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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 13:31 mean?

Explanation

Luke 13:31 conveys an incident where some Pharisees warn Jesus of impending danger from Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee.

The Pharisees, generally known to be antagonistic towards Jesus, tell him to leave the area because Herod intends to kill him.

Jesus responds by referring to Herod as "that fox," implying cunning and deceitfulness, and declares his intention to continue his work of casting out demons and healing people for a short while longer.

Jesus also expresses a lament for Jerusalem because the city does not recognize the time of its visitation by God.

This verse hints at both the resistance Jesus faced from certain political authorities and his unwavering commitment to his mission.

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Historical Context

This verse is set during the time of Jesus' ministry in Judea and Galilee, under the jurisdiction of the Roman Empire.

Herod Antipas, mentioned in the verse, was the tetrarch (a ruler of a quarter) of Galilee and Perea.

He was a son of Herod the Great and is known for the beheading of John the Baptist.

The Pharisees were a religious and political group in Judea known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law and traditions.

Despite their traditional opposition to Roman rule, in this instance, they appear concerned for Jesus' safety, or possibly have an ulterior motive in trying to persuade him to flee.

Theological Insights

Differing theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in distinct ways.

Some see the proclamation of the Pharisees as a genuine concern for Jesus' well-being; alternatively, it could be perceived as a ploy to scare Jesus away because he was gaining influence.

Jesus' reference to Herod as "that fox" is seen as significant in portraying Herod's nature, standing in contrast to the more noble animal metaphors frequently used for Judaic leaders, like the lion.

Moreover, Jesus' lamentation for Jerusalem signifies the divine sorrow at the city's upcoming rejection of its Messiah, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment and mercy.

Practical Applications

This verse can offer several practical life applications.

It teaches the importance of steadfastness in the face of opposition or danger and encourages individuals to continue their righteous work despite threats.

It also advises discernment when receiving advice, considering the possible hidden motivations of others.

Lastly, the passage speaks to the necessity of recognizing important moments and opportunities in life, akin to Jesus lamenting Jerusalem's inability to recognize their time of visitation.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
Luke 9:22: "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."

Language Study

The Greek term for "fox" used in this passage is "ἀλώπηξ" (alopex), which often symbolizes craftiness and cunning.

The imperative command "Get thee out" is from "ἔξελθε" (exelthe), which indicates urgency in departure.

Understanding the nuances of these original Greek terms provides deeper insight into the tone and implications of the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of a "fox" is used in various ancient cultures to depict slyness and trickery.

In Aesop's fables, the fox is often a representation of craftiness.

In the context of the Bible, such a metaphor contrasts with the more common and august imagery of a lion, which symbolized power and nobility and was often used to refer to Judaic leaders or to Jesus himself as the "Lion of Judah."

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not particularly contribute to the understanding of this verse, as it deals more with historical and theological concepts rather than natural or scientific phenomena.

However, the behavior of foxes in nature as cautious and cunning animals might offer some background as to why Herod is associated with a fox in Jesus' response.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various interpretations of Luke 13:31.

Some suggest the Pharisees' warning was self-serving, intended to rid themselves of Jesus' provocative presence. Others believe it reflects genuine concern for his safety, showing that not all Pharisees were hostile towards him.

Commentators also note the sadness in Jesus' subsequent prophecy about Jerusalem, highlighting the city's historical resistance to prophets and messengers sent by God. Jesus' comparison of Herod to a fox is widely accepted to underscore Herod's lack of genuine kingly authority and integrity.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:31 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 13:31 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?