King James Version

What Does Luke 12:8 Mean?

Luke 12:8 in the King James Version says “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of G...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:”

Luke 12:8 · KJV

Context

6

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

9

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

10

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises: 'Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.' The verb 'confess' (Greek 'homologēsē,' ὁμολογήσῃ) means to acknowledge, declare openly, agree with. Public confession of Christ results in Christ's confession of us before God's angels—divine acknowledgment before heaven's court. This requires courage when confession brings persecution. Yet the promise motivates—Christ will acknowledge us before God if we acknowledge Him before humans. Conversely, denying Christ results in Christ denying us (v. 9)—terrifying warning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching came in context of persecution warnings (vv. 4-12). Disciples would face pressure to deny Christ to save their lives. Jesus promised that public confession—even resulting in martyrdom—guarantees Christ's confession of us before God. The phrase 'angels of God' suggests final judgment scene where Christ acknowledges His own. Early Christians faced this choice repeatedly—confess Christ and die, or deny Him and live. Martyrs chose confession, trusting this promise. Modern application extends beyond martyrdom—everyday opportunities to acknowledge or deny Christ through words and lifestyle. Consistent public identification with Christ demonstrates genuine faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Christ confessing us before angels indicate about final judgment and the eternal significance of our earthly confession?
  2. How does this promise motivate courage in confessing Christ publicly despite social or physical consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Λέγω1 of 25

“I say”

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

δὲ2 of 25

“Also”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 25

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

πᾶς4 of 25

“Whosoever”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὃς5 of 25
G3739

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

ἂν6 of 25
G302

whatsoever

ὁμολογήσει7 of 25

“confess”

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

ἐν8 of 25
G1722

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

ἐμοὶ9 of 25

“me”

G1698

to me

ἔμπροσθεν10 of 25

“before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τῶν11 of 25
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου12 of 25

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ13 of 25

“also”

G2532

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

ὁ14 of 25
G3588

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

υἱὸς15 of 25

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ16 of 25
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου17 of 25

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὁμολογήσει18 of 25

“confess”

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

ἐν19 of 25
G1722

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

αὐτῷ20 of 25

“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

ἔμπροσθεν21 of 25

“before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τῶν22 of 25
G3588

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

ἀγγέλων23 of 25

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ·25 of 25

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:32-331 John 2:23Romans 10:9-102 Timothy 2:12Luke 15:10Revelation 2:13

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