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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 13:34 mean?

Explanation

The verse found in Luke 13:34, spoken by Jesus, conveys a mix of lamentation, love, and a prophetic warning.

Jesus personifies the city of Jerusalem as a single entity, expressing sorrow over its history of rejecting and even killing the prophets sent by God.

The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a metaphor for Jesus' desire to protect and nurture the citizens of Jerusalem.

However, the phrase "and ye would not" indicates the people's refusal of this offer of care and salvation.

The verse is rich in emotional expression, illustrating Jesus' deep compassion for the people despite their continued disobedience and resistance to his message.

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Historical Context

The verse is set during the time of Jesus’ ministry in Israel, a period characterized by Roman occupation and significant religious tension.

Prophets in the Jewish tradition often faced hostility and sometimes death when their messages challenged the prevailing religious and social norms.

Jerusalem, the religious and cultural center for the Jews, had a long history of rejecting prophets.

Jesus is speaking to a people accustomed to a cycle of revelation and resistance, reminding them of their past while simultaneously predicting the future, his own death at their hands.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is seen as revealing the compassionate heart of Jesus toward even those who reject him. It also underscores the free will of humanity; God's desire for a relationship is shown, yet the human freedom to accept or reject that desire is respected.

Some theologians see it as an illustration of the mercy and judgment of God, mercy in the offer of protection and judgment in the implied consequence of refusing that protection.

Practical Applications

This poignant verse can apply to individuals who recognize their own tendencies to resist guidance and protection that is for their benefit, similar to how Jerusalem historically resisted God's messengers.

It encourages self-reflection on openness to divine guidance and a willingness to trust in a protective power greater than oneself.

The verse also has a message of hope and forgiveness, advocating that even those who have resisted divine love in the past can still embrace and be transformed by it.

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!"
Psalm 91:4: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Isaiah 66:13: "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "ἐθέλησα" (ethelēsa) translated as "would I have" signifies a strong desire or will to do something.

The phrase "ἐπισυναγαγεῖν" (episynagagein) which is rendered as "gathered" in English, indicates assembly or bringing together.

The metaphor of the "hen" (ὄρνις, ornis) implies care and nurture, portraying a strong maternal instinct.

The use of "οὐκ ἠθελήσατε" (ouk ēthelēsate), translated as "ye would not," denotes a determined refusal or unwillingness on the part of the listeners.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, birds represent protection and divine care.

The imagery of a mother bird caring for her young can be found in different mythologies, symbolizing the protective aspect of gods or the universe.

In the context of ancient Judaism, the metaphor of God protecting His people as an eagle or a bird is woven into their scriptures and poetry, representing God's nurturing and protective qualities.

Scientific Perspectives

While the primary content of this verse is metaphorical and theological rather than scientific, there is an acknowledgment in the field of ethology (the study of animal behavior) that certain avian species exhibit strong protective instincts over their offspring, similar to the behavior described in the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks.

This scientific observation affirms the accuracy and significance of the metaphor Jesus chose to communicate his message of care and protection.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on the heart of Jesus revealed in his expression of sorrow and longing love. Others explore the historical rejection of prophets and connect it to Jesus' own eventual rejection in Jerusalem.

Commentators often point out the duality of God's character displayed in the verse: his compassion (hen gathering her brood) versus the justice that falls on those who reject him (Jerusalem's history of violence against prophets).

A common theme is the recognition of human agency and the tragic consequences of rejecting divine grace.

Luke 13

Luke 13

What does Luke 13:34 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 13:34 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?