Luke 12

1 In the meantime [at that time, when], a crowd [multitude, large group] of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling [treading, stepping] one another [each other]. Jesus began [started, commenced] to speak [say, teach] first [initially, before others] to His disciples: “Beware [watch out, be cautious] of the leaven [yeast, corrupting influence] of the Pharisees [a Jewish sect, strict religious group], which [that is, namely] is hypocrisy [deceit, pretence]. word study 2 There is nothing [absolutely none, no single thing] concealed [completely covered, hidden from view] that will not be disclosed [revealed, made known, uncovered], and nothing [not a single thing, no secret] hidden [secret, concealed from sight] that will not be made known [clearly understood, revealed, brought to light]. word study 3 What you have spoken [in secret, whispered] in the dark will be heard [clearly understood, proclaimed] in the daylight [publicly, openly], and what you have whispered [spoken softly, shared privately] in the inner rooms [private chambers, secret places] will be proclaimed [preached, announced] from the housetops [publicly, for all to hear]. word study 4 I tell you, My friends [those who are close to Me, dear companions], do not be afraid [have no fear, do not dread] of those who kill [destroy, take the life of] the body [the physical person, the flesh] and after that can do [are able to accomplish, have the power to] no more [nothing further, nothing additional]. word study 5 But I will show [warn, instruct] you whom you should fear [reverence, have awe of]: Fear [have reverence for, be in awe of] the One [God, the Almighty] who, after you have been killed [destroyed, taken life], has authority [power, freedom to act] to throw [cast, dispose of] you into hell [Gehenna, a place of eternal punishment]. Yes [verily, truly], I tell [say, speak] you, fear [reverence, have awe of] Him [the One who has power over life and death]! word study 6 Are not [certainly, without a doubt] five [a specific number, emphasizing individual care] sparrows [small, insignificant birds] sold [exchanged, traded] for two [a minimal amount, barely worth anything] pennies [small Roman coins]? Yet not [none, absolutely none] one [a single, individual] of them [these sparrows, God’s creations] is forgotten [overlooked, neglected] by [in the presence of, before] God [the all-knowing, all-caring Creator]. word study 7 And even the very hairs [every single one, all numbered] of your head [the upper part of the body, or the source of thoughts and decisions] are all [completely, entirely] numbered [counted, enumerated]. So do not be afraid [do not fear, have no fear]; you are worth [of great value, more precious] more than many [a large number of, numerous] sparrows [small, insignificant birds]. word study 8 I tell you, everyone [all people, every individual] who confesses [acknowledges, professes] Me [the Son of God, the Messiah] before men [human beings, people], the Son of Man [the heavenly King, the Messiah] will also confess [acknowledge, give witness to] him before the angels [heavenly messengers, divine beings] of God [the supreme Creator, the Almighty]. word study 9 But whoever [he that, anyone who] denies [rejects, says no to] Me [I, the Messiah] before [in the presence of] men [human beings, people] will be denied [utterly refused, disowned] before [in the presence of] the angels [messengers, heavenly beings] of God [the one true deity, Creator]. word study 10 And everyone [all people, every individual] who speaks a word [a message, utterance] against the Son [the Messiah, Christ] of Man [humanity, a human being] will be forgiven [released from guilt, pardoned], but whoever [any person who] blasphemes [speaks evil, slanders] against the Holy [set apart, sacred] Spirit [the divine breath, God’s presence] will not be forgiven [will not receive pardon, will not be released from guilt]. word study 11 When [at any time, whenever] you are brought [led, taken] before synagogues [Jewish places of worship, gatherings], rulers [magistrates, leaders], and authorities [powers, those in charge], do not worry [be anxious, concerned] about how [in what way, by what means] to defend [answer, justify] yourselves or what [which thing, what message] to say [speak, declare]. word study 12 For [as a reason, because of this] at that time [in that very hour, at the moment] the Holy [set apart, sacred] Spirit [the vital principle] will teach [instruct, guide] you [directly, personally] what [which, the things] you should say [ought to speak, must declare].” word study 13 Someone [a certain one, one of the people] in the crowd [multitude, large group] said to Him, “Teacher [Master, instructor], tell [bid, speak to] my brother [male sibling, fellow] to divide [separate, distribute] the inheritance [property, possession] with [alongside, together] me [I, myself].” word study 14 But Jesus replied, “Man [a human being], who [which one] appointed Me [I, the Messiah] judge [a magistrate] or [as an