King James Version

What Does Luke 12:51 Mean?

Luke 12:51 in the King James Version says “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:”

Luke 12:51 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

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.

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division (Δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ' ἢ διαμερισμόν)—Jesus corrects messianic expectations. The question format (dokeite, suppose ye?) challenges the assumption that he brings eirēnē (peace). Instead: diamerismos (division, separation). This startles hearers expecting the peaceful messianic kingdom prophesied in Isaiah.

Jesus brings ultimate peace with God but immediate conflict among people. The gospel divides humanity—those receiving Christ versus those rejecting him. This isn't Jesus's desire but the inevitable result of light confronting darkness, truth opposing falsehood. Neutrality about Christ is impossible; he forces decision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectation emphasized Messiah bringing peace, defeating enemies, establishing righteous kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:5). Jesus reframes this: before eschatological peace comes present conflict. The 'sword' of the gospel (Matthew 10:34) divides even families as individuals choose for or against Christ. First-century disciples faced this reality—conversion often meant family rejection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's 'division-bringing' mission challenge therapeutic Christianity avoiding conflict?
  2. What relationships have experienced 'division' because of your allegiance to Christ?
  3. How do you balance Jesus's call to be peacemakers with his warning that following him brings division?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
δοκεῖτε1 of 14

“Suppose ye”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ὅτι2 of 14

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἰρήνην3 of 14

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

παρεγενόμην4 of 14

“I am come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

δοῦναι5 of 14

“to give”

G1325

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

ἐν6 of 14

“on”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ7 of 14
G3588

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

γῇ8 of 14

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

οὐχί9 of 14

“Nay”

G3780

not indeed

λέγω10 of 14

“I tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν11 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀλλ'12 of 14

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἢ13 of 14

“rather”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

διαμερισμόν14 of 14

“division”

G1267

disunion (of opinion and conduct)

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 12:51 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 12:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:34-36Luke 12:49Matthew 24:7-10Zechariah 11:10-11Zechariah 11:14Zechariah 11:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

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