King James Version

What Does Luke 12:57 Mean?

Luke 12:57 in the King James Version says “Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Luke 12:57 · KJV


Context

55

And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

56

Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

58

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

59

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Τί δὲ καὶ ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν οὐ κρίνετε τὸ δίκαιον;)—Jesus appeals to innate moral capacity. The phrase aph heautōn (of yourselves, from within yourselves) indicates internal moral knowledge independent of external authority. To dikaion (what is right, the just thing) should be self-evident. Why don't they krinō (judge, discern) it?

This assumes humans possess God-given moral intuition—Paul's 'law written in their hearts' (Romans 2:15). Jesus implies his claims are self-evidently righteous; rejecting him requires suppressing internal witness. Their problem isn't lack of evidence but suppression of truth known innately. This echoes Romans 1:18-20: rejecting truth despite internal and external witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish thought recognized both revealed law (Torah) and natural law accessible to Gentiles. Prophets appealed to innate moral sense when condemning injustice (Amos, Micah). Jesus's question suggests recognizing his messianic identity and righteous teaching shouldn't require additional signs—it should be self-evident to honest hearts seeking truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What moral truths do you suppress despite innate awareness of their validity?
  2. How does self-interest or fear override your internal moral compass?
  3. In what areas have you stopped trusting your God-given ability to discern right from wrong?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Τί1 of 9

and why

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δὲ2 of 9

Yea

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 9

even

G2532

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

ἀφ'4 of 9

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτῶν5 of 9

yourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οὐ6 of 9

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κρίνετε7 of 9

judge ye

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τὸ8 of 9
G3588

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

δίκαιον9 of 9

what is right

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)


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 12:57 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 12:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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