiritual unity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of human migration and the genetic diversity of populations underscore the interconnectedness of all humans.

Though not directly related to the verse’s theological message, this knowledge complements the idea that all humans, regardless of origin, are part of the same human family and therefore share in the potential inclusivity of the kingdom of God.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 13:29 provide a range of insights:

Some scholars suggest that it predicts the expansion of the Christian faith beyond Israel to include Gentiles.
Others focus on the eschatological aspect, viewing the verse as a description of the end times when all believers will be gathered.
It is also seen as a rebuke to any complacency in the existing religious community, implying that heritage or current status will not guarantee a place in the kingdom of God; instead, all are invited, and faith is the key to inclusion.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:29 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 13:29 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?