King James Version

What Does Luke 13:3 Mean?

Luke 13:3 in the King James Version says “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Luke 13:3 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

4

Or those eighteen , upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? sinners: or, debtors

5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus issues a stark warning: 'Nay, I tell you: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish' (οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ' ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε, πάντες ὁμοίως ἀπολεῖσθε). The emphatic 'Nay' (οὐχί, ouchi) rejects their thinking. 'Except ye repent' (ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε, ean mē metanoēte) uses the aorist subjunctive, indicating a decisive act of repentance, not gradual moral improvement. 'Metanoeō' (μετανοέω) means to change one's mind fundamentally, turn from sin to God. 'Ye shall all likewise perish' (πάντες ὁμοίως ἀπολεῖσθε, pantes homoiōs apoleisthe) warns that without repentance, all face the same destruction—not necessarily violent death but eternal judgment. The word 'perish' (ἀπολεῖσθε, apoleisthe, future middle of apollymi) indicates utter destruction, ruin, loss. Jesus pivots from tragedy to gospel urgency—repent or face judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching occurred during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:27), likely in the final year of His ministry. The urgency of His call to repentance intensified as crucifixion approached. Within one generation, Jesus' warning would find literal fulfillment when Rome destroyed Jerusalem (AD 70), killing thousands and ending the temple system. Yet the primary reference is to eternal judgment—physical death is temporary, but spiritual death is eternal separation from God. Jesus consistently taught that judgment awaits those who reject Him (Luke 13:28, Matthew 25:46).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' warning challenge modern tendencies to downplay God's judgment and the urgency of repentance?
  2. What does 'perish' mean in this context—physical death, spiritual death, or both?
  3. How should the certainty of judgment apart from repentance shape Christian preaching and personal witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
οὐχί1 of 10

“Nay”

G3780

not indeed

λέγω2 of 10

“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

ὑμῖν3 of 10

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀλλ'4 of 10

“but”

G235

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

ἐὰν5 of 10
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ6 of 10
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μετανοῆτε7 of 10

“ye repent”

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

πάντες8 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὡσαύτως9 of 10

“likewise”

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

ἀπολεῖσθε10 of 10

“perish”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 3:19Matthew 3:2Acts 2:38-40Revelation 2:21-22Luke 13:5Luke 21:22-24

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