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Luke 12
Luke 12:1
General Information:
Jesus begins to teach his disciples in front of thousands of people.
In the meantime
This is probably while the scribes and Pharisees were looking for a way to trap him. The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-newevent)
when many thousands of the people ... they trampled on each other
This is background information that tells the setting of the story. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)
many thousands of the people
"a very great crowd"
they trampled on each other
This is probably an exaggeration to emphasize that so many people were crowded close together that they would step on each other. Alternate translation: "they were stepping on each other" or "they were stepping on one another's feet" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
he began to say to his disciples first of all
"Jesus first started speaking to his disciples, and said to them"
Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy
Just as yeast spreads through a whole lump of bread dough, their hypocrisy was spreading through the whole community. Alternate translation: "Guard yourself against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which is like yeast" or "Be careful that you do not become hypocrites like the Pharisees. Their evil behavior influences everyone just as yeast affects a lump of dough" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Luke 12:2
But there is
The word "But" connects this verse to the previous verse about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-connectingwords)
there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed
"everything that is hidden will be shown." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will find out about everything that people do secretly" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
nothing hidden that will not be known
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence in order to emphasize its truth. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will learn about everything that others try to hide" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Luke 12:3
whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light
Here "darkness" is a metonym for "night" which is a metonym for "private. And "light" is a metonym for "day" which is a metonym for "public. The phrase "will be heard" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whatever you have said privately at night, people will hear it in the daylight" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
spoken in the ear
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whispered to another person" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)
in the inner rooms
"in a closed room." This refers to private speech. Alternate translation: "in privacy" or "secretly"
will be proclaimed
"will be shouted loudly." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will proclaim" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
upon the housetops
Houses in Israel had flat roofs, so people could go up and stand on top of them. If readers would be distracted trying to imagine how people would get up on the house tops, this could also be translated with a more general expression, such as "from a high place so that everyone will be able to hear."
Luke 12:4
I say to you, my friends
Jesus readdresses his disciples to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, in this case, to speak about not being afraid.
they have no more that they can do
"they cannot cause any more harm"
Luke 12:5
Fear the one who, after ... has authority
The phrase "the one" refers to God. This could be reworded. Alternate translation: "Fear God who, after ... has authority" or "Fear God, because after ... he has authority" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
after he has killed
"after he kills you"
has authority to throw you into hell
This is a general statement about God's authority to judge people. It does not mean this will happen to the disciples. Alternate translation: "has authority to throw people into hell"
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "You know that five sparrows are sold for only two small coins." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
sparrows
very small, seed-eating birds
not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God
This could be stated in active form and in positive form. Alternate translation: "God never forgets any of them" or "God indeed remembers every sparrow" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-litotes)
Luke 12:7
even the hairs of your head are all numbered
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God knows even how many hairs are on your head" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Do not fear
The reason for the fear is not stated. Possible meanings are 1) "Do not be afraid of what will happen to you" or 2) "So do not be afraid of people who could hurt you."
You are more valuable than many sparrows
"You are worth more to God than many sparrows"
Luke 12:8
I say to you
Jesus readdresses his audience to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, in this case, to speak about confession.
everyone who confesses me before men
What is confessed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "whoever tells others that he is my disciple" or "anyone who acknowledges before others that he is loyal to me" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
the Son of Man
Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man"
Luke 12:9
he who denies me before men will be denied
"I will deny before the angels of God that I know anyone who denies me" or "I, the Son of Man will deny before the angels of God that I know anyone who denies me" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
denies me
"claims that he does not know me" or "claims that he is not my disciple"
before men
where people can hear
will be denied
"will be treated as though I do not know him" or "will be treated as if he is not my disciple"
Luke 12:10
Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man
"Everyone who says something bad about the Son of Man"
it will be forgiven him
"he will be forgiven." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive him for that" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
"speaks evil against the Holy Spirit"
but to him ... it will not be forgiven
This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "but he ... God will not forgive him" or "but he ... God will consider him guilty forever" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-litotes)
Luke 12:11
When they bring you
It is not stated who brings them into judgment.
before the synagogues
"into the synagogues to question you before the religious leaders"
rulers ... authorities
It may be necessary to combine these into one statement. Alternate translation: "other people who have power in the country"
Luke 12:12
in that hour
"at that time" or "then"
Luke 12:13
General Information:
This is a break in Jesus's teachings. A man asks Jesus to do something and Jesus responds to him.
divide the inheritance with me
In that culture, inheritances came from the father, usually after the father had died. You may need to make explicit that the speaker's father had probably died. Alternate translation: "share my father's property with me now that our father is dead" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Luke 12:14
Man
Possible meanings are 1) this is simply a way to address a stranger or 2) Jesus is rebuking the man. Your language might have a way of addressing people in either of these ways. Some people do not translate this word at all.
who appointed me a judge or a mediator over you?
