1.
In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
In . Greek. en. App-104 .
trode one upon another = trampled one another down.
unto. Greek. pros. App-104 . Not the same word as in Luke 12:11 .
first. The Structure ("K ") on p. 1471 shows that this must be connected with "disciples "and not with what follows.
Beware ye = Take heed to yourselves. Compare Matthew 16:6 , spoken on another occasion. of. Greek. apo. App-104 .
leaven. See note on Matthew 13:33 .
which . Denoting a class of things in the category of impiety.
hypocrisy . See note on "hypocrite" (Luke 11:44 ).
2.
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
nothing. Greek. ouden. Compound of ou. App-105 .
covered = concealed. Greek sunkaluptomai. Only here in N.T.
not. Greek. ou. App-105 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 12:4 , Luke 12:6 -, Luke 4:7 , Luke 4:21 , Luke 4:26 , Luke 4:27 -; Luke 4:29 ; Luke 4:32 ; Luke 4:33 ; Luk 4:47; Luk 4:48; Luk 4:59 .
be = become.
revealed = uncovered. Greek. apokalupto. See App-106 .
known . Greek. ginosko. App-132 .
3.
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Therefore = Instead of (Greek. anti. App-104 . ) which.
have spoken = spake.
darkness = the darkness.
in = to. Greek pros. App-104 .
closets = the chambers. Occurs only here, Luke 12:24 , and Matthew 6:6 ; Matthew 24:26 .
proclaimed . App-121 .
upon . Greek. epi. App-104 .
housetops . Compare Matthew 24:17 .
4.
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
I say unto you . Always introduces an important matter.
unto = to.
Be not afraid ( phobethete). ye shall fear (phobethete) (Luke 12:5 ). Note the Figure of speech Anadiplosis ( App-6 ), by which all the words between are emphasized, by being thus enclosed.
not. Greek. me. App-105 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 12:2 , Luke 12:6 , Luke 12:10 , Luke 2:15 , Luke 2:21 , Luke 2:26 , Luke 2:27 , Luke 2:39 , Luke 2:45 , Luke 2:46 , Luk 2:56 , Luk 2:57 , Luk 2:59 .
of = from [the hands of]. Greek. apo. App-104 . Compare Matthew 10:28 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 12:6 , Luke 12:13 , Luke 12:25 , Luke 6:48 , Luk 6:57 . after. Greek. meta. App-104 . no. Greek. ou.
5.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
forewarn = shew, or warn; p. Luke 3:7 .
ye shall fear . See note on Luke 12:4 .
Fear . Note the second Anadiplosis. App-6 .
Him, which: i.e. God Who.
power = authority. See App-172 .
into . Greek. eis. App-104 .
hell = the Gehenna. See note on 2 Kings 23:10 . Matthew 5:3 , and App-131 .
6.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
not. See App-105 .
two farthings = two assaria. See note on Matthew 10:29 .
of = out of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
before = in the sight of. Greek. enopion, as in Luke 1:15 .
7.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
are = have been. See note on Matthew 10:30 . Acts 27:34 ; and compare 1 Samuel 14:45 . 1 Kings 1:52 .
more value = differ from: i.e. excel.
8.
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
shall = may (with Greek. an).
Me = in (Greek. en. App-104 .) Me: i.e. in My Name.
before = in the presence of. Greek. emprosthen.
men. Plural of anthropos. App-123 .
him = in him.
shall = will.
the Son of man. See App-98 .
9.
But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
denieth = has disowned.
denied = utterly disowned.
10.
And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
word. Not "blaspheme", as in next clause.
against. Greek. eis. App-101 .
the Holy Ghost. With Art. See App-101 . As in Luke 12:12 .
11.
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
unto = before. Greek. epi. App-104 .
synagogues. See App-120 .
powers = authorities. App-172 .
take ye no thought = be not full of care, or anxious.
answer = reply in defence. See Acts 6:8 , Act 6:10 ; 2 Timothy 4:17 . 1 Peter 3:15 . Compare Daniel 3:16 .
12.
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
ought to = should.
13.
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
Master = Teacher. App-98 .
divide. Compare Deuteronomy 21:15-17 .
with. Greek. meta. App-104 .
14.
And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
made = appointed, or constituted. Compare Exodus 2:4 .
over. Greek. epi. App-104 . Not with the same case as in verses: Luke 12:42 , Luke 12:44 .
15.
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Take heed = See. Greek. horao. App-133 .
beware = keep yourselves from,
covetousness. All the texts read "all covetousness".
man's = to any one.
life. Greek zoe. See App-170 . Not so with bios ( App-171 .)
possesseth. Greek. huparcho. see Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:6 (being); Luke 3:20 ("is ").
16.
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
ground = estate. Greek. chora.
brought forth plentifully. Greek euphoreo. Occurs only here.
17.
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
thought = was reasoning.
within. Greek. en. App-104 .
no = not. Greek ou. App-105 .
bestow = gather together, or lay up.
18.
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
barns = granaries.
fruits = produce. Not the same word as in Luke 12:17 . Tr. WI R read "the corn".
goods = good things.
