King James Version

What Does Luke 11:23 Mean?

Luke 11:23 in the King James Version says “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.”

Luke 11:23 · KJV

Context

21

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:

22

But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

24

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

25

And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Jesus eliminates neutral ground in the cosmic conflict between God's kingdom and Satan's. The phrase "not with me" (μὴ ὢν μετ' ἐμοῦ, mē ōn met' emou) and "against me" (κατ' ἐμοῦ, kat' emou) create a binary—no middle position exists. Similarly, "gathereth not with me" (μὴ συνάγων μετ' ἐμοῦ, mē synagōn met' emou) versus "scattereth" (σκορπίζει, skorpizei) uses harvest imagery: those not actively gathering God's harvest are, by default, scattering and destroying it.

This statement directly confronts the Pharisees' Beelzebub accusation: their neutrality or opposition to Jesus places them on Satan's side, regardless of religious credentials. The verse also has broader application to Christian discipleship—passive Christianity that doesn't actively advance God's kingdom through evangelism and discipleship effectively opposes it. There is no spiritual Switzerland. Every person either gathers with Christ (bringing people to Him) or scatters (hindering the gospel). The urgency of this reality demands wholehearted commitment, not lukewarm religion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The harvest metaphor was common in Jewish teaching, representing the gathering of Israel or the final judgment (Joel 3:13, Matthew 13:30). Jesus appropriates this imagery for present kingdom work—gathering souls into God's kingdom is the great harvest, and those who don't participate actively hinder it. This binary language countered Jewish assumptions that ethnic descent or Torah observance guaranteed right standing with God regardless of response to Jesus. The Pharisees imagined they served God while opposing His Messiah—Jesus declares this is impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' elimination of neutrality challenge contemporary notions of 'live and let live' spirituality?
  2. In what ways might professing Christians be 'scattering' rather than 'gathering' through passive or nominal faith?
  3. What does this verse teach about the cosmic stakes involved in our daily choices to advance or hinder the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ2 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὢν3 of 15

“He that is”

G5607

being

μετ'4 of 15

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ5 of 15

“me”

G1700

of me

κατ'6 of 15

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐμοῦ7 of 15

“me”

G1700

of me

ἐστιν8 of 15

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ9 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ10 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ11 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

συνάγων12 of 15

“he that gathereth”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

μετ'13 of 15

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ14 of 15

“me”

G1700

of me

σκορπίζει15 of 15

“scattereth”

G4650

to dissipate, i.e., (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:30Revelation 3:15-16Luke 9:50Mark 9:40

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