King James Version

What Does Luke 13:4 Mean?

Luke 13:4 in the King James Version says “Or those eighteen , upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men tha... — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 13:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon , and found none.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus cites a second tragedy: '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?' The number 'eighteen' suggests Jesus refers to a specific, known incident. The 'tower in Siloam' was likely part of Jerusalem's fortifications or water system near the Pool of Siloam. This disaster was accidental (unlike Pilate's deliberate violence), yet people still interpreted it as divine judgment on particularly wicked individuals. Jesus again challenges this theology—the victims were not 'sinners above all men.' The term 'debtors' is interesting—sin creates debt to God that only Christ's payment can satisfy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Pool of Siloam, in Jerusalem's lower city, was crucial for water supply and had religious significance (John 9:7). Towers along Jerusalem's walls provided defense and surveillance. That such a structure collapsed, killing eighteen people, would have caused public discussion about divine judgment. In ancient thought, both Jews and pagans interpreted accidents and natural disasters as expressions of divine displeasure. Jesus' teaching was revolutionary—He denies that suffering always indicates personal guilt while affirming that all humanity deserves judgment and needs repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' use of two different tragedies (one human violence, one accident) demonstrate the universality of His message about sin and repentance?
  2. What does the image of sin as 'debt' teach about salvation and Christ's work?
  3. How should Christians interpret natural disasters and accidents in light of Jesus' teaching here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29

Or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐκεῖνοι2 of 29

those

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

οἱ3 of 29
G3588

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

δεκα4 of 29

eighteen

G1176

ten

καὶ5 of 29

and

G2532

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

οκτὼ,6 of 29
G3638

"eight"

ἐφ'7 of 29

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

οὓς8 of 29

whom

G3739

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

ἔπεσεν9 of 29

fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

10 of 29
G3588

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

πύργος11 of 29

the tower

G4444

a tower or castle

ἐν12 of 29

in

G1722

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

τῷ13 of 29
G3588

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

Σιλωὰμ14 of 29

Siloam

G4611

siloam (i.e., shiloach), a pool of jerusalem

καὶ15 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἀπέκτεινεν16 of 29

slew

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

αὐτούς17 of 29

them

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

δοκεῖτε18 of 29

think ye

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ὅτι19 of 29

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐτοὶ20 of 29

they

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ὀφειλέται21 of 29

sinners

G3781

an ower, i.e., person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against god)

ἐγένοντο22 of 29

were

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

παρὰ23 of 29

above

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

πάντας24 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπους25 of 29

men

G444

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

τοὺς26 of 29
G3588

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

κατοικοῦντας27 of 29

that dwelt

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐν28 of 29

in

G1722

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

Ἰερουσαλήμ29 of 29

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine


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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study