King James Version

What Does Luke 12:48 Mean?

Luke 12:48 in the King James Version says “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever muc... — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 12:48 · KJV


Context

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. cut: or, cut him off

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.

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.

49

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! straitened: or, pained


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus teaches: '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.' This principle of proportional accountability applies universally. Greater privilege demands greater responsibility; more knowledge requires greater obedience. The Greek 'panti hō edothē poly' (παντὶ ᾧ ἐδόθη πολύ) emphasizes the giving—gifts are given, not earned, creating obligation. The phrase 'shall be required' (Greek 'zētēthēsetai,' ζητηθήσεται, will be sought) indicates accountability—God will evaluate stewardship of what He entrusted. Those receiving more (revelation, opportunity, gifts) face stricter judgment for unfaithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This concludes Jesus' parable about faithful and unfaithful servants (vv. 42-48). Peter asked if the teaching applied only to apostles or to all (v. 41). Jesus' response established universal principles—all are stewards of what God gives, but leaders face greater accountability (James 3:1). First-century believers received varied amounts of spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunity. This teaching warned against presuming privilege without corresponding responsibility. Church history shows God judges Christian leaders and nations with greater knowledge more strictly than pagans ignorant of truth (Amos 3:2). Modern Christians in nations with abundant biblical access face greater accountability than those with limited access.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle 'to whom much is given, much required' apply to spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunities?
  2. What does this teaching reveal about the relationship between privilege and accountability in God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
1 of 26
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ3 of 26

not

G3361

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

γνούς4 of 26

he that knew

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ποιήσας5 of 26

did commit

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

δὲ6 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄξια7 of 26

things worthy

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

πληγῶν8 of 26

of stripes

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

δαρήσεται9 of 26

shall be beaten

G1194

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

ὀλίγας10 of 26

with few

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

παντὶ11 of 26
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ12 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

13 of 26

to whom men

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐδόθη14 of 26

is given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πολύ15 of 26

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

πολύ16 of 26

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ζητηθήσεται17 of 26

required

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

παρ'18 of 26

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτόν19 of 26

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

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

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

21 of 26

to whom men

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρέθεντο22 of 26

have committed

G3908

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

πολύ23 of 26

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

περισσότερον24 of 26
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

αἰτήσουσιν25 of 26

they will ask

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

αὐτόν26 of 26

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


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 12:48 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 12:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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