King James Version

What Does Luke 12:13 Mean?

Luke 12:13 in the King James Version says “And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.”

Luke 12:13 · KJV

Context

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:

12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

13

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

14

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

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.

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me—This verse introduces an abrupt interruption, shifting from Jesus' teaching on persecution to a request for arbitration in a family dispute. The petitioner addresses Jesus as didaskale (διδάσκαλε, Master/Teacher), recognizing His authority, but his request reveals misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. He asks Jesus to speak to my brother (εἰπὲ τῷ ἀδελφῷ μου) to divide the inheritance (μερίσασθαι τὴν κληρονομίαν)—a legal matter regarding estate division.

Rabbinic teachers commonly arbitrated such disputes, applying Mosaic inheritance laws (Numbers 27:8-11, Deuteronomy 21:15-17). The petitioner likely felt wronged, perhaps as a younger son receiving less than the firstborn's double portion. His timing is remarkable—interrupting Jesus' discourse on persecution and the Holy Spirit to demand earthly justice. The request exposes how easily people miss Jesus' true purpose, treating Him as a means to material ends rather than the Savior from sin. This man wanted Jesus to solve his financial problem, not his spiritual problem.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Inheritance disputes were common in first-century Palestine, where land was the primary form of wealth and its division among heirs crucial for family survival. Mosaic law provided clear guidelines: the firstborn son received a double portion (Deuteronomy 21:17), with remaining property divided among other sons (daughters inherited only if no sons existed). Disputes arose when families disagreed on property valuation, boundaries, or special circumstances. Rabbis regularly served as mediators, applying legal principles to specific cases. The petitioner's expectation that Jesus would intervene suggests Jesus' growing reputation as a teacher of Moses' law. His refusal would have been surprising and perhaps offensive to those viewing Him merely as another rabbi. This incident parallels Moses' experience arbitrating disputes (Exodus 18:13-27), though Jesus' response differs radically from Moses' willingness to judge.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this man's interruption of Jesus' teaching about persecution with a question about inheritance reveal about misplaced priorities?
  2. How do contemporary Christians sometimes treat Jesus as a means to material ends rather than worshiping Him as Lord?
  3. What is the difference between bringing legitimate needs to God and demanding He serve our material agenda?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰπὲ1 of 17

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δέ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 17

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτῷ4 of 17

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκ5 of 17

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ6 of 17
G3588

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

ὄχλου7 of 17

“the company”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Διδάσκαλε8 of 17

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

εἰπὲ9 of 17

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ10 of 17
G3588

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

ἀδελφῷ11 of 17

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου12 of 17

“to my”

G3450

of me

μερίσασθαι13 of 17

“that he divide”

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

μετ'14 of 17

“with”

G3326

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

ἐμοῦ15 of 17

“me”

G1700

of me

τὴν16 of 17
G3588

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

κληρονομίαν17 of 17

“the inheritance”

G2817

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 6:451 Timothy 6:5Ezekiel 33:31Acts 8:18-19Psalms 17:14

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