King James Version

What Does Luke 13:30 Mean?

Luke 13:30 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 13:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes with a reversal principle: 'And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.' This paradox appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Matthew 19:30, 20:16, Mark 10:31) and illustrates kingdom values inverting worldly values. The 'first' (privileged, powerful, prestigious by worldly or religious standards) will be 'last' if they trust their status rather than God's grace. The 'last' (marginalized, despised, powerless) will be 'first' if they humbly receive God's mercy. In context, many Jews who claimed privilege through Abrahamic descent will be excluded, while Gentiles who were excluded from covenant promises will be included. Merit-based religion always inverts grace-based salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle was scandalously countercultural in first-century Judaism, which emphasized hierarchies of holiness, ethnic privilege, and religious achievement. The Pharisees claimed superior standing through law observance; Jesus declared tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom before them (Matthew 21:31). The early church struggled to apply this principle, initially maintaining Jewish-Gentile distinctions until Paul insisted on equality (Galatians 2:11-21). The reversal principle continues to challenge every generation—God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the first/last reversal expose the danger of trusting religious privilege, theological knowledge, or moral achievement for salvation?
  2. In what ways might contemporary Christianity create false hierarchies that contradict gospel grace?
  3. How should the certainty that God judges hearts, not external status, shape Christian humility and compassion toward those society deems 'last'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 13

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

εἰσὶν3 of 13

“there are”

G1526

they are

ἔσχατοι4 of 13

“last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

οἳ5 of 13

“which”

G3739

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

ἔσονται6 of 13

“shall be”

G2071

will be

πρῶτοι7 of 13

“first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

καὶ8 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

εἰσὶν9 of 13

“there are”

G1526

they are

πρῶτοι10 of 13

“first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

οἳ11 of 13

“which”

G3739

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

ἔσονται12 of 13

“shall be”

G2071

will be

ἔσχατοι13 of 13

“last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

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 13:30 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 13:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:30Matthew 21:28-31Mark 10:31Matthew 20:16Matthew 3:9-10Matthew 8:11-12

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