alternative] executor [an arbiter] between you [among or over you]?” word study 15 And He said to them, “Watch out [be cautious, beware]! Guard [protect, keep watch over] yourselves against every form of greed [covetousness, avarice], for one’s life [existence, spiritual being] does not consist [is not found, does not depend] in the abundance [excess, wealth] of his possessions [material goods, riches].” word study 16 Then [at that time, next] He told [spoke, shared] them a parable [a story with a moral lesson, an illustration]: “The ground [land, country] of a certain [one] rich [wealthy] man produced [brought forth] an abundance [plentifully, in large amounts, like a big harvest]. word study 17 So he thought [reasoned, discussed with himself] to himself, ‘What shall I do [make, bring about], since I have [possess, hold] nowhere [no place, no room] to store [gather, bestow] my crops [fruit, harvest]?’ word study 18 Then he said, ‘This [what I have decided] is what I will do: I will tear down [demolish, pull down] my barns [storehouses, granaries] and will build [construct, erect] bigger [greater, larger] ones, and there [in that place] I will store up [gather, collect] all my grain [crops, produce] and my goods [possessions, wealth]. word study 19 Then I will say to myself [to my soul], “You have [possess] plenty of [much] good [beneficial] things [treasures, riches] laid up [stored] for many [numerous] years [periods of time]. Take it easy [rest]. Eat [consume], drink [swallow], and be merry [celebrate]!”’ word study 20 But God [the Almighty, Creator] said to him, ‘You [foolish one, unwise] fool! This very night [in the darkness of death] your life [soul, breath of life] will be required [demanded back, taken away] of you. Then [at that time, afterwards] who [which person, what individual] will own [possess, inherit] what you have accumulated [prepared, stored up, gathered]?’ word study 21 This is how [in this manner, thus] it will be for anyone who stores up [amasses, lays up] treasure [riches, wealth] for himself [for their own benefit] but is not [does not consider himself] rich [wealthy, prosperous] toward [in the eyes of, with regard to] God [the Almighty, Creator].” word study 22 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore [because of this reason] I tell you, do not [stop, cease] worry [be anxious, have cares] about your life [soul, the breath of life], what you will eat [consume], or about your body [physical person], what you will wear [put on]. word study 23 For life [the breath of life] is more [greater] than food [nourishment], and the body [the whole physical person] more than clothes [outer garments]. word study 24 Consider [think about, observe carefully] the ravens [corvids, a type of bird]: They do not [never] sow [plant seeds, cultivate] or reap [harvest, gather], they have no [none, lacking] storehouse [inner room, granary] or barn [warehouse, storage]; yet God [the Supreme Being, Creator] feeds [nourishes, provides for] them. How much more [to a greater extent, rather] valuable [precious, esteemed] you are than [in comparison to, surpassing] the birds [fowl, creatures of the air]! word study 25 Who [which one of you] of you by [being anxious about, taking thought] worrying [concern, care] can add [increase, give more] a single [one] hour [cubit, a unit of measurement] to his [own] life [age, stature]? word study 26 So if [in this case, as a condition] you cannot [are not able, lack the power] do such a small thing [even the least, a minor task], why do you worry [are anxious, have concern] about the rest [the remaining things, what is left]? word study 27 Consider [think carefully about, behold] how the lilies [flowers] grow: They do not [in no way] labor [toil, work hard] or spin [make thread, be anxious]. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon [the wise king] in all [every aspect of] his glory [honor, praise, divine splendor] was adorned [clothed, arrayed] like [in the same manner as] one of these [these flowers, creations of God]. word study 28 If that is how God [the supreme Creator, Elohim] clothes [provides, adorns] the grass [herbage, vegetation] of the field [countryside, agricultural land], which is here today [in the present time] and tomorrow [in the near future] is thrown [cast, discarded] into the furnace [oven, fiery trial], how much more [to a greater extent] will He clothe [provide, care for] you, O you of little faith [having a small amount of trust, being spiritually weak]! word study 29 And do not [stop or cease] be concerned [anxious or troubled] about what [which things or necessities] you will eat [consume as nourishment] or [as an alternative] drink [take in as sustenance]. Do not [refrain from] worry [be in a state of suspense or doubt] about it [these things or your needs]. word study 30 For the Gentiles [nations, non-Jewish people] of the world [the earthly realm, human society] strive after [pursue, seek after] all these things [material possessions, earthly needs], and your Father [the heavenly