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the man. Alternate translation: "no one appointed me a judge or mediator over you." or "I am not your judge or mediator." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
you
This word refers to the man and his brother and so is plural. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)
Luke 12:15
He said to them
The word "them" here probably refers to the whole crowd of people. Alternate translation: "And Jesus said to the crowd"
keep yourselves from all greedy desires
"guard yourself from every form of greed." Alternate translation: "do not allow yourself to love having things" or "do not let the urge to have more things control you"
a person's life
This is a general statement of fact. It does not refer to any specific person. Some languages have a way of expressing that.
the abundance of his possessions
"how many things he owns" or "how much wealth he has"
Luke 12:16
Connecting Statement:
Jesus continues his teaching by telling a parable. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables)
Then Jesus told them
Jesus was probably still speaking to the entire crowd.
yielded abundantly
"grew a very good harvest"
Luke 12:17
What will I do, because I do not have a place to store my crops?
This question reflects what the man was thinking to himself. Alternate translation: "I do not know what to do, because I do not have any place big enough to store all my crops!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
Luke 12:18
barns
buildings where farmers store the crops they have harvested
all of my grain and other goods
"all of my grain and the other good things that I own"
Luke 12:19
I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ... years. Rest ... merry."
"I will say to myself, 'I have ... years. Rest ... merry.'" or "I will tell myself that I have ... years, so I can rest ... merry." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)
many goods
"many good things" or "many possessions"
Luke 12:20
Connecting Statement:
Jesus quotes how God responds to the rich man, as he finishes telling his parable.
tonight your soul is required of you
The "soul" refers to the life of a person. Alternate translation: "you will die tonight" or "I will take your life from you tonight" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
the things you have prepared, whose will they be?
"who will own what you have stored up?" or "who will have what you prepared?" God uses a question to make the man realize that he would no longer possess those things. Alternate translation: "the things that you have prepared will belong to someone else!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
Luke 12:21
stores up treasure
"saves up valuable things"
is not rich toward God
has not used his time and possessions for the things that are important to God
Luke 12:22
Connecting Statement:
Jesus continues teaching his disciples in front of the crowd.
Therefore
"For that reason" or "Because of what this story teaches"
I say to you
"I want to tell you something important" or "you need to listen carefully to this"
about your body, what you will wear
"about your body and what you will wear" or "about having enough clothes to put on your body"
Luke 12:23
life is more than food
This is a general statement of value. Alternate translation: "life is more important than the food you eat"
the body is more than clothes
"your body is more important than the clothes you wear"
Luke 12:24
ravens
This refers either to 1) crows, a kind of bird that eats mostly grain, or 2) ravens, a kind of bird that eats the flesh of dead animals. Jesus's audience would have considered the ravens worthless since the Jewish people could not eat these types of birds.
storeroom ... barn
These are places where food is stored.
How much more valuable you are than the birds!
This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus emphasizes the fact that people are much more valuable to God then birds. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclamations)
Luke 12:25
Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan?