19.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
my soul. Idiom for "myself". Greek. mou psuche . See App-13 ., App-110 , and note on Jeremiah 17:21 .
soul = psuche. See App-110 .
laid up = laid by.
for (Greek. eis. App-104 .) many years. Compare Proverbs 27:1 .
20.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
fool . See note on Luke 11:40 .
this night = this very night.
thy soul = thy life. App-110 .
shall be required = they demand. Only here and Luke 6:30 . Tr. A WI read "is required". But both are impersonal, referring to some unknown invisible agencies which carry out God's judgments or Satan's will. Compare Psalms 49:15 .Job 4:19 ; Job 18:18 ; Job 19:26 ; Job 34:20 . In a good sense compare Isaiah 60:11 .
which, &c. In the Greek this clause is emph., standing before the question "then whose", &c.
provided = prepared.
21.
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
toward . Greek. eis. App-104 .
22.
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Therefore = On (Greek. dia. App-104 .Luke 12:3; Luke 12:3 ) this [account].
Take no thought , &c. This saying is repeated from Matthew 6:25 . See note there.
life. Greek. psuche. See App-110 . It is what can "eat".
23.
The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
The. [L] T Tr. A WH R read "For the", &c.
meat = food. Compare Matthew 6:25-34 .
24.
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Consider , &c. See note on Matthew 7:3 .
ravens. See Job 38:41 .Psalms 147:9 . Occurs only here in N.T.
neither sow = sow not (Greek. ou. App-105 ).
nor. Greek. oude.
neither have = have not, as above.
storehouse . Same as "closet "in Luke 12:3 .
barn = granary.
fowls = birds.
25.
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
to . Greek. epi. App-104 .
stature = age, as in John 9:21 , John 9:23 .Hebrews 11:11 , referring to fullness of growth, hence rendered "stature" (Luke 19:3 .Ephesians 4:13; Ephesians 4:13 ). A "cubit" could not be "the least" of Luke 12:26 . It must therefore be putby Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for length generally: either the least measure (an inch) to his height, or a moment to his age (or life). Greek. helikia. Occurs elsewhere in Luke 2:52 and Matthew 6:27 .
26.
If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
If ye, &c. Assuming the hypothesis as a fact. See App-118 .
not. Compound of ou. App-105 .
least. This determines the meaningof "cubit "in Luke 12:25 , or it would nullify the Lord's argument.
for . Greek. peri. App-104 .
27.
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
they grow . T Tr. A WI m. omit, and read "how they toil not", &c.
toil not, they spin not = neither toil nor spin. T A WI m. read "neither spin nor weave".
Solomon . . . was not = not even Solomon was. 1Ki 3:13 ; 1 Kings 10:1-29 . Song of Solomon 3:6-11 .
28.
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
grass , &c. Compare Isaiah 40:6 . 1 Peter 1:24 .James 1:10 , James 1:11 .
cast: i.e. for fuel, "oven "being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for the furnace; as we say " the kettle boils" or "light the fire".
O ye of little faith . Greek. oligopistos. See all the five occurances in note on Matthew 6:30 .
29.
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
neither = and not. Greek. me. App-104 .
of doubtful mind = excited. Occurs only here in N.T.
30.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
world. Greek. kosmos. App-129 .
knoweth. Greek oida. App-132 .
31.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
the kingdom of God . See App-114 .
32.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
little flock. Compare Psalms 23:1 .Isaiah 40:11 .Matthew 26:31 . Joh 10:12-16 .
it is your Father's good pleasure = your Father took delight. The King was present: what could He not supply?
33.
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Sell. Compare Acts 2:44 , Acts 2:45 ; Acts 4:37 .
that ye have. Greek. huparcho: your possessions. See note on "is", Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:20 .
bags = purses.
wax not old = never wear out.
the heavens. Plural. See notes on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 . that faileth not = unfailing.
moth. Compare James 5:2 .
corrupteth = destroyeth, as in Revelation 8:9 ; Revelation 11:18 .
34.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
heart be also = heart also be.
35.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
lights = lamps. See App-130 .
36.
And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
that wait for = waiting, or looking, for. Greek. prosdechomai, as in Luke 2:25 , Luke 2:38 ; Luke 23:51 .Mark 15:43 .Titus 2:13 .
lord . App-98 . A.
when = whensoever.
will. All the texts read "may".
return. Greek. analuo. Occurs only here, and Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:23 , in N.T. In Septuagint only in the Apocryphal books, and always in the sense of returning back, as in ana-kampto (Hebrews 11:15 ). See Tobit 2.9. Judith 13.1.Ezra 3:3 . Book of Wisdom 2.1; 5.12; 16.14. Ecclus 3.15. 2 Macc. 8.25; 9.1; 12.7; 15.28. The noun analusis = a returning back of the body to dust, as in Genesis 3:19 , occurs only once, in 2 Timothy 4:6 .
from = out of. Greek ek. App-104 .
the wedding = the marriage feast.
37.
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Blessed = Happy.
servants = bondman.
watching. Greek. gregoreo, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 , 1 Thessalonians 5:10 (wake).
verily . See note on Matthew 5:18 .
38.