Father, God] knows [is aware, perceives] that you need [have necessity, require] them [these essential things, daily necessities]. word study 31 But [however, in contrast] seek [search for, pursue] His [the Lord’s, God’s] kingdom [reign, dominion of God], and these things [all these necessities, earthly needs] will be added [given, provided] unto you [to your life, for your benefit]. word study 32 Do not [be anxious or terrified] be afraid, little [small or humble] flock, for your Father [the heavenly Parent, divine Caregiver] is pleased [delighted, thinks well of] to give [bestow, grant generously] you the kingdom [God’s royal power, dominion, and reign]. word study 33 Sell your possessions [all that you have, your goods] and give [bestow, grant] to the poor [needy, those in poverty]. Provide yourselves with purses [money bags, treasure stores] that will not wear out [become old, decay], an inexhaustible [never failing, unfailing] treasure [riches, wealth] in heaven [the spiritual realm], where no thief [one who steals, a robber] approaches [comes near, draws near] and no moth [an insect that destroys, corruption] destroys [corrupts, ruins]. word study 34 For [as a reason, explaining why] where [in what location] your [belonging to you] treasure [wealth, riches] is, there [in that place] your [belonging to you] heart [seat of thoughts and emotions] will be [exist] also [too]. word study 35 Be [ready, prepared] dressed for service [as for a journey, with your work clothes on] and keep your lamps [lights, sources of spiritual guidance] burning [kindled, lit]. word study 36 Then you [as faithful servants] will be like servants waiting [expectantly, with confidence] for their master [lord, the one in authority] to return from the wedding banquet [celebration, feast], so that when he comes [arrives, returns] and knocks [raps, strikes the door], they can open [make accessible, unlock] the door for him at once [immediately, without delay]. word study 37 Blessed [happy, supremely fortunate] are those servants [faithful stewards, slaves] whom the master [Lord, God] finds [discovers, meets] on watch [alert, vigilant] when he returns [comes back, arrives]. Truly [verily, assuredly] I tell you, he will dress [gird, prepare] himself to serve [attend, minister] and will have them recline [sit down, lean back] at the table [for a meal, to eat], and he himself will come [approach, draw near] and wait on [serve, attend to] them [with honor, as a servant]. word study 38 Even if he comes [at midnight, or just before dawn] in the second [or subsequently] or third watch of the night [a period of guarding or observation] and finds them [watching and ready] alert, those servants [bondservants, slaves] will be [supremely] blessed [happy, fortunate, in a state of bliss]. word study 39 But understand [be certain, know] this: If the homeowner [master of the house, householder] had known [been aware, perceived] at what hour [specific time, moment] the thief [one who steals, burglar] was coming, he would not have let [allowed, permitted] his house [home, dwelling] be broken into [digged through, forcibly entered]. word study 40 You also [likewise, in the same way] must be [become, prepared to be] ready [prepared, watchful], because [since, for the reason that] the Son [a child or descendant] of Man [a human being] will come [arrive, appear] at an hour [a specific time or moment] you do not [absolutely not] expect [think, suppose].” word study 41 “Lord [Master, God, the One in authority],” said Peter [the rock, a disciple], “are You addressing [speaking, telling] this parable [a story that teaches a moral lesson, an illustration] to us [to the disciples, to those who follow You], or to everyone else [to all people, to the crowd] as well [also, too]?” word study 42 And the Lord [Jesus, the Master] answered, “Who then is the faithful [trustworthy, dependable] and wise [thoughtful, prudent] manager [steward, overseer], whom the master [lord, owner] puts in charge of his servants [household staff, attendants] to give them their portion [food ration, daily allowance] at the proper [right, appointed] time [season, opportunity]? word study 43 Blessed [happy, supremely fortunate] is that servant [slave, one subject to another] whose master [lord, one in authority] finds [discovers, meets with] him doing [accomplishing, making] so [in this manner, thus] when he returns [comes, arrives]. word study 44 Truly [of a truth, surely] I tell you, he will put [set, appoint, make ruler over] him in charge [over, to supervise] of all [every, everything] his possessions [goods, affairs, that he hath]. word study 45 But suppose that servant [slave, bondservant] says in his heart [innermost being, mind], ‘My master [lord, ruler] will be a long time in coming [delaying, tarrying],’ and he begins [starts, commences] to beat [strike, mistreat] the menservants [male servants, attendants] and maidservants [female servants, slaves], and to eat [consume, devour] and drink [imbibe, indulge] and get drunk [intoxicated, inebriated]. word