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "None of you can make your life any longer by being anxious!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
add a cubit to his lifespan
This is a metaphor because a cubit is a measure of length rather than of time. The image is of a person's life stretched out as if it were a board, a rope, or some other physical object. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
cubit
the length from a man's elbow to the end of his fingers
Luke 12:26
If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Jesus uses another question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: "Since you cannot do even this small thing, you should not worry about the other things." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
Luke 12:27
Consider the lilies—how they grow
"Think about how the lilies grow"
lilies
Lilies are beautiful flowers that grow wild in the fields. If your language does not have a word for lily, you can use the name of another flower like that or translate it as "flowers" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-unknown)
neither do they spin
The process of making thread or yard for cloth is called "spinning." It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: "neither do they make thread in order to make cloth" or "and they do not make yarn" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Solomon in all his glory was
"Solomon, who had great wealth, was" or "Solomon, who wore beautiful clothes, was"
Luke 12:28
If God so clothes the grass in the field, which
"If God clothes the grass in the field like that, and it" or "If God gives the grass in the field such beautiful clothing, and it." God making the grass beautiful is spoken of as if God were putting beautiful clothes on the grass. Alternate translation: "If God makes the grass in the field beautiful like this, and it" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
is thrown into the oven
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone throws it into a fire" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
how much more will he clothe you
This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus emphasizes that he will certainly take care of people even better than he does the grass. This could be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he will certainly clothe you even better" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclamations)
Luke 12:29
Do not look for what you will eat and what you will drink
"Do not focus on what you will eat and drink" or "Do not greatly desire more to eat and drink"
Luke 12:30
all the nations of the world
Here "nations" refers to "unbelievers." Alternate translation: "all people of other nations" or "all the unbelievers in the world" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
your Father
This is an important title for God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)
Luke 12:31
seek his kingdom
"focus on God's kingdom" or "greatly desire God's kingdom"
these things will be added to you
"these things also will be given to you." "These things" refers to food and clothing. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will also give you these things" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Luke 12:32
little flock
Jesus is calling his disciples a flock. A flock is a group of sheep or goats that a shepherd cares for. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, God cares for Jesus's disciples. Alternate translation: "small group" or "dear group" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
your Father
This is an important title for God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)
Luke 12:33
give alms
It may be helpful to state what they receive. Alternate translation: "give alms from the money you earn from the sales" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Make for yourselves purses ... treasure in the heavens
The purses and treasure in the heavens are the same thing. They both represent God's blessing in heaven. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Make for yourselves
This is the result of giving to the poor. Alternate translation: "In this way you will make for yourselves"
purses which will not wear out
"money bags that will not get holes in them"
does not run out
"does not diminish" or "does not become less"
no thief comes near
"thieves do not come near"
no moth destroys
"moths do not destroy"
moth
A "moth" is a small insect that eats holes in fabric. You may need to use a different insect, such as an ant or termite.
Luke 12:34
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
"your heart will be focused on where you store your treasure"
your heart
Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
Luke 12:35
General Information:
Jesus begins to tell a parable. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables)
Keep your loins girded
These words are a metaphor for being ready to do hard work. People in Jesus's culture wore long flowing robes. They would tuck these robes into their belts to keep them out of the way while they worked. Alternate translation: "Always be ready to serve" or "Be dressed and ready to serve" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
and your lamps lit
This is a metaphor or metonym for staying awake at night and another metaphor for always being ready to work, even when it would otherwise be time to rest. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "keep your lamps burning" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Luke 12:36
be like people looking for their master
Jesus commands the disciples to be ready for him to return the same way servants should be ready for their master to return. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)
returns from the marriage feast
"returns home from a marriage feast"
open the door for him
This refers to the door of the master's house. It was the responsibility of his servants to open it for him. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Luke 12:37
Blessed are
"How good it is for"
whom the master will find watching when he comes
"whose master finds them waiting for him when he returns" or "who are ready when the master returns"
he will gird himself to serve and have them sit down
Because the servants have been faithful and ready to serve their master, the master will now reward them by serving them.
Luke 12:38
in the second watch of the night
The second watch was between 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Alternate translation: "late at night" or "just before midnight"
or if even in the third watch
The third watch was from midnight to 3:00 a.m. Alternate translation: "or if he comes very late at night"
Luke 12:39
had known the hour
"had known when"
he would not have let his house be broken into
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he would not have let the thief break into his house" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Luke 12:40
because you do not know the hour when the Son of Man comes
The only similarity between a thief and the Son of Man is that people do not know when either one will come, so they need to be ready.
do not know the hour when
"do not know at what time"
when the Son of Man comes
Jesus is talking about himself. Alternate translation: "when I, the Son of Man, will come"
Luke 12:41
General Information:
Here there is a break in the story line as Peter asks Jesus a question about the previous parable.
Luke 12:42
Connecting Statement:
Jesus begins to tell another parable.
Who then is ... right time?
Jesus uses a question to answer Peter's question indirectly. He expected those who wanted to be faithful managers to understand that the parable was about them. Alternate translation: "I said it for everyone who is ... right time." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
the faithful and wise manager
Jesus tells another parable about how servants should be faithful while they wait for their master to return. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables)
whom his lord will set over his other servants
"whom his lord puts in charge of his other servants"
Luke 12:43
Blessed is that servant
"How good it is for that servant"
whom his lord finds doing that when he comes
"if his lord finds him doing that work when he comes back"
Luke 12:44
Truly I say to you
This expression means they should pay special attention to what he is about to say.
will set him over all his property
"will put him in charge of all his property"
Luke 12:45
that servant
This refers to the servant whose lord has put him in charge of the other servants.
says in his heart
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "thinks to himself" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
My lord delays his return
"My master will not return soon"
male and female servants
The words that are translated here as "male and female servants" are normally translated as "boys" and "girls." They may indicate that the servants were young or that they were dear to their master.
