King James Version

What Does Luke 13:29 Mean?

Luke 13:29 in the King James Version says “And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 13:29 · KJV

Context

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.

29

And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

31

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus reveals salvation's universal scope: 'And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.' This imagery echoes Isaiah 49:12, 59:19 and Psalm 107:3, prophecies about God gathering His scattered people. The four directions represent universality—people from all nations will enter God's kingdom. The phrase 'sit down' means to recline at a banquet, indicating intimate fellowship and celebration. This inclusion of Gentiles alongside patriarchs fulfills God's promise to Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, 22:18). The Kingdom is not ethnically exclusive but spiritually inclusive—all who believe, regardless of ethnicity, are welcomed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching prepared disciples for the Gentile mission that would dominate Acts and the epistles. Jewish exclusivism was a major obstacle to gospel expansion, requiring divine intervention (Acts 10-11) and apostolic councils (Acts 15) to overcome. Paul's missions deliberately targeted Gentiles after Jewish rejection (Acts 13:46, 18:6, 28:28). His letters emphasize that in Christ, ethnic and social distinctions become irrelevant—there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (Galatians 3:28). Jesus' teaching here provides the theological foundation for this radical inclusivity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of multi-ethnic worship in God's kingdom challenge contemporary forms of ethnic or cultural exclusivism in churches?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's heart for all nations and the missionary obligation of the church?
  3. How should the vision of people from all nations sharing intimate fellowship motivate efforts toward racial reconciliation and cross-cultural ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἥξουσιν2 of 18

“they shall come”

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ3 of 18

“from”

G575

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

ἀνατολῶν4 of 18

“the east”

G395

a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)

καὶ5 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

δυσμῶν6 of 18

“from the west”

G1424

the sun-set, i.e., (by implication) the western region

καὶ7 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἀπὸ8 of 18

“from”

G575

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

βοῤῥᾶ9 of 18

“the north”

G1005

the north (properly, wind)

καὶ10 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

νότου11 of 18

“from the south”

G3558

the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself

καὶ12 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἀνακλιθήσονται13 of 18

“shall sit down”

G347

to lean back

ἐν14 of 18

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ15 of 18
G3588

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

βασιλείᾳ16 of 18

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ17 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ18 of 18

“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 13:29 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 13:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 43:6Isaiah 49:6Isaiah 66:18-20Isaiah 54:2-3Malachi 1:11Ephesians 3:6-8

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