And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
if . Greek. ean. App-118 .
second . . . third watch. See App-51 . (12, 17).
so = thus.
39.
And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
goodman = master. App-98 .
broken = dug. Occurs only here; Matthew 6:19 , Matthew 6:20 ; Matthew 24:43 .
40.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Be = Become.
41.
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Lord . Note, not "Jesus". App-98 . A.
to. Greek. pros. Same as "unto" in preceding clause.
42.
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
that faithful and wise steward = the faithful steward and prudent [man].
make ruler = set.
over. Greek. epi. App-104 . Not the same case as in verses: Luke 12:14 , Luke 12:44 .
portion of meat = measure of food. Greek. sitometrion. Occurs only here. Supposed to be a peculiar N.T. word, but it is found in the Papyri, and the kindred verb in Genesis 47:12 , Genesis 47:14 (Septuagint)
43.
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44.
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
over . Greek. epi. App-104 . Not the same case as in verses: Luke 12:14 , Luke 12:42 .
45.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
delayeth. The emphasis is placed on this verb
by the Figure of speech Hyperbaton ( App-6 ), because it is this postponement of the reckoning which leads to his evil doing.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) in Luke 12:45 and Luke 12:46 .
menservants . See App-108 .
maidens. Greek. paidiske. See Luke 22:56 .
46.
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
at = in, as in preceding clause.
is not aware = knows not. App-132 .
cut him in sunder. Compare Daniel 2:5 .Hebrews 11:37 .
unbelievers = unfaithful.
47.
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
And = But.
will. Greek. thelema. See App-102 .
according to. Greek. pros. App-104 .
48.
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
given = committed.
of = from. Greek. para. App-104 .
49.
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?
I am come = Icame, &c.
send. Greek. ballo. In fourteen out of the eighteen occurrences in Luke, rendered "cast". See verses: Luk 28:88 .
fire . See Joel 2:30 , &c. Had the nation received Him, all that the prophets had spoken would have been fulfilled. So would it have been had Peter's proclamation been received (Acts 5:18-26 ). See note on Luke 12:51 .
on = into. Greek. eis. App-104 . But all the texts read epi ( App-104 . ix. 3). earth. Greek. ge. App-129 .
what will I . . . ? = what do I wish? Figure of speech Aposiopesis, App-6 (no answer being required or given).
if it be , &c. Another Aposiopesis ( App-6 ) repeated. The Lord was "straitened "(Luke 12:50 ). The nation had not yet finally rejected Him. App-118 .
50.
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
I have a baptism , &c. Referring to the sufferings which had to be first accomplished. See Luke 24:26 . Acts 3:18 . App-115 . . i.
how am I straitened = how am I being pressed. Greek. sunechomai, as in Acts 18:5 and Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:23 . The prayer in Gethsemane shows how this
was. See Luke 22:41 , Luke 22:42 .Hebrews 5:7 .
accomplished. See Luke 9:31 . Joh 19:28 .
51.
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
I am come = I became present, as in Acts 21:18 .
to give peace. This was the object of His coming (Isaiah 9:6 , Isaiah 9:7 ): but the e f fect of His presence would bring war. He came not to judge (John 12:47 ) as to this object, but the effect of His coming was judgment (John 9:39 ).
on = in. Greek. en. App-104 .
earth = the earth. App-129 .
Nay. Greek. ouchi. See App-105 .
division = disunion. Occurs only here.
52.
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
from henceforth = from(Greek. apo. App-104 .) now: explaining the effect.
against. Greek. epi. App-104 . Referring to Micah 7:6 .
53.
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
against . In the last four instances epi governs the ace.
54.
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
also to the people = to the crowds also; not "in-consequent". See the Structure "L", p. 1471).
out of = from. Greek. apo. App-104 .
shower. Occurs only here.
it is = it happens.
55.
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
56.
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
hypocrites. See note on Luke 11:44 .
can = know [how to]. Greek. oida. App-132 .
face = appearance.
sky = the heaven. Singular. See notes on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
57.
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
judge ye, &c. Found in an inscriptionat Amorgus, as pronouncing a just judgment, anticipating Luke 12:58 .
58.
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
When thou goest = For, when thou art brought. Introducing the reason for this conclusion of the whole argument.
adversary. Shown in the last clause to be the tax-gatherer.
to = before. Greek. epi. App-104 .
the = a.
in the way. Emph. by Figure of speech Hyperbaton ( App-6 ).
give diligence = work hard, or take pains, or do your best. Not a Latinism, but found in the OxyrhyncusPapyri, second century B.C.
delivered = set free. Occurs only here, Acts 19:12 , and Hebrews 2:15 .
hale = haul. Anglo-Saxon holian. Occurs only here in N.T.
officer = tax-gatherer:i.e. the adversary of the first
clause. Greek. praktor = doer, or executive officer. Thus used in the Papyri. Occurs only here in N.T.; once in LXX, Isaiah 3:12 . He was the one who could cast a defaulter into prison.
59.
I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
not = by no means. Greek. ou me. App-105 .
hast paid = shalt have paid. This verse is repeated from Matthew 5:28 , with a different purpose, and therefore with different words,
mite . See App-51 .