Luke 12:46
in a day when he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know
The words "day" and "hour" form a merism of time that refers to any time, and the words "expect" and "know" have similar meanings, so the two phrases here are parallel to emphasize that the coming of the lord will be a total surprise to the servant. However, the phrases should not be combined unless your language has no different words for "know" and "expect" or "day" and "hour." Alternate translation: "at a time when the servant is not expecting him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-merism and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
cut him in pieces and appoint a place for him with the unfaithful
Possible meanings are 1) this is an exaggeration for the master dealing out harsh punishment toward the slave, or 2) this describes the manner in which the servant will be executed and buried as punishment. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
Luke 12:47
That servant, having known his lord's will and not having prepared or done according to his will, will be beaten with many blows
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "But as for the servant who knows his lord's will does not prepare or do according to it, the master will beat him with many blows" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
his lord's will ... according to his will
"what his master wanted him to do ... it"
Luke 12:48
Connecting Statement:
Jesus finishes telling the parable.
But the one ... few blows
Both the servant who knows the master's will and the servant who does not know it are punished, but the words that begin with "That servant" (verse 47) show the servant who intentionally disobeyed his master was punished more severely than the other servant.
But everyone who has been given much, from them much will be required
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They will require more of anyone who has received much" or "The master will require more of everyone he has given much to" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
the one ... much, even more will be asked
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the master will ask even more of the one ... much" or "the master will require even more of the one ... much" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
the one who has been entrusted with much
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one to whom the master has given much property to take care of" or "the one to whom the master has given much responsibility" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Luke 12:49
Connecting Statement:
Jesus continues to teach his disciples.
I came to cast fire upon the earth
"I came to throw fire on the earth" or "I came to set the earth on fire." Possible meanings are 1) Jesus has come to judge people or 2) Jesus has come to purify believers or 3) Jesus has come to cause division among people. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
how I wish that it were already kindled
This exclamation emphasizes how much he wants this to happen. Alternate translation: "I wish very much that it was already lit" or "how I wish that it had already begun" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclamations)
Luke 12:50
I have a baptism to be baptized with
Here "baptism" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: "I must go through a baptism of terrible suffering" or "I must be overwhelmed by suffering as a person being baptized is covered by water" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
But
The word "but" is used to show that he cannot cast the fire on the earth until after he goes through his baptism.
how I am distressed until it is completed
This exclamation emphasizes how distressed he was. Alternate translation: "I am terribly distressed and will be so until I complete this baptism of suffering" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclamations)
Luke 12:51
Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division
Jesus asks a question to let them know that he is going to correct their wrong understanding. You may need to supply the words "I came" that are omitted in the second sentence. Alternate translation: "You think that I came to bring peace on the earth, but I tell you I did not. Instead, I came to bring division" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
division
"hostility" or "discord"
Luke 12:52
there will be five in one house
It may be helpful to state that this refers to people. Alternate translation: "there will be five people in one house" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-ellipsis)
against ... against
"will oppose ... will oppose"
Luke 12:53
against
"will oppose"
Luke 12:54
General Information:
Jesus begins to speak to the crowd.
When you see a cloud rising ... happens
This condition normally meant rain was coming in Israel. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
A shower is coming
"Rain is coming" or "It is going to rain"
Luke 12:55
When a south wind is blowing
This condition normally meant hot weather was coming in Israel. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Luke 12:56
the earth and the heavens
"the earth and the sky"
how is it that you do not know how to interpret the present time?
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. Jesus uses this question to convict them. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you should know how to interpret the present time." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
Luke 12:57
Why do you not judge what is right for yourselves?
Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You yourselves should discern what is right." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
for yourselves
"on your own initiative"
Luke 12:58
For when you go ... prison
Jesus presents a situation here that continues through verse 59. This may be a parable to teach Jesus's hearers that they need to repent of their sins before God condemns them on the day of judgment. Alternate translation: "If when you go ... prison" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables)
when you go
Though Jesus is talking to a crowd, the situation he is presenting is something that a person would go through alone. So in some languages the word "you" would be singular. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)
settle the matter with him
"settle the matter with your adversary"
the judge
This refers to the magistrate, but the term here is more specific and threatening.
does not deliver you
"does not take you"
Luke 12:59
Connecting Statement:
This is the end of the situations that begins in verse 58.
the very last bit of money
"the entire amount of money that your adversary demands"