study 46 The master [lord, one in authority] of that servant will come [arrive, be present] on a day [a 24-hour period, a period of time] he does not expect [look for, anticipate] and at an hour [a specific time, a moment] he does not anticipate [know, recognize]. Then he will cut him to pieces [cut in two, divide severely] and assign him a place [give him his portion, appoint his share] with the unbelievers [those without faith, the unfaithful]. word study 47 That servant [the one who is subject to a higher authority] who knows [is aware of, understands] his master’s [lord, one who has power over him] will [desire, intention, purpose] but does not get ready [prepare himself, make necessary arrangements] or follow [obey, carry out] his instructions [commands, directions] will be beaten [severely punished, scourged] with many [a large number of] blows [stripes, lashes]. word study 48 But the one who unknowingly [without knowledge or understanding] does things worthy [deserving, or of sufficient value] of punishment [chastisement, or correction] will be beaten with few [a small number of] blows. From everyone who has been given [entrusted, or granted] much [a large amount, or abundance], much [a great deal, or abundance] will be required [demanded, or expected]; and from him who has been entrusted [given responsibility, or put in charge] with much [a great deal, or abundance], even more [a greater amount, or more abundantly] will be demanded [expected, or required]. word study 49 I have come [to bring, to send] to ignite [set fire to, kindle] a fire [flames or divine judgment] on the earth [the soil or the world], and how I wish [desire, long for] it were already [even now] kindled [burning or ablaze]! word study 50 But I have a baptism [ceremonial act of washing or immersion] to undergo [to be baptized with, to experience], and how [in what way, to what extent] distressed [straitened, pressed, grieved] I am until [till the time when] it is accomplished [completed, finished, brought to an end]! word study 51 Do you think [suppose, have an opinion] that I have come [arrived, become near] to bring [give, bestow] peace [harmony, prosperity] to the earth [soil, ground, the world]? No [not at all], I tell you, but [rather, on the contrary] division [disunion, separation, a split in opinion]. word study 52 From [henceforth, from this time on] now on, five [a specific number, emphasizing division] in one [single, unified] household [family, home] will be divided [split apart, separated], three [a specific number, emphasizing opposition] against [in opposition to, opposed by] two [a specific number, emphasizing conflict] and two against three. word study 53 They will be divided [separated, torn apart], father [male parent, paternal figure] against son [child, offspring] and son against father [parent, ancestor], mother [female parent, nurturer] against daughter [female child, descendant] and daughter against mother [caregiver, matriarch], mother-in-law [wife’s mother, relative by marriage] against daughter-in-law [husband’s mother, spouse’s relative] and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law [relative by marriage, family member]. ” word study 54 Then Jesus said to the crowds [multitudes, large groups of people], “As soon as you see [perceive, notice] a cloud [visible mass of water vapor] rising [coming up, ascending] in the west [direction of the sunset], you say [declare, proclaim], ‘A shower [rainstorm, heavy rain] is coming [approaching, drawing near],’ and that is what happens [occurs, takes place]. word study 55 And when [at the time, whenever] the south wind [the southern breeze] blows [to breathe hard], you say [to speak or declare], ‘It will be [to exist or become] hot [burning heat],’ and [also, additionally] it is [to come into being, to happen]. word study 56 You hypocrites [insincere pretenders]! You know how to interpret [discern, understand] the appearance [face, countenance] of the earth [soil, land] and sky [heaven, atmosphere]. Why don’t you know how to interpret [understand, discern] the present time [this moment, current season]? word study 57 And why don’t you [on your own, of yourselves] judge [make a decision, form an opinion] for yourselves [your own minds, hearts] what is [truly, absolutely] right [just, fair, righteous]? word study 58 Make every effort [be diligent, strive] to reconcile [settle the dispute, be freed from] with your adversary [opponent, accuser] while you are on your way [in the process of going, during the journey] to the magistrate [ruler, judge]. Otherwise [lest, if not], he may drag [force, compel] you off to the judge [one who decides, ruler], and the judge may hand [deliver, surrender] you over to the officer [bailiff, court official], and the officer may throw [cast, toss] you into prison [a place of confinement, jail]. word study 59 I tell you [to say], you will not [completely] get out [depart] until [to the point of completion] you have paid [given back] the very last penny [a small coin, mite].” word study