King James Version

What Does Luke 13:5 Mean?

Luke 13:5 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 13:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

7

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus repeats His warning with identical wording: 'Nay, I tell you: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.' The repetition emphasizes urgency and universality. Both tragedies lead to the same conclusion: all people face divine judgment unless they repent. The parallel structure creates a memorable pattern. Jesus refuses to speculate about why these specific people died these specific deaths; instead, He uses their deaths to warn the living. The emphatic 'all' leaves no exceptions—every person needs repentance. This teaching establishes the foundation for Jesus' later parables about the lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15)—God seeks repentant sinners because all are lost without Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish eschatology expected a day of judgment when God would vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. Jesus affirms this but radically redefines who is righteous—not those who avoid tragedy or maintain external piety, but those who repent and believe. The call to repentance echoes John the Baptist's preaching (Luke 3:3, 8) and anticipates apostolic proclamation (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30). Repentance is not peripheral to the gospel but central—without it, intellectual belief is insufficient. This passage provides essential context for understanding Jesus' mission: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance' (Luke 5:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus repeat this warning identically? What rhetorical and spiritual effect does repetition create?
  2. How does this passage shape Christian understanding of evangelism and the urgency of gospel proclamation?
  3. In what ways does Jesus' teaching here prepare His audience for the cross, where He bore the judgment all deserve?

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

ὁμοίως9 of 10

“likewise”

G3668

similarly

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:30Luke 13:3Isaiah 28:10-13

Test Your Knowledge

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