King James Version

What Does Luke 13:26 Mean?

Luke 13:26 in the King James Version says “Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.”

Luke 13:26 · KJV

Context

24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rejected continue their plea: 'Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.' This verse exposes the insufficiency of external religious association. The people claim physical proximity to Jesus—sharing meals and hearing His teaching. Yet proximity without transformation, hearing without heeding, association without commitment brings no salvation. Many first-century Jews saw Jesus, heard His teaching, even benefited from His miracles, yet never truly believed. The same is true today—attending church, hearing sermons, participating in religious activities provides no guarantee of salvation apart from genuine faith and repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This warning had immediate relevance to Jesus' contemporaries who witnessed His ministry firsthand. Within decades, many who heard Jesus preach would face judgment at Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70). The principle extends to all who have access to gospel truth—greater privilege brings greater responsibility (Luke 12:48). Those raised in Christian homes, attending faithful churches, hearing sound doctrine face stricter judgment if they reject Christ despite these advantages. Familiarity with Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge the assumption that religious activity or Christian background guarantees salvation?
  2. What is the difference between hearing Jesus' teaching and truly receiving it with faith?
  3. How should churches guard against creating cultures where people assume salvation based on religious participation rather than genuine conversion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τότε1 of 14

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἄρξεσθε2 of 14

“shall ye begin”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγειν3 of 14

“to 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

Ἐφάγομεν4 of 14

“We have eaten”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἐνώπιόν5 of 14

“presence”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

σου6 of 14

“in thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπίομεν8 of 14

“drunk”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν10 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

ταῖς11 of 14
G3588

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

πλατείαις12 of 14

“streets”

G4113

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

ἡμῶν13 of 14

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐδίδαξας·14 of 14

“thou hast taught”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:16Isaiah 58:22 Timothy